The Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area in Dongying, Shandong province was recently selected as a national 5A scenic spot, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

So far, there are 12 5A scenic spots in Shandong.

Located in the delta where the Yellow River, China's mother river, joins the Bohai Sea, the area is renowned as the most complete, most expansive, and youngest wetland ecosystem in the country. 

Covering an area of 153,000 hectares, it is a popular tourist destination for viewing landscapes and watching birds.

The wetland's landscapes change throughout the four seasons, with tamarisks turning red and willows greening in spring, rivers rippling in summer, reed catkins flying in autumn, and plants getting frosty in winter.

It is known as the "bird's paradise" and the "international airport for birds", as it is home to 368 species of bird and serves as a transit station for migrating birds throughout Northeast Asia. During winter, over 6 million birds reside and breed in the zone.

Wild birds soar effortlessly in the sky above the Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area in Dongying, Shandong province. [Photo/dzwww.com]

The Yellow River empties its bright yellow waters into the deep blue Bohai Sea near Dongying. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Covering an area of 153,000 hectares, the Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area in Dongying, Shandong province hums with life and activity. [Photo by Ding Hongan/Dongying Weekly]

Hou Minhao contributed to this story.