This year marks the 20th anniversary of the concept that "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," formulated to guide sustainable development in China.

Chongqing, located at the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir area in southwest China, is a beneficiary of this concept. The city's commitment to green development not only safeguards ecological balance but also sets an example for the entire Yangtze River Economic Belt.

In the scenic Qutang Gorge, the Yangtze flows through the towering Kuimen or Kui Gate, where two blue mechanized boats continuously collect floating debris from the water. Wu Fuchun, head of Fengjie county's environmental sanitation department, explained that this is essential due to the river's unique flow dynamics that trap floating waste, especially during the flood season. Without timely cleanup, the debris would be carried downstream, harming the ecosystem of the Three Gorges.

Fengjie has also implemented an intelligent waste management system to streamline the cleanup process. This system, launched in April, uses drones to identify floating waste and alert teams to remove it. The result has been a significant reduction in pollution. Ninety-five percent of the waste is collected and 100 percent of it is safely transferred.

The Hanfeng Lake in Kaizhou district, once heavily polluted, now has pristine waters where local children enjoy paddleboarding. The area is being ecologically restored, transformed into a vibrant wetland park. The number of bird species around the lake has risen dramatically from 144 to 243 over the past decade, signaling the success of the restoration efforts.

In Yongle, a town on the banks of the Yangtze, orange trees in vast orchards sway gently in the breeze. These trees, nourished by the river, have brought prosperity to the region. A stark contrast to its coal-based economy 20 years ago, Fengjie now grows over 383,000 mu of navel oranges,  producing 507,000 tonnes annually, worth more than 6.5 billion RMB. The growth of this orchard industry has reduced soil erosion by over 10,000 tonnes, proving that ecological restoration and economic development can go hand in hand.

Chongqing's green initiatives are not only enriching the local economy but are also creating a sustainable path for future generations, as the city continues to explore ways to integrate ecological protection with economic growth. By focusing on ecological tourism, the region is laying the groundwork for a greener, wealthier future.