Linqu Transforms Ecological Advantages into Economic Gains under National Green Transition Drive

As the 2026 World Environment Day approaches with the official theme of “Comprehensive Green Transition, Building a Beautiful China”, a special news series themed “Chasing Green Scenery, Embracing a Beautiful China” has been launched nationwide. Field investigations across multiple Chinese regions showcase local practices of ecological protection, green expansion and sustainable utilisation, presenting vivid landscapes of ecological progress across the country.

Linqu County in Weifang, Shandong Province, a newly designated innovation base for implementing the “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains are Invaluable Assets” philosophy, has delivered remarkable outcomes in ecological governance and coordinated development through consistent environmental optimisation along the Mi River ecological demonstration zone.

The Mi River waterfront in early summer features clear flowing water, dense willow trees and well-organised riverside pedestrian paths. Urban parks along the river have become popular leisure spaces for residents. Flocks of wild birds hover over the water, while sprawling green belts and flower landscapes shape an integrated urban scenery where buildings blend with forests, water systems and natural landscapes.

Such ecological achievements stem from systematic and long-term environmental governance mechanisms. Linqu has established a three-tier river chief management system covering county, town and village levels, with hundreds of dedicated inspectors conducting regular patrols to rectify river disorder issues and realise dynamic governance. Supported by ecological regulation from Yeyuan Reservoir, intelligent monitoring devices track water quality and water levels around the clock. The county adopts a combined model of natural restoration and manual enhancement to steadily upgrade water ecological environments.

Rigorous ecological management has yielded tangible ecological data in 2026. County-level river chiefs have completed six official inspections, while town-level and village-level counterparts have carried out 67 and 1,394 patrols respectively. The built-up area boasts 1,550 hectares of green space, delivering a green coverage rate of 40.56 per cent and a park green space service coverage of 88.76 per cent. The improved ecological environment has attracted nearly 300 wild bird species to inhabit and breed along the Mi River, serving as an intuitive indicator of sustained environmental improvement.

Ecological upgrading has further enriched urban living and cultural vitality. Once a simple irrigation waterway, the Mi River has evolved into a cultural and wellbeing river that integrates public leisure and local heritage. More than a dozen themed parks, coloured running tracks, standard sports venues and service stations have been built along the river corridors, forming accessible public leisure spaces for residents.

Local ecological renovation is closely integrated with urban renewal and public service optimisation. Sponge city transformation and rainwater diversion projects have eliminated seasonal waterlogging problems in urban areas. Riverside public spaces regularly host free medical services, policy lectures, outdoor film screenings and traditional opera performances. Intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, folk cultural shows and themed research activities enrich community life, fostering green and low-carbon living habits among local residents.

High-quality ecological resources continue to unlock new economic potential. The once desolate riverside tidal flat in Shijiahe Ecological Economic Zone has become a popular outdoor camping site, attracting nearly 50 per cent more visitors in the first half of this year. Industrial clusters featuring grape demonstration plantations and cold-water fish breeding bases have formed a connected industrial belt along the Mi River. The region’s ecological attractiveness is steadily converted into sustainable economic benefits.

Local authorities keep tapping the cultural value of the Mi River region, promoting in-depth integration of intangible heritage, tourism and agriculture to empower rural revitalisation through ecological resources.

The Mi River now functions as a core ecological corridor, an industrial innovation hub and a public urban living space for Linqu County. Its ecological development practices fully embody the essence of nationwide green transition strategies. The replicable grassroots experience accumulated in Linqu will support ecological and economic coordinated development in more regions across the country.