A "bird wave" at the Yellow River Estuary in Dongying, Shandong, has recently gone viral. There has been a 30 percent year-on-year increase in the migration of birds, with over 400,000 birds stopping here for rest, attracting a surge of visitors and photographers. Birdwatching is boosting the province's economy this winter.

In Weihai Rongcheng, homestays in Yandunjiao village are fully booked due to the influx of tourists eager to see swans. In Qingdao, "seagull season" runs from November to March the following year, featuring over 10 activities centered around seagulls. Additionally, Shandong has launched a province-wide initiative with six themed cultural and tourism products, including birdwatching and snow appreciation, supported by multiple events.

Yandunjiao village in Rongcheng is an ideal destination for watching swans in Shandong. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Behind this trend is ecological protection and economic growth. The bird species in the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve have increased from 187 in 1992 to 376 so far, and over the past three years, Dongying has implemented 530 million cubic meters of ecological water replenishment, restoring native vegetation and creating ideal habitats for rare birds.

In November, six major birdwatching sites in Dongying received over 240,000 visitors, with hotel occupancy rates increasing by more than 10 percent. This has significantly boosted local consumption in dining and shopping. The cultural and creative industry has also flourished, with over 200 products featuring wetland and bird elements, driving sales from 1 million yuan ($142,708) to 76 million yuan.

From protecting seagulls to creating "bird wave" spectacles, Shandong is forging a path where ecological conservation transforms into economic benefits, turning green waters and mountains into "gold mines".