Tucked away in Cangzhou, Hebei Province, China, the Nandagang Wetland is one of those rare places where nature still runs the show. Sitting along the legendary East Asian–Australasian Flyway, this vast wetland is a crucial pit stop for migratory birds and a thriving sanctuary for wildlife. It’s wild, raw, and unbelievably beautiful — the kind of place photographers dream about.
That’s exactly the spirit behind the Nandagang International Photo Competition, a global celebration of nature through the power of photography. Artists from around the world stepped up to capture the heartbeat of wetlands, turning fleeting natural moments into powerful visual stories.
The competition is divided into three categories: “Nandagang Wetland Birds,” “Global Wetland Landscapes,” and “Wildlife & Nature.” Each category highlights a different side of the natural world. From elegant cranes gliding across misty marshes to sweeping wetland vistas glowing at sunrise, the winning images reveal just how magical these ecosystems can be.
But this contest isn’t just about pretty pictures. The jury looked for photographs that carry meaning — images that show the delicate relationship between humans and nature. The Nandagang Wetland stands as a living example of how ecosystems evolve and how balance can be maintained when conservation matters.
As legendary photographer Aaron Siskind once said, “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving.” These winning images do exactly that. They remind us why wetlands matter, why wildlife deserves protection, and why preserving biodiversity isn’t just important — it’s essential for our shared future.
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#1. Grand Prize Winner: "Sweet Home" by Chen Xiufeng, China
#2. Birds of Nandagang Wetland – First Prize: "Footprints of Migration" by Song Wenfeng, China
#3. Global Wetland Landscape – First Prize: "Tidal Money Tree" by Zhang Xu, China
#4. Wildlife & Nature – First Prize: "Flying Foxes" by Nafis Ameen, Bangladesh
#5. Birds of Nandagang Wetland – Second Prize: "Takeoff" by Liu Liansheng, China
#6. Birds of Nandagang Wetland – Second Prize: "Elegant Silhouette" by Zhao Jidong, China
#7. Global Wetland Landscape – Second Prize: "Reflection" by Erfan Samanfar, Iran
#8. Global Wetland Landscape – Second Prize: "Sustainable Agriculture" by Azim Khan Ronnie, Bangladesh
#9. Wildlife & Nature – Second Prize: "Follow Me Auntie" by Arghya Adhikary, India
#10. Wildlife & Nature – Second Prize: "Silent Call in the Winter" by Kyaw Thu Wai, Myanmar
Third Prize Winners
#11. "Elves of Dawa" by Zhang Huijuan, China
#12. "Traditional Fishing on Inle Lake" by Nay Lin Htun, Myanmar
#13. "Silent Migration" by Camilo Díaz, Colombia
#14. "Foraging" by Song Qingzhong, China
#15. "Eye of the Earth · Aiken Spring" by Wu Tingxiang, China
#16. "Rite of Passage" by Somdutt Prasad, India
#17. "Elegant Stance" by Zhang Weiwei, China
#18. "Puzhehe Sunrise" by Zhu Yunkuan, China
#19. "Leaf Window" by Salahuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh
#20. "Frozen wetland" by Piotr Dras, Poland
#21. "Beauty of Nature" by Myo Minn Aung, Myanmar
#22. "Golden Rooster Crowing" by Ma Guangbo, China
Honorable Mentions
#23. "The Vanishing Ice" by Zhang Lv, China
#24. "Family Embrace" by Uthum Methsara Jayaweera, Sri Lanka
#25. "Nature accepts oblivion to let tomorrow exist" by Pablo Bueno, France
#26. "Yield to the Deer" by Zou Zheng, China
#27. "Eager to Return Home" by Ding Jianjun, China
#28. "Wild Asian Elephant" by Fabio Nodari, Italy
#29. "Golden Valley" by Wang Lei, China
#30. "Mid Air Battle" by Lawrence Worcester, USA
#31. "Wild Pause" by Toghrul Hasanbayli, Netherlands
FAQs
1. What is the Nandagang International Photo Competition?
The Nandagang International Photo Competition is a global photography contest celebrating wetlands, wildlife, and nature. It encourages photographers worldwide to document biodiversity, ecosystems, and the connection between humans and nature.
2. Where is the Nandagang Wetland located?
Nandagang Wetland is located in Cangzhou, Hebei Province, China. It lies along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds and wetland wildlife.
3. What categories are included in the competition?
The competition features three categories: Nandagang Wetland Birds, Global Wetland Landscapes, and Wildlife & Nature, allowing photographers to showcase birdlife, ecosystems, and broader natural wildlife stories.
4. Why is the Nandagang Wetland important for biodiversity?
Nandagang Wetland supports diverse bird species and wildlife along a major migratory route. Its rich ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and protecting global wetland habitats.
5. What message do the winning photos aim to share?
The winning photographs highlight the beauty and fragility of wetlands, encouraging awareness of conservation, biodiversity protection, and the importance of maintaining harmony between humans and nature.
