Jinan, a key city in the Yellow River basin in Shandong province, is playing a significant role in China's national strategy for the protection and high-quality development of the river, which is regarded as the Mother River of China.

The city has recently had two Yellow River sections named on the provincial list of beautiful and happy demonstration rivers and lakes.

By 2023, Jinan is set to implement 184 greening projects in 10 categories, including construction of 11 road greening projects such as Yellow River Avenue, with a total investment of 4.3 billion yuan ($626 million).

Jinan's ecological protection initiatives have transformed the Yellow River embankment from a barren land into an ecological corridor and a natural oxygen bar for its citizens.

From the vast areas of silver poplar forests and rapeseed flower fields in the Yellow River Park to the serene fishing area of Longhu Wetland and the lush greenery of the Yellow River ecological lawn base, the city's residents can enjoy a beautiful natural environment.

Jinan aims for high-quality economic development alongside environmental protection. With 77 major provincial projects planned for this year, involving a total investment of 117.4 billion yuan, Jinan leads Shandong in project number and investment amount for that dual purpose.

On Feb 21, the mother fund for ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin was successfully registered in Jinan's new and old kinetic energy conversion starting area, bringing financial impetus and promoting the area's development.

Jinan is also pushing forward with infrastructure construction to integrate all local Yellow River areas into its economic circle with smoother transport links and a comprehensive layout. This year, 224 key projects are planned in the transportation sector, with a total investment of 536.2 billion yuan.

With these efforts, Jinan is on the way to becoming an even more sustainable and vibrant city in the Yellow River basin.

Source：China Daily