Zhongshan Advances High-Quality Urban, Rural Development with Environmental Gains

Chinese cities are increasingly prioritizing high-quality development that integrates economic growth with environmental sustainability. Zhongshan City has revitalized industrial areas and improved water quality, earning praise from China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, while boosting rural living standards through substantial investments in new energy and biomedicine sectors. Xiamen's transformation from severe pollution around Yundang Lake in the 1980s to a model of ecological restoration highlights the long-term commitment of municipal governments to balance industrialization with environmental protection. Beijing exemplifies the fusion of modern urbanization and biodiversity conservation, leveraging scientific innovation and a network of universities and research institutes to promote urban greening and ecosystem restoration, earning recognition as a city of biodiversity charm. These efforts reflect a broader national strategy rooted in the ancient Chinese philosophy of unity between nature and mankind, emphasizing ecological civilization as a pillar of sustainable development.