Nearly 100 yellow-breasted buntings, a nationally protected rare species in China, were recently spotted foraging in a wetland in Chengmai County, south China's tropical island province of Hainan.
Feeding among reeds and nearby shrubs, the birds moved in flocks, pecking at seeds and perching in the morning sun. Their return in such numbers highlights improving wetland habitats due to China's ongoing efforts in biodiversity conservation.
The yellow-breasted bunting gets its name from the bright yellow feathers on its chest. Its diet changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, it mainly feeds on insects and their larvae, while in autumn and winter it feeds on plant-based foods such as grass seeds.
Since 2017, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has upgraded the Yellow-breasted Bunting's status from "endangered" to "critically endangered." In 2021, China put the bird on the list of Class I national protection.
Nearly 100 rare yellow-breasted buntings spotted foraging in south China's Hainan
The promotional video for China Media Group (CMG)'s 2026 Spring Festival Gala was displayed on Friday on screens in major business districts in Kenya, sending the first New Year's wishes to the locals and Chinese people living in the East African country.
This year's Spring Festival, or the traditional Chinese New Year, which falls on February 17, marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse in Chinese culture. It is one of the most important holidays in China, celebrated with family reunions and wishes for good luck in the upcoming year.
The promotional video features a golden horse bringing good fortune. The festive decorations, joyous songs and dances, and sounds of firecrackers drew the attention of passersby in the country.
After watching the video, locals expressed their anticipation for the Spring Festival Gala and their best wishes for the New Year.
“It brings a lot of hope and prosperity and new beginnings also, because it comes with new opportunities. So for myself, I expect it to become a growth here, to be able to achieve more, to be able to do more also and learn more from my family, my friends, also friends of different cultures as well, as Chinese, as right now I have a Chinese frien,” said Sean, a local resident.
“I've just watched the video and from the first scene to the last scene, it's pretty much interesting. It's giving me the fun vibe, the dances and the songs, and it has left me wondering for more, like I need to know more about the gala. Being the Year of the Horse means even more success and strength for myself. I wish myself more success, to achieve the dreams that I have for this year, but for myself and for my family. And between Kenya and China I wish for more business, in tourism, culture and communication,” said Brian, another resident.
For Chinese people living away from home, the Spring Festival Gala is one of the most distinctive cultural symbols of the Spring Festival, as well as an emotional carrier connecting them with their hometown and memories.
“Wishing my family good health and everyone a happy Chinese New Year, all the best, and wish you the courage to gallop at the head in the Year of the Horse,” said Huang He, a Chinese resident living in Kenya.
Known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, the Spring Festival gala has been broadcast live annually since 1983 and is regarded as a major cultural symbol for the Chinese New Year celebrations in China.
Spring Festival Gala promo delivers new year wishes to people in Kenya
