Birdwatchers in Mingxi are transfixed by their latest sighting. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mingxi county is on a major migratory route, between East Asia and Australasia, and boasts more than 300 wild birds, including 64 under first- and second-class national protection programs. Some species, including the white-necked long-tailed Elliot's pheasant, the greater painted snipe and oriental dollarbird, are a treat for the eye.

It has been the county government's major focus to explore ways of bird protection. More than a decade ago, it was common for local villagers to hunt birds for food. Since 2015, the county has taken a series of measures to protect birds and restore their habitats. Efforts have been made to publicize bird preservation and develop a bird rescue mechanism and a migrant birds intelligent monitoring and management system.

Such efforts have paved the way for the smooth development of the ecological bird observation industry. Locals have turned from hunters into guardians.