Mute swans are seen on the Ulan Suhai Lake in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2023. Located at the apex of the meandering bends of the Yellow River, Ulan Suhai Lake, also known as Wuliangsu Lake, is the biggest lake wetland of the Yellow River basin. With continuous efforts on integrated protection and systematic management, the ecological environment of the Ulan Suhai Lake has been greatly improved in recent years. The Ulan Suhai Lake is now home to various kinds of migratory birds. It also serves as the largest breeding base of mute swans in China. Recently, mute swans on the Ulan Suhai Lake led fledglings to practice flying, preparing them for the long-distance migration before winter. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)