Siberian cranes forage in the water. [Photo/Jilin Release]

This autumn, over 250,000 migratory birds have arrived at the Momoge and Xianghai national nature reserves in Northeast China's Jilin province.

As key migration route "rest stops" for cranes, geese, and swans, these wetlands have once again proven to be thriving biodiversity sanctuaries.

At Momoge Wetland, a core habitat for the critically endangered Siberian crane, more than 15,000 waterbirds have been recorded, including 1,900 Siberian cranes, 3,500 common cranes, and 500 oriental storks.

The reserve now supports over 50 percent of the global Siberian crane population, with their numbers showing a remarkable increase this season. The wetlands' flourishing vegetation and abundant aquatic life offer both food and safety for these delicate travelers.

Flocks of migratory birds make their stopover in Jilin. [Photo/Jilin Release]

More than 3,000 Siberian cranes, 600 white-naped cranes, and countless wild geese have made their stopover at Xianghai, another internationally significant wetland in Jilin.

Decades of ecological restoration, such as banning grazing, restoring marshes, and improving water systems, have rejuvenated over 40,000 hectares of wetland habitat. Home to 595 plant species and 300 vertebrates, including 77 protected wildlife species, the wetland stands as a testament to Jilin's deep commitment to conservation.