Lyuliang balances ecological, economic development in river basin

Lyuliang is committed to ecological protection and soil erosion control in the Yellow River basin. [Photo/Shanxi Daily] 

Lyuliang city in North China's Shanxi province, long nurtured by the Yellow River, has been ramping up efforts in recent years to boost local ecological protection and high-quality economic development in the Yellow River basin.

By integrating poverty alleviation efforts with ecologically friendly construction works, the city has accelerated building roads along the Yellow River and green landscaping along the riverbanks.

The Yellow River Bridge connecting Mengmen town in Lyuliang city, Shanxi province and Wubao county in neighboring Shaanxi province opens in June. [Photo/Shanxi Daily] 

As a result, it has transformed mountains and valleys into accessible routes through the construction of the Yellow River No 1 Tourist Highway, connecting beautiful mountain landscapes and opening up more opportunities for local residents to improve their livelihoods. 

The city has also implemented afforestation projects, with forest areas now covering 2,200 square kilometers. More than 1,573 sq km of farmland has been transformed into forests, while the quality of 1,853 sq km of "economic forests" has been improved.

Qikou ancient town near the Yellow River in Lyuliang. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Meanwhile, efforts have been made to address water-related issues, such as cleaning up drinking water sources, improving black and odorous water bodies, industrial wastewater, urban sewage, and rural drainage. This continuous improvement has significantly enhanced the biodiversity of the Lyuliang Mountains, attracting a large number of migratory birds to settle and thrive in the area.

The city's commitment to ecological protection and the high-quality development in the Yellow River basin has not only transformed the landscape but also improved the living conditions of local residents, while also serving as a model for sustainable development in the region.

The Yellow River No 1 Tourist Highway winds up and down the mountains of Lyuliang. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]