Wild Duck Lake National Wetland Park in suburban Beijing's Yanqing district is an essential stopover for migrating birds on the East Asia-Australasian Flyway. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Ecotourism and wetland protection aren't mutually exclusive," Liu says.

"Moderate tourism development can prove beneficial."

Transport is by foot, rented bike (tandems are available) or electric karts.

Roads for hiking and biking are lined with golden gingko trees in the fall.

A three-story tower with telescopes offers panoramic views scattered with birds. Visitors can buy food from nearby shops to feed the nearly 20,000 birds that occupy the park－a number that has increased because of human efforts.

That is, because of people like Fang.

If you go

The park is about 1.5 hours' drive from downtown. Tickets cost 50 yuan ($7.7).

Visitors should wear earth tones, and refrain from making loud noises and flash photography.

The park's restaurant offers fresh fish prepared in various ways. A souvenir shop sells nature paintings made with wild reads that are cut, pasted, carved, ironed and mounted.