On July 27, 2026, the Migratory Bird Habitat of the Changshan Islands was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea. This recognition makes the site Dalian’s second addition to the list, following the 2024 inclusion of Snake Island-Laotie Mountain, and positions Liaoning Province as the first in China to house three components within the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries series.
A key stopover in a global migratory route
The Changshan Islands, located in the northern Yellow Sea and managed in part by Changhai County, Dalian, are a crucial stopover for migratory birds traveling along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The area includes four key zones — Fantuozi, Toutuozi, Wushi, and Bashao Island’s southern reef — and is home to the world’s largest breeding population of Chinese egrets.
The site is widely recognized as the “Hometown of Chinese Egrets,” and its designation improves the overall ecological connectivity of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf bird sanctuary. Alongside Snake Island-Laotie Mountain and the Yalu River Estuary in Dandong, it now forms a continuous ecological corridor linking marine and terrestrial environments.
A model for ecological and economic integration
Local authorities have built conservation around a sustainable sea angling industry. The islands lie at a convergence of warm and cold ocean currents, offering rich marine resources. Fishing activity is strictly regulated during breeding seasons to protect bird populations.
An emerging focus for birdwatching and recreational angling, the islands are developing an integrated industrial chain that combines fishing competitions, seafood dining, and island accommodations.
Creating a replicable conservation model
The designation fills a long-standing gap in the monitoring of migratory bird breeding on northern Chinese islands. It also provides a measurable, replicable model for systematic conservation of island-based bird habitats. This model could influence how other coastal areas globally manage similar ecological resources.
According to the Publicity Department of the CPC Dalian Municipal Committee, the global recognition enhances the islands’ appeal and sets a foundation for future conservation efforts. The area now represents a new model of harmonious coexistence between human activity and nature on an international scale.