Tai'an: Crafting beautiful, harmonious river landscape

In early spring, the Haizi River Wetland Park in Ningyang county, Tai'an, is filled with clear water and shimmering reflections. [Photo/WeChat account: sdshbt]

In recent years, Tai'an city in Shandong has implemented a strategy focused on ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, striving to create beautiful rivers and lakes. The provincial government has recognized Tai'an for its significant achievements in improving the ecological environment.

In early spring, the Haizi River Wetland Park in Ningyang county, Tai'an, is filled with clear water and shimmering reflections. Despite the cold weather, winter fishing enthusiasts are undeterred. This picturesque scene is a stark contrast to three years ago when the Haizi River was heavily polluted, dried up, and emitted foul odors.

Previously, pollution in the Haizi River was mainly caused by overflow and direct discharge from the old and damaged underground sewage pipes in the Ningyang Chemical Industrial Park, unauthorized discharge of industrial wastewater, and the mixing of rainwater and sewage. To protect the environment, Ningyang county launched a series of ecological protection measures and environmental management projects aimed at fostering sustainability in the area.

Thanks to the efforts of the local government, the Haizi River has undergone a remarkable transformation. In March 2024, it was selected as one of the first batch of outstanding provincial-level beautiful river and lake cases. This ecological transformation of a small river is a great example of Tai'an city's commitment to ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin.

According to official data from January to November last year, Tai'an's water environment quality ranked third in the province at 4.79, and an improvement of 1.91 percent over the previous period also ranked third in the province. As of December 10, the city's comprehensive air quality index was 4.22, ranking eighth in the province, with a year-on-year improvement of 0.9 percent.