At the Naoli River National Nature Reserve in Raohe County, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, wetlands are teeming with life as clear waters, lush reeds and flocks of birds create a thriving ecosystem.
"The water here is so clear. It's so cool here. This is the perfect place to escape the summer heat," said a tourist named Li Hong.
In recent years, local authorities have restored wetlands by dismantling unauthorized dams, dredging rivers and returning farmland to wetlands. They also strengthened patrols to crack down on illegal hunting.
Thanks to these efforts, biodiversity at the Naoli River National Nature Reserve has significantly improved. The area now hosts more than 250 bird species, making it an important stopover site for migratory birds traveling across the region.
Heilongjiang's nature reserve hosts over 250 bird species with clear water, lush reeds
The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.
Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.
The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.
"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.
The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.
Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.
"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.
Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near
