China has solidified its position as Asia's wetland conservation leader, currently ranking fourth globally in total wetland area according to 2026 data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. This environmental milestone follows intensified protection efforts and legal reforms implemented in recent years.
The country's 82 internationally recognized wetland sites and 1,200+ provincial-level protected areas now form a comprehensive management network. Updated legislation in 21 provincial regions supports this framework, enabling stricter ecological preservation measures while balancing public access – nearly 90% of China's 903 national wetland parks offer free admission, attracting 320 million annual visits.
Environmental restoration remains central to China's strategy, with over 3,800 completed projects rehabilitating more than 1 million hectares since 2020. Current initiatives focus on mangrove recovery and controlling invasive species, building on the success that earned 22 Chinese cities international wetland city recognition – the world's highest count.
