[Video provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

As the spring breeze brushes across the black soil of Northeast China's Jilin province, life awakens along the Erlongtao River in Zhenlai county. The graceful arrival of two rare Siberian cranes, joined by over 200 grey cranes, bean geese, and other migratory birds on March 12, marked the start of their seasonal stopover.

The birds preened, fed, and filled the air with joyful calls across the shimmering patches of melting ice. At the same time, endangered Oriental storks soared above, heralding the grand return of the world's largest Siberian crane population.

Zhenlai county is globally renowned as a sanctuary for these majestic birds. Over 4,000 Siberian cranes, 1,800 white-naped cranes, and 5,000 grey cranes pause here during their migrations each year. It's also a record-setting haven for oriental storks, with peak counts exceeding 2,000 birds.

At the heart of this avian paradise lies a commitment to ecological preservation. Positioned along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, Zhenlai has embraced wetland restoration and sustainable agriculture, reclaiming over 46,866 hectares of wetlands.

The county has become a premier destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Elevated boardwalks weave through dense reed beds, offering panoramic views from eco-friendly observation decks.