According to Xu Hua, a birdwatcher, more rare birds have emerged in the wetlands of Rudong, a county-level city in Nantong, in recent years.

For example, the endangered black-faced spoonbill were spotted in Rudong from 2017 to 2022.

The appearance of more rare birds is an indication that Rudong's ecological environment has been improving.

The city has in recent years been making efforts to prevent and control pollution in the water, air, and soil. It has also formed a collaboration and incentive mechanism in water pollution control.

In addition, the county has completed soil pollution investigation at 535 farmland sites and 288 key enterprises.

In the past five years, Rudong issued 1,352 eco-environmental penalties, with fines totaling 120 million yuan ($16.94 million).

Apart from prevention and control of pollution, the county has also strived to develop environment-friendly industries.

Wind turbines are seen on the coastline of Rudong, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]

For instance, wind turbines have been established on its 106-kilometer coastline.

In 2021, the added offshore wind power installed capacity in Rudong reached 3 million kilowatts, accounting for 25 percent of the country's total.

At present, Rudong is home to the first port of wind power in China and the largest offshore wind power cluster in Asia.

In addition, the first 10-million-ton LNG receiving base in Yangtze River Delta region is under construction in the county.

Migratory birds stop to rest in Rudong's wetlands. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]