Hangzhou, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, reunites with winter migratory birds from September to December every year.

Cormorants, mandarin ducks, larus vegaes, and mergus mergansers migrate south to Hangzhou for the winter before returning north in the spring for breeding.

Among the seasonal visitors are the lovely white egrets, who have found a permanent home in the city and become year-round residents. This can be attributed to the improved ecology of the Qiantang Bay wetlands, a sprawling 101-square-kilometer bird sanctuary at the Qiantang River Estuary which serves as a crucial pitstop for rare birds during their East Asia-Australasia journey.

Qingshan Lake National Forest Park, often hailed as a paradise for migratory birds, is currently hosting its first flocks of sky elves this winter, including first time guests like porzana pusillas. Some, who will seek a brief respite before venturing further south. Others will settle down and spend the extended winter in Lin'an, returning north when spring arrives.

The continuous improvement of the ecological environment in Hangzhou has heightened public awareness of wildlife protection, resulting in an increase in the amount of bird resources. It's to see locals escorting mandarin ducks across the road or bridges being constructed for birds in West Lake. Hangzhou’s commitment to preserving nature and its beautiful inhabitants is true reflection of its unwavering hospitality.