A Chinese merganser discovered by Jiang Jiejun in the Xiakou section of Jiangshan Port in Quzhou. [Photo/Tide News]

Rare and enchanting Chinese mergansers have been spotted in the Xiakou section of Jiangshan Port in Quzhou, according to Tide News on Dec 16.

With only about 3,000 such birds living in China, the Chinese merganser, known as the "Giant Panda of the Water", is a national first-class protected animal. These birds are extremely selective about their habitat, favoring clean mountain rivers and reservoirs. Their appearance has brought a touch of mystery and vitality to Jiangshan Port.

Jiang Jiejun, the lucky discoverer, managed to capture photos of the elegant and lively birds, preserving this rare ecological spectacle.

A greylag goose discovered by Jiang Jiejun in the Xiakou section of Jiangshan Port in Quzhou. [Photo/Tide News]

"In addition to this encounter with the Chinese mergansers, I've also photographed other national second-class protected birds like the white-fronted goose and the greylag goose many times in the Xiakou section of Jiangshan Port," said Jiang.

The Jiangshan Port area has seen significant improvements in water quality, thanks to comprehensive ecological management projects. Since 2014, around 180 million yuan ($24.70 million) has been invested in river management and disaster restoration in Xiakou town.