Siberian crane festival to open in Faku, Shenyang

The 11th Shenyang Faku International Siberian Crane Festival will open at Huanzidong National Wetland Park in Faku county, Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning province on March 27. Every year, March 27 is regarded as International Siberian Crane Day.

A flock of white cranes soar over Huanzidong National Wetland Park in Shenyang, Liaoning province. [Photo/VCG]

The Siberian crane, also called the white crane, is an endangered species. Huanzidong National Wetland Park is an important stopover site during its migration season. Naturalists estimate that more than 3,000 white cranes remain in the world, over 2,000 of which, around 70 percent of the total world population, gather at Huanzidong National Wetland Park during the spring and autumn every year.

Faku county is known as the "hometown of white cranes in China", and has adopted the white crane as the "county bird". It has held 10 consecutive Siberian crane festivals. 

The festival will last until May 26. Cultural performances and folk dances will take place during this year's festival. Additionally, a one-day tour, as well as photography activity themed around the wetland and Siberian cranes will also be held during the festival.

White cranes take flight at Huanzidong National Wetland Park in Faku county, Shenyang, Liaoning province. [PhotoChinanews.com]