Core Insights - The article highlights the increasing number of migratory birds in Nanjing, particularly in the wetlands of the region, emphasizing the ecological importance of these areas for bird conservation and tourism [1][2][3][4][5][6] Group 1: Bird Migration and Population Growth - The number of swans wintering at Shijiu Lake has increased from 1,000-2,000 ten years ago to over 30,000 by 2020, although recent years have seen a stabilization at around 5,000 due to low water levels [2] - This year, favorable water levels and ecological conditions have led to a resurgence, with the number of swans exceeding last year's peak, reaching the highest level in three years [2] Group 2: Ecological Restoration and Bird Habitats - The ecological restoration efforts at Chisong Lake Wetland Park have resulted in a vegetation coverage rate of over 90%, making it an ideal habitat for migratory birds [3] - The area of 8,000 acres in Gaochun Water Slow City has become a prime habitat for over a hundred rare bird species, attracting large flocks of birds [2] Group 3: Tourism and Visitor Engagement - The peak season for birdwatching in the region attracts over 10,000 visitors during weekends, with a 10% increase in visitor numbers compared to normal days [4] - The trend of birdwatching has become a popular activity among citizens and tourists, contributing to the local tourism economy [4] Group 4: Conservation Efforts and Sustainable Practices - The establishment of the "Swan Guardian Team" by local authorities aims to monitor and protect migratory birds, ensuring their safety from human disturbances [5] - Measures such as the installation of digital surveillance and the creation of designated photography spaces are being implemented to balance visitor engagement with bird conservation [6]

Core Insights - The birdwatching community in China is rapidly growing, with approximately 340,000 enthusiasts reported by the "China Birdwatching Annual Report 2023" by the end of 2023, indicating a shift from a niche hobby to a mainstream leisure activity [1][5] - The birdwatching economy is evolving from a singular focus on observation to a diversified consumption landscape, driving the development of new cultural and tourism industries [7][12] Group 1: Growth of Birdwatching - Birdwatching has transitioned from a specialized interest to a popular leisure activity, with significant increases in participation and engagement across various demographics, particularly among younger individuals [5][6] - The number of birdwatching enthusiasts is expected to continue rising, with platforms like the China Birdwatching Record Center reporting over 50,000 users and nearly 3.6 million new bird-related records in 2023 [5] - Social media platforms have seen massive engagement with birdwatching content, with Douyin (TikTok) recording over 700 million views and Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) surpassing 1 billion reads on related posts [5] Group 2: Economic Impact - The birdwatching economy is generating significant tourism revenue, with locations like Zhalong Wetland receiving 580,000 visitors in the first seven months of the year, highlighting the economic potential of birdwatching tourism [1][11] - In Fujian Province, the birdwatching industry has created over 1,100 jobs, contributing approximately 68.2 million yuan in tourism revenue in the first half of the year [11] - The "birdwatching+" model is emerging, integrating various sectors such as cultural tourism, wellness, and education, thus enhancing local economies [7][12] Group 3: Future Development - Experts emphasize the importance of balancing ecological protection with economic development in the birdwatching sector, advocating for sustainable practices that enhance both conservation and tourism [13][16] - There is a call for the establishment of training programs for birdwatching guides and conservationists to ensure responsible tourism practices and promote awareness of ecological preservation [14][16] - Future initiatives may include the development of themed tourism routes and events that leverage local culture and biodiversity to attract more visitors [16]