NandagangInternational WetlandPhoto Contest

DAYS
96
HOURS
12
MINUTES
58
SECONDS
15

Call for Entries: Together for Wetlands

Nandagang Wetland, located in Cangzhou, Hebei Province, China, lies beside the Bohai Sea and the Grand Canal. It is a key stopover along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. With its unique coastal wetland ecosystem, it stands as a World Heritage-listed wetland, a vital habitat and refueling site for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds. With more than 100,000 birds and 272 species now living here, Nandagang Wetland is presenting a Chinese story of harmony between humanity and nature.

In our first edition, more than 200 photographers from 28 countries captured the wetland's vitality, allowing the shared story of wetland protection to be seen vividly, while also introducing Nandagang Wetland to the world. This year, we continue to invite global creators to join us, telling the story of wetland conservation and witnessing protection and renewal along the migratory flyway.

Wetlands belong to the Earth. Migratory birds belong to the world. Protection is everyone's responsibility. The competition is now open—bring your camera, step into the wetlands, and tell this era's wetland story in your own way.

Submission Categories

Aerial view of patterned wetland flats

@photo by Erfan Samanfar

Global Wetlands Category

Open to submissions from around the world showcasing wetland landforms, ecosystems, and natural landscapes.

People moving through a blue-green wetland forest

@photo by Nay Lin Htun

People and Wetlands Category

Focused on documentary photography, collecting works that present the harmonious coexistence between people and wetlands, traditional ways of life, and ecological guardians conducting wetland patrols.

Golden winter reeds beside a frozen Nandagang wetland

@photo by Chen Shuduo

Nandagang Wetland Category

Dedicated to works featuring the biodiversity and ecological landscapes of the Nandagang Wetland, with a focus on showcasing Cangzhou's practice in biodiversity conservation and the beauty of its natural landscapes.

Mudskippers resting in shallow wetland water

@photo by Erfan Samanfar

Youth Imaging (Under 28) Category

A streamlined entry channel open to young creators. Mobile photography submissions are supported.

Two white migratory birds standing in shallow wetland water

@photo by Zhao Jidong

Wetlands and Migratory Birds Category

Focused on ecological photography of migratory birds in wetlands, capturing authentic moments of birds inhabiting, feeding, and migrating through the lens.

Branching channels across colorful wetland landforms

@photo by Chen Minfeng

Wetland Conservation Stories Category (Video)

Collecting video works documenting the harmonious coexistence of people and wetlands. Videos must not exceed 3 minutes in length. Both horizontal and vertical formats are accepted. Themes include, but are not limited to, ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, traditional fishing and pastoral life, and related subjects.

Awards

Recognizing outstanding wetland photography from around the world.

Gold laurel award emblem

Grand Prize:

USD 1,500

Awarded to the entry with the highest overall score, excelling across all judging criteria.

1WINNER
Gold laurel award emblem

First Prize:

USD 500

Ranked first in its category, with outstanding thematic relevance, technical skill, and creativity.

6WINNERS
Black laurel award emblem

Second Prize:

USD 200

Ranked second in its category, demonstrating solid technical execution and clear thematic interpretation.

12WINNERS
Black laurel award emblem

Third Prize:

USD 50

Ranked third in its category, showing competent execution and a reasonable connection to the theme.

18WINNERS
Red laurel award emblem

Special Award for Creativity

Focuses on originality and unconventional perspectives, encouraging bold visual experimentation and innovative expression.

6WINNERS
Red laurel award emblem

Special Award for Humanistic Spirit

Reflecting the harmony between people and wetlands, with a focus on documentary photography featuring environmental stewards and traditional fishing and pastoral livelihoods.

6WINNERS
Red laurel award emblem

Special Award for Youth

Open to creators under 28, emphasizing fresh perspectives, creative potential, and personal observation.

6WINNERS

Jury Panel

Albert Dros

Landscape Photographer

Mario Suárez Porras

Nature Photographer

Georgina Goodwin

Documentary Photographer

Marlondag

Wildlife & Conservation Photographer

Ye Song

Nature Photographer

Ritu Ahluwalia

Wildlife Photographer

Chris Laracy

Wildlife Photographer

Khaichuin Sim

Travel and Nature Photographer

Yunkuan Zhu

Former Vice Chairman, Yunnan Province Photographers Association

Chuanyun Gao

Associate Professor and Head of the Hebei First-class Undergraduate Major (Photography)

Submission
Guidelines

everyone.