Wetlands are vital for a healthy planet. They play a number of important environmental roles, such as water purification and flood control.

A wide range of plant and animals call wetlands home. Climate change is threatening wetlands around the world. China has more than 500,000 square kilometers of wetlands, and they cover nearly six percent of the country's land.

Chinese officials have set up more than 900 wetland reserves to protect the unique ecosystems. Xixi Wetland in East China's Zhejiang Province was the country's first national wetland park.