Photographers immersed in wetlands' beauty

International photographers were dazzled by the beautiful landscapes and culture of Jilin province in September.

In a photography trip hosted by Jilin's local government, a group of international photographers were in a three-day retreat into the preserved wetlands of the Xianghai National Reserve, located in Tongyu county.

The western wetlands play an important role in maintaining the balance of the entire ecological system of Jilin province. As the "kidney of west Jilin", the Xianghai and Momoge wetlands not only preserve water resources, purify the air and prevent salinization of soil, but also provide homes for various rare species, such as white cranes, swans, grey geese and red-crowned cranes.

Close views of wild animals in the wetlands were a highlight of the trip. Witnessing the spectacular scenes of hundreds of rare red-crowned cranes migrating to Xianghai, Tamado Sado, an established photographer from Japan said: "It is the first time I've seen so many red-crowned cranes. It is truly magnificent. The harmony and balance between humans and animals purified my soul."

What excited the photographers even more was that human visitors were able to stand near the beautiful birds.

But cranes were not the only habitants. When the golden sun gradually sank in Xianghai, lighting up the entire sky like a burning flame, countless grey geese rose over the horizon and flew out of sight.

"I have never seen such a splendid scene before, the beauty of the day will never fade from my memory," said senior photographer Li Shaobai.

Apart from the Xianghai wetlands, the international visitors also enjoyed the impressive landscapes of the Nanhu City Wetland Park in Zhenlai county. It was another important habitat for rare migratory birds.

The rich soil of the wetlands not only creates a stunning landscape, but also influences its fascinating folk culture. In fact, it is home to many of Jilin's greatest intangible cultural heritage items, from music and brewing to handicrafts.

Uliger, for example, is the tradition of Mongolian folk verse of ancient myths and tales. Liang Haiqing, a 67-year-old artist, has spent his whole life studying and developing this oral tradition. In 2011, his uliger performance was listed as part of provincial intangible cultural heritage. To show his warm welcome toward the international guests, he performed the original Mongolian art.

Khoomei, or Monglian throat singing, and morin khuur, a stringed musical instrument, were performed by the local, award-winning band Huhetulu for the international guests during a trip to Jilin's Chagan Lake. Also, willow twig weaving is a feature of Jilin's Zhenlai county. Local craftsman surprised photographers with their delicately made willow twig products, such as baskets, cup coasters and other home furnishings.

"The Zhenlai twig weaving was listed as provincial intangible heritage in 2011," said Jiao Tiyong, a craftsman whose family has been twig weaving for generations."When I was young, my father would sell his woven products to pay for my schooling. It is a family tradition I hope to continue."

Jilin also has its own brewery, the Da'an Cellar, producing local wine that dates back to the Liao and Jin dynasties(916-1234).

The Jilin government has adopted various rescue measures to replenish water for the wetlands, develop the wetlands' ecological tourism and planting and aquaculture. The moves have helped to rejuvenate the wetlands and pass on traditional culture.

(China Daily 11/18/2016 page6)