The vast wetland of north China's port city of Tianjin has been confirmed by experts as a major stopover point for more than 2 million migrant birds in their intercontinental migrations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The conclusion was made by dozens of experts from Australia, New Zealand and China after a decade-long survey.

An official in charge of the wetland, which covers over 1,700 sq km (656.2 sq miles), said that these birds would stay for about two months for perch and food.

The wetland is one of the key points for the birds, which start their intercontinental voyage from Australia in April and stop in northern China and Russia during June and July.

They would return to the south again in September, covering a distance of 25,000 km (15,535 miles).

There are approximately 400 species of wetland plants and 600 species of wetland wildlife in the 100 sq km (38.6 sq miles) of pools, lakes and reservoirs in and around Tianjin, providing a sound environment for perched birds with abundant resources of food.

(People's Daily July 8, 2002)