Large numbers of migratory birds have arrived in Shaanxi in northwest China recently, with the province's key wetlands along the central flyway turning into busy stopover sites.
At Yulin's Hekou Wetland, swans and wild ducks are gathering in growing numbers.
"With the improvement of Yulin's natural environment, the number of migratory birds passing through the city has been increasing year by year. This year, the total has reached around 150,000. These birds mainly include relict gulls, common cranes, demoiselle cranes and white swans, covering roughly more than 60 species. Most of them have now completed their migration and passed here safely," said Yang Jiyan, vice president of the Yulin Wetland and Bird Conservation Association.
Further south along the Yellow River, swans and grey cranes are making a stopover in Dali and Hancheng.
"During their stay here, the reeds, cattails and other plants growing at the river wetland provide food for them, while insects and soft-bodied animals in the shallows meet their other dietary needs," said Pang Yanhua, director of the Hancheng Wetland Conservation and Management Center.
Shaanxi sits on a key route of the East Asian-Australasian migratory flyway and is home to 561 wild bird species. The province has established 16 wetland nature reserves and 43 national wetland parks. Its Yellow River Wetland and Qianhu Wetland host more than 400,000 wintering birds annually.
A network of 309 monitoring stations across the province helps track wildlife health and ensure the safety of habitats for the large influx of migratory species.
Migratory birds flock to wetlands in northwest China's Shaanxi
Most residents in Hong Kong have welcomed the newly implemented smoking control measures, including a ban on electronic cigarettes and alternative smoking products in public areas, saying it will help protect public health, particularly among young people.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has imposed a strict ban on the public possession and use of alternative smoking products, which took effect on April 30.
Visitors and residents alike will be fined up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars and face a maximum six months in jail for carrying or using alternative smoking products in public in the city, according to the HKSAR government.
The alternative smoking products include electronic cigarettes, e-liquid and herbal cigarettes, said the HKSAR government.
"From the perspective of everyone's health, it's a very positive thing. I think it's beneficial for all of us in the long term,” said Jasmine Chen, a Hong Kong resident.
Hong Kong's current smoking rate stands at 8.5 percent and the government aims to reduce it further.
While some residents support the policy, others call for balance.
"We have to strike a balance. There is a policy which is understandable, but at the same time, you strike the balance against people's freedom of choice," said Gary Chung, another Hong Kong resident.
Local authorities and medical professionals said the main goal is to protect young people from picking up smoking habits.
"Hong Kong is trying to give a clear message that vaping is harmful to health and for everyone, in particular, the new generations. We hope that they won't start it. So, we want to tell them that nicotine by itself is highly addictive and also toxic to the young brain," said Lam Wing-wo, a family doctor in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong bans vaping, alternative smoking products in public areas
