Huangshan City, taking "bird protection + birdwatching" ecological construction as its starting point, is actively exploring new pathways for transforming the value between ecological protection and economic development.

Through scientific planning, Huangshan City lays a solid foundation for this ecological transformation. The city conducts dynamic bird surveys, updating data on avian populations and distribution across its region based on comprehensive investigations into wild vertebrates. Currently, 350 species of birds have been recorded within the city, including 12 classified as National Grade I Key Protected Birds and 66 as National Grade II Key Protected Birds. Huangshan City strategically plans its birdwatching routes, leveraging its abundant forestry resources while adhering to conservation requirements. It has systematically formulated the "Guide Plan for the Construction of Birdwatching Sites in Huangshan City". Considering factors like transportation accessibility and visitor reception capacity, the plan proposes a "three-tiered gradient" layout for establishing birdwatching sites throughout the city, designating seven specific birdwatching trails. Efforts are underway to actively guide the construction of these sites and viewing shelters. Concurrently, utilizing ancient and famous trees as unique resources, the city has innovatively launched five "Seasonal + Self-Driving" routes combining ancient tree appreciation with birdwatching. These routes connect premium birdwatching spots across the city with established ancient tree tourism paths, effectively turning ecological assets into advantages for ecotourism.

Huangshan City has been stepping up publicity to foster consensus on ecological protection. Huangshan City has established a targeted communication matrix. Adhering to the principle of "Protection First, Rational Utilization, Scientific Development," and aligned with its citywide campaign against bird nets promoting love and care for birds, it coordinates efforts among municipal and county-level departments including forestry, public security, and market regulation. Active initiatives include raising awareness through cautionary tales about illegal bird catching and popularizing relevant laws on bird conservation. Tailored strategies target different groups: producing documentaries like "Beautiful Feather", organizing photography contests such as "Treasure Wetlands, Guard the birds," and holding youth painting competitions focused on loving and protecting birds—all aimed at cultivating widespread conservation awareness among citizens. Simultaneously, Huangshan City emphasizes transforming villagers' roles by training local guides specializing in birdwatching. By providing professional services to birds viewers, villagers directly benefit from ecological protection, achieving a win-win outcome of ecological and social benefits. This significantly enhances the visibility and influence of birdwatching in Huangshan.

Furthermore, Huangshan City has further extended its "birdwatching economy" value chain by integrating natural sightseeing, science popularization and educational trips (or research-based learning), and leisure vacation industries. Through professional birdwatching route planning, immersive ecological experience scenarios, and specialized bird knowledge dissemination, it has achieved a qualitative leap from mere "landscape tourism" to "in-depth ecological experiences."

To date, Huangshan City has preliminarily established core birdwatching hubs such as Tunxi District's Bangxia Village "Paradise flycatchers Photography Base" and Huizhou District's Xixinan "Fengyang Forest Bird Paradise." In just Bangxia Village alone, over 50,000 tourists were received in the first half of this year.

Source: Huangshan Daily