Guanshanhu's efforts in ecological development recognized by nation

An aerial view of Guanshanhu district. [Photo/WeChat account of Guanshanhu district]

Guanshanhu district's efforts to establish an urban cultural tourism brand to create a livable, business-friendly, and tourist-friendly modern urban district were recently selected as one of the best practice models and typical cases of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

A total of 19 such models and cases from 17 provincial administrative regions were selected to be promoted nationwide.

Located in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, Guanshanhu is surrounded by mountains in the east, south and west, with a total area of 307 square kilometers.

Its favorable climate has nurtured diverse ecosystems and species resources. The district is known as the "green capital of Southwest China" and the "flower city on the lakeside".

Over the years, Guanshanhu has given priority to ecological protection and green development.

The district has implemented an ecological protection system based on planning, industry, projects, construction, and law enforcement.

In 2022, the district's seven ecological environmental indicators all scored 100 percent: air quality, surface water, water quality of centralized drinking water sources, general industrial solid waste, hazardous waste, comprehensive utilization and disposal of medical waste, and acoustic environment.

Efforts have been made to develop an environmentally friendly economy, promote industrial transformation and upgrading, and form leading industries in high-end manufacturing, e-commerce, and modern logistics.

The district has cultivated and introduced over 120 big data companies, with an industrial scale of 8 billion yuan ($112.64 million).

For the comprehensive management of the Xiaowan River, Guanshanhu has promoted the environmental improvement of the river from source control, pollution interception, river management, and water quality improvement.

Currently, the water quality of the river has improved and stabilized from grade V (the worst) to grade III.

The improved environment has made the river a famous spot for locals to visit on weekends and holidays.

Guanshanhu has also leveraged its rich ecological resources to explore the development of urban leisure agriculture and tourism.

In 2022, the district received 9.77 million visits, including over 4.3 million overnight visits, and generated tourism revenue of 11.89 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year growth rate of 0.32 percent. This has effectively promoted the integrated development of urban and rural areas.

Also, the district has organized "cultivating ecological forest" activities, with national leaders, international dignitaries, and experts all planting trees. This has showcased the ecological and cultural soft power, brand image, and brand visibility of the district.

Meanwhile, the months from June to August are designated as the "ecological season" in Guanshanhu. Activities such as biodiversity exhibitions, selection of ecological civilization ambassadors, and creative contests for the recycling of waste materials are held.

These activities have increased people's sense of participation and achievement in urban cultural construction.