Golden eagles and white-tailed eagles have been spotted with unusual frequency around Beijing's outskirts last winter and this spring, drawing crowds of photographers eager to capture rare images of the large raptors.
In Fangshan district, dozens of enthusiasts gathered by the roadside to photograph the golden eagles.
"Species such as the golden eagle and white-tailed sea eagle were traditionally believed to inhabit only the remote, deep forests of Greater Khingan Mountains and the Lesser Khingan Mountains in northeast China. Seeing them in Beijing is truly unexpected," said Yang Gensuo, a photographer from Heilongjiang Province, northeast China.
At the Xiyu Reservoir in Pinggu district, more than a dozen white-tailed eagles became the focus of nearly 100 cameras.
"They were hovering in the sky, extending their talons and playfully sparring. Capturing this entire scene sparked cheers and excitement among many of our shutterbugs," said Duan Zheng, a photographer.
Local bird watchers said that white-tailed eagles now arrive at the reservoir each December and stay until mid-March. This season, 18 have been recorded wintering here.
The growing number of sightings of birds of prey in Beijing's outskirts should be attributed to improved ecological conditions and reduced human disturbance in recent years, according to bird experts.
Birds of prey return to Beijing as ecology improves, thrilling birders
Hong Kong's first astronaut lifted off into space on Sunday, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for space exploration in the special administrative region, while inspiring a new generation to look to the stars.
The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 23:08 (Beijing Time) on Sunday. The crew members include Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut and payload specialist from Hong Kong to join a national space mission, whose achievements have motivated many Hong Kong residents.
"I feel so happy and thrilled. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut has gone to space, and to see a true Hong Konger, who is also a mother of three, just really touches my heart," said Chow, a local resident.
The successful spaceflight of Lai has especially captivated the younger generation to dream bigger about the future.
"I want to be an astronaut, because I want to discover more things about space," said a young student surnamed Chow.
"I have seen things related to spaceflights of astronauts. I hope when I grow up, I could receive training and go to space myself," said another student surnamed Koo.
To meet public expectations, the Hong Kong Space Museum has updated its space-themed exhibition with the latest development of the Shenzhou-23 mission, extending the display until July 6. Parents are seizing the moment to enrich their children's knowledge.
"At his age, I want him to be exposed to a wide range of information. With all the recent astronaut news, I brought him here specially to see for himself. We will also check out a film about space knowledge at the planetarium. I hope he can get more out of this from an early age," said Cheung, a father.
"We just watched the Shenzhou-23 launch at home with my son last night, and decided to take him to the Space Museum," a mother surnamed Chun shared.
"I saw on TV that so many people were cheering for the launch. When the rocket was launched, fire burst out from its body. I was really happy they succeeded," said Chun's son.
Hong Kong's first astronaut ignites citywide enthusiasm over space exploration
