Dashanbao is located in a cold alpine area, making it difficult for black-necked cranes to find food in the wild. With the organization of the Nature Reserve Administration, local villagers plant more than 577 acres of potatoes alongside a large amount of buckwheat, oat and corn. 

These crops are planted in the traditional way in areas where the black-necked cranes typically congregate in the winter. The crops are not harvested by anyone so that the black-necked cranes can have sufficient food during the cold months. Additionally, a large amount of corn is held in reserve to feed the black-necked cranes every year.

This winter, due to the significant reduction in human activity, the local ecosystem has improved. Many wetlands are restored and the grasslands have become lush again, attracting a growing number of black-necked cranes.

(Text translated from Xinhua; Photo by Zhang Tong and Zhoucan)