Thousands of grey cranes, a species under second-class state protection in China, have recently arrived at the Tiesigai wetland in Doulan County, northwest Qinghai Province.
The site is a critical stopover on their northward migration, providing food and rest along the journey.
Each March, the wetland serves as an "energy station" for the birds, providing food and rest during their month-long migration season. This year, more than 10,000 cranes have been recorded at the site.
At the wetland, the birds are often seen feeding or performing courtship dances. Once paired, they typically remain lifelong partners. Observers captured scenes of cranes singing, dancing, and displaying classic mating rituals, highlighting the species' distinctive elegance.
Nearby, grazing horses, sheep and other livestock mingled peacefully with the flocks, illustrating a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and pastoral life.
The grey crane stands up to 125 centimeters tall with a wingspan reaching two meters and is known for the long leg, neck and beak.
Officials say the cranes' return highlights the importance of wetland protection in sustaining biodiversity and ensuring that migratory species continue to thrive.
Thousands of grey cranes flock to Qinghai wetland on migration north
Thousands of grey cranes flock to Qinghai wetland on migration north
China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao outlined the key priorities of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, which opened on Friday in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province.
In an interview with CGTN ahead of the two-day meeting, Wang said free trade, digital cooperation and green economy are high on the agenda of the meeting.
"The key areas include advancing regional economic integration and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, supporting the World Trade Organization (WTO) in strengthening digital cooperation and developing green economy. At present, the international situation is marked by intertwined turbulence and chaos, with intensified geopolitical instability. The rise of unilateralism and protectionism poses serious challenges to the international economic and trade order, disrupting global and Asia-Pacific development. Against this backdrop, all parties have higher expectations for this trade ministers' meeting, hoping that it can build consensus and deliver outcomes," Wang said.
This year marks China's third time hosting the APEC meetings and the 35th anniversary of its membership.
By 2025, China had become the largest trading partner of 13 APEC economies. Trade between China and APEC economies reached 3.7 trillion U.S. dollars, accounting for 57.8 percent of China's total foreign trade.
China has signed 24 free trade agreements or economic and trade arrangements with 31 countries and regions, including 15 APEC economies. In recent years, China has also completed upgrades of free trade agreements with APEC economies such as Singapore and Peru.
The minister said that China has always been a firm supporter and an important contributor to APEC.
"We have actively shared our vast market and development opportunities with all parties. China's door to the world will only open wider and wider. Facing the common challenges, China will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a major country, further deepen reform, expand high-standard opening-up, and continue to provide new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region and the world with its new achievements in Chinese modernization," the minister said.
China's Commerce Minister outlines priorities for 32nd APEC trade ministers' meeting
