In Beijing, the presence and resurgence of dragonflies offer a window into the health of urban ecosystems amid rapid city development and environmental restoration efforts. Dragonflies, once common sights around ponds, canals, and open spaces in the city, had become increasingly scarce as natural habitats gave way to infrastructure. However, recent years have seen a noticeable return of these insects in restored areas, highlighting progress in ecological rehabilitation.

Residents like Zhang Shuren, 78, recall childhood summers in the mid-20th century spent chasing dragonflies near water bodies throughout Beijing. Over time, urban expansion led to habitat loss, causing a decline in dragonfly populations. For Zhang, spotting a dragonfly today evokes memories of a bygone era when these insects were ubiquitous. Zhang’s experience is echoed by Feng Ruochen, co-founder and director of the Peking Insect Museum, who notes similar childhood encounters with dragonflies in Beijing’s North Moat area. Feng observed that intensifying urbanization and factors such as pollution and pesticide use had diminished insect populations, but places like the Liangshui River now host thriving dragonfly communities following environmental restoration.

Once plagued by heavy pollution, the Liangshui River in southern Beijing has benefited from comprehensive water treatment and habitat renewal initiatives. The addition of green spaces and improved water quality has enabled not only dragonflies but also fish, frogs, beetles, and birds to reestablish themselves. Feng emphasizes that restoring one species often signals broader ecosystem recovery.

Ecological experts underline that dragonflies serve as valuable indicators of environmental health, reflecting more than water quality alone. Huang Yue, an ecological restoration designer with expertise in landscape architecture and urban biodiversity, explains that dragonflies require complex habitat features including clean water, submerged vegetation, suitable emergence sites along shorelines, and a balanced food chain. Her work restoring a Beijing wetland demonstrated that reintroducing native aquatic plants and animals led to the return of 20 to 30 species of dragonflies.

China is home to over 980 known dragonfly species, many documented in comprehensive guides such as Zhang Haomiao’s 2019 two-volume work. The insect’s diverse habitat needs underscore the importance of managing ecosystems holistically rather than focusing solely on water pollution levels. Huang points out that while early urban water management prioritized eliminating foul odors and discoloration, contemporary restoration addresses whether waterways support multiple life forms. For example, a clean river with sparse vegetation and few invertebrates harbors less biodiversity and ecological value.

Urban landscapes often prioritize aesthetic neatness by removing dead vegetation and lining riverbanks with concrete, actions that can inadvertently reduce wildlife habitats, including those necessary for dragonflies’ breeding and development. Huang and conservation advocates encourage leaving natural elements such as old reed beds standing, as these provide shelter and breeding grounds not only for insects but also for birds.

Balancing urban infrastructure with ecological functionality remains a challenge. Huang acknowledges the practical need for flood control and space constraints but promotes designs that incorporate wildlife-friendly features, such as stone embankments with irregular surfaces and gently sloping soils. These approaches provide food and shelter for aquatic and terrestrial species, fostering more robust ecosystems.

Community engagement plays a role in this process. Educative initiatives like evening insect observation sessions along the Liangshui River introduce children and residents to urban wildlife they might otherwise overlook. Such activities aim to reshape perceptions of urban natural spaces, encouraging recognition of parks and waterways as living habitats rather than mere recreational or functional areas.

While the return of dragonflies in parts of Beijing marks environmental progress, experts stress that ecosystem restoration is ongoing and complex. Clean water is a necessary foundation but not sufficient alone. Sustained efforts to cultivate diverse habitats and food webs are essential to building resilient urban ecosystems where dragonflies and other wildlife can thrive.