Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Recently, a netizen on the "Wenzhen Shenzhen" platform (a citizen-driven petition platform) wrote that during evening walks in Shenzhenwan Park, some sections of the paths are too dimly lit and suggested installing additional lights to brighten the park. Another user suggested allowing seagull feeding to make the walks more enjoyable.
The Shenzhen Parks Administration's response was unexpected – both proposals were firmly rejected.
The reasons were clearly stated. The refusal to install additional lights is explained by the fact that excessive bright lighting could disrupt the natural ecological balance in the Shenzhenwan area, particularly affecting the wintering and migration patterns of migratory birds. The ban on feeding birds stems from the fact that human food does not meet the birds' nutritional needs, could disrupt their natural migration patterns, and even increase the risk of disease spread.
At first glance, this seemingly "strict" decision received almost unanimous support from netizens: "Leaving the night to nature—that's the poetry of Shenzhen," "A city that allows birds to rest peacefully becomes warmer."
As the correspondent discovered, Shenzhenwan Park is located in the middle section of one of the world's nine major bird migration routes—the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. It is an important international stopover for migratory birds. Every year, from November to March, over 100,000 birds stop here for the winter. For example, the endangered black-faced spoonbill: according to the 2024 global census, its global population has recovered to 6,988 individuals, of which 375 were recorded in the Shenzhenwan area.
For migratory birds, artificial lighting can be a real "ecological killer." Bright light disrupts their circadian rhythms, increases energy expenditure, and sometimes leads to collisions with glass building facades.
At the same time, the park has retained basic lighting at its main entrances, transportation hubs, and some key pedestrian routes to ensure residents' safety at night. This precise management system—"light where needed, dark where needed"—is a sign of mature urban policy.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.