(File Photo/icswb.com)

Recently, Changsha has integrated water ecological civilization construction with industrial transformation, people’s livelihood, and urban construction, thus embarking on a new path of water ecological civilization construction in the hilly areas of south China.

Changsha has adhered to the concept that water management should be put first. It has built or expanded 12 lakes in its central area, such as Meixi Lake, Songya Lake, and Houhu Lake. The Xihu Fishery, which is originally planned for commercial and residential uses, has been built into a public park, and its water area increased by nearly 2,000 hectares. With the improved ecological environment, the waterfront industrial belts surge, such as Meixihu International New Town, Yanghu Ecological New Town, and Yuelu Mountain University Science and Technology Town.

Changsha has integrated water management with the rural revitalization strategy. It has extended the application of the river chief system (Hezhangzhi) to village groups. In 2018, 21,200 toilets have been upgraded; 28,000 mu (1,866 ha.) of mountain ponds and 12,000 kilometers of ditches have been dredged; and, 15 township-level sewage plants and 128 small ecological wetlands have been built. The water environment in the rural areas has been greatly improved.

Changsha has integrated water management with urban construction. In order to promote the upgrading and renovation of river courses and embankments, it has constructed greenways on the banks of the Liuyang River, Laodao River, and Guitang River. A total of 120 miles of waterfront footpaths have been completed.

Water landscape corridors, water culture-themed parks, and island scenic areas along both sides of the Xiangjiang River were built. There were 5 national water conservancy scenic spots, 4 national wetland parks, and more than 200 recreational places for water-loving citizens developed. 

Source: en.changsha.gov.cn