National wetland park boosts ecosystem, tourism in Shanxi

A national wetland park in Jingle county of North China's Shanxi province has been established along the upper ranches of Fenhe River, the second-largest tributary of the Yellow River, to prevent water loss and soil erosion, restore wetland ecosystem and improve environment.

The park, which started construction in 2014, passed inspection from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration last year and gradually became known by visitors.

Covering an area of nearly 600 hectares, the park crosses 18 villages. Trees have been planted along the banks of Fenhe River to prevent water loss and soil erosion. About 33 hectares of farmland has been restored to wetland. Some farmers from the villages have become rangers patrolling the wetland park.

Li Quanquan is one of them. The 64-year-old farmer patrols the park every day to inspect fire hazard and prevent people from shooting birds and shocking fish with electrical equipment.