Migratory birds rest at the Nanshaizi Wetland Nature Reserve. [Photo/Baotou news network]

Baotou city in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region has joined hands with surrounding cities to safeguard the ecology of the Yellow River.

Approximately 220 kilometers of the Yellow River passes through Baotou, where it not only nurtures the livelihood of the local people, but also shapes the environment along its banks.

In recent days, migratory birds such as swans have stopped to rest in the Nanshaizi Wetland Nature Reserve, which is situated in the Baotou section of the Yellow River Basin.

"Nowadays, Nanshaizi has become a paradise for birds. The number of bird species has increased from 70 to the current 232. Because of this, a large number of tourists and photography enthusiasts come to visit every year," said Dai Hongliang, a staff member of the Science and Education Monitoring Division of the Nanshaizi Wetland Nature Reserve Management Center.

The increase in bird species is a testament to Baotou's intensified efforts in ecological conservation in the Yellow River Basin over the years.

Baotou has implemented the Yellow River Basin Protection Law, and has been coordinating efforts to control water pollution, improve the water quality of tributaries that flow into the Yellow River, treat industrial wastewater, as well as protect drinking water sources.

Baotou has also established the Baotou Yellow River National Wetland Park and the Hondlon River National Wetland Park, which have a combined wetland area of over 1.4 million mu (93,333 hectares).