The restored riverbank of the Yangtze River (Taixing section). [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
The Tianxingzhou biodiversity observatory in Taixing, Jiangsu province, released its first annual report on May 22, painting a vivid picture of a Yangtze River ecosystem in recovery.
Between March 2025 and March 2026, researchers documented 165 vascular plant species, 118 bird species, six amphibian and reptile species, and 10 terrestrial mammal species across the Tianxingzhou Wetland and surrounding river zones.
Highlights include sightings of oriental storks, reed parrots, Eurasian curlews, and mandarin ducks — alongside frequent appearances of finless porpoises in the river.
The restored riverbank of the Yangtze River (Taixing section). [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
Tianxingzhou, one of Jiangsu's first eco-island pilot areas and part of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park (Taizhou section), deployed a monitoring network that covers air, ground and water, with a total investment of 173 million yuan ($25.53 million).
Tianxingzhou, one of Jiangsu's first eco-island projects. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
Ten observation transects stretching over 18 kilometers, AI-powered bird cameras, infrared traps, and two sonar vessels to track finless porpoises now feed real-time data into conservation efforts.
Restoration work has been equally ambitious. A 12-kilometer ecological wetland and green corridor now connect terrestrial and aquatic habitats. In the Taixing Economic Development Zone, seven river channels covering 200,000 square meters have been rehabilitated with new embankments, ecological floating beds, and 20 metric tons of fish and benthic organisms to boost natural purification.
Roughly 190 hectares of wetland have been restored through controlled water levels, reed replanting, and invasive species removal.
Among the 118 bird species recorded, one is under national first-class protection and 12 are under second-class protection.
In the next five years, Taixing plans to expand wetland parks and strengthen biodiversity conservation along the Yangtze River, positioning the city as a model for eco-driven development on the river's banks.