The Milu Contest
June to August marks the Milu rutting season. Male Milu shed their fuzzy velvet antlers, revealing tough bony horns and don rich reddish-brown coats, fully primed for brutal showdowns.
Yellow Sea Wetlands in June | Photo by Li Dongming
Before clashes, they stage dramatic pre-fight rituals: hooking bunches of grass over their sharp antlers and rolling deep in mud to coat their bodies, a striking display to intimidate rivals.
Grass-adorned Antlers | Photo by Shao Zhenmei
As dusk falls, fierce duels erupt. Stags pair off for one-on-one elimination bouts. The thunderous crash of clashing antlers echoes across the marsh. Defeated bulls slink away battered and exhausted, while triumphant warriors toss their heads and let out resounding victory roars. Only the two mightiest stags advance to the final showdown, locking horns in a grueling test of strength and stamina to claim the crown of Milu King.
Mud Bath | Photo by Chen Yulong
Battle of the Milu Kings | Photo by Li Dongming
Sound Ecological Backdrop
Yancheng Yellow Sea Wetlands, China’s first coastal World Natural Heritage site, hosts the world’s largest wild Milu population and gene pool. A mere 39 Milu were reintroduced here in 1986; today their number tops 8,500, forming an entirely self-sustaining wild herd. Wetland restoration projects such as converting fish farms back to wetlands have built ideal Milu habitats, hailed as the "Yancheng Model" of ecological recovery.
Milu’s Homeland | Photo by Wan Liang
A Paradise for Milu | Photo by Shi Hao
Visitor Tips
· Viewing period: June–August
· Viewing spots: China Milu Park, Wild Deer Marsh
· Live broadcast: Yancheng has live-streamed the Milu contest for 13 consecutive years. This year’s grand final will be streamed worldwide on July 3.
Antler Fight | Photo by Li Dongming
Conservation Reminder
Please keep a safe viewing distance, avoid loud noises and do not litter to protect this precious wetland heritage.
The horn battles have officially begun. The true kings are the fearless fighting Milu, the thriving wetlands that nurture them, and every guardian of this land.