Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the commitment to ecological civilization has driven significant changes across the country. In 2023, the average concentration of PM2.5 in prefecture-level and above cities decreased by 16.7% compared to 2019. Additionally, 89.4% of surface water quality sections nationwide are now classified as excellent. Over 3 million square kilometers of China’s land area are protected under ecological conservation guidelines, and the forest coverage rate has increased to 24.02%.
Efforts to build a “beautiful China” have spurred a shift towards green and low-carbon development. In Hefei, Anhui, initiatives are underway to identify and phase out high-energy-consuming and high-emission industrial projects. The province has established more than 160 national-level green factories, with a goal to reduce energy consumption in industrial units by 15% by 2025. Jiangxi’s Jiujiang is promoting green and low-carbon transformations, targeting the creation of 10 provincial-level green factories, one green park, and 30 water-saving enterprises annually. Meanwhile, Yibin in Sichuan Province has increased its number of “zero carbon factories” to 13 and is accelerating the development of new energy storage projects.
The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized “building a beautiful China” as a key focus. Systematic reforms in the ecological civilization system are being implemented, guiding the country toward a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
In Hainan Island, the coastal area from Wanning Xiaohai to Shimei Bay has been transformed through the removal of aquaculture ponds and the replanting of ecological forests, revealing one of the most picturesque coastlines in the region. In Guizhou Province’s Congjiang County, the forest coverage rate has reached 69.3%, with each cedar tree in Gangbian Village now recorded with a unique ID to track its health.
Guided by the principles of ecological civilization, China continues to advance its environmental reforms and support high-quality development through a high-quality ecological environment. The journey toward a beautiful China is making significant strides, showcasing a new era of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
