My UNESCO World Heritage Postcards: China - Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II)

1) Dandong Yalu River Estuary National Nature Reserve, Liaoning
2) Changhai Provincial Nature Reserve for Rare Marine Life, Liaoning
3) Beidaihe-Geziwo/Xin River Estuary, Hebei
4) Qilihai in Beidaihe New District, Hebei
5) Luannan-Zuidong Coastal Wetland, Hebei
6) Caofeidian Wetland, Hebei
7) Nandagang Wetland in Cangzhou, Hebei
8) Huanghua Ancient Shell Ridges, Hebei
9) Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, Shandong
10) Yancheng Wetland Rare Birds National Nature Reserve, Jiangsu
11) Lianyungang Salt Works, Jiangsu
12) Rudong-Tiezuisha Coast, Jiangsu
13) Dafeng Pere David's Deer National Nature Reserve, Jiangsu
14) Qidong North Branch of the Yangtze River Estuary Nature Reserve, Jiangsu

The Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China is a serial extension of the property of the same name already inscribed on the World Heritage List. As part of the world’s largest intertidal wetland system, this area within the Yellow Sea Ecoregion supports crucial habitats for birds migrating on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway which spans some 25 countries from the Arctic to South-East Asia and Australasia. The wetlands serve a unique ecological function as indispensable stopover sites for many millions of waterbirds and represent a significant example of the shared natural heritage embodied in migratory birds.

"The site features an intertidal mudflat system considered to be the largest in the world. These mudflats, as well as marshes and shoals, are exceptionally productive and serve as growth areas for many species of fish and crustaceans. The intertidal areas of the Yellow Sea/Gulf of Bohai are of global importance for the gathering of many migratory bird species that use the East Asian-Australasian flyway. Large gatherings of birds, including some of the world's most endangered species, depend on the coastline as a stopover to moult, rest, winter or nest."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
2019 UNESCO World Heritage of Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China. Yancheng Rare Birds Nature Reserve in Jiangsu. Thanks to Wei of Hangzhou, China. Inscribed in July 5, 2019.