Binhu district of Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province has made headway in water and air pollution control as the city strives to build a pleasant environment for its citizens.

In recent years, Binhu district has focused on solving prominent environmental problems and improving overall ecological environment quality. This initiative has allowed local residents to relish the joy of living alongside Taihu Lake, which covers an area of approximately 207 square kilometers with a shoreline extending 108 kilometers.

The province's Department of Ecology and Environment recently announced that the water quality of Taihu Lake has met both the province's and national targets.

Chen Chunxiao, the Party secretary of the Xicun community in the Mashan sub-district of Binhu, has served as a local "river chief" for many years. He noted the increased presence of seagulls, and egrets flying over the lake. Even wild ducks, which have not been seen for many years, are now swimming in groups on the lake surface. "Living in this beautiful water village in the south of the Yangtze River, I feel comfortable, happy, and proud."

Historically prone to blue-green algae during southeast winds in summer, Labakou Harbor in Taihu Lake has notably reduced the occurrence of the algae this year.

Since 2019, the district has invested approximately 2.6 billion yuan ($366 million) in the management of Taihu Lake, completed 91 key projects, improved 184 waterways, and implemented 100 projects for improving the water quality of rivers and lakes.

The focus of Taihu Lake governance has extended beyond water treatment to encompass protection. To safeguard adjacent residential areas and kindergartens, a "water environmental protection corridor" has been created along the shore. This corridor integrates historical and cultural elements while promoting public awareness of rainwater collection, filtration, treatment, and water quality purification.

Binhu's special rural environment campaign is further accelerating the integration of countryside, culture, and tourism, making every effort to create a livable, business-friendly, and scenic rural area.

According to data from the Binhu bureau of ecology and environment, the average PM2.5 concentration in the district from January to November was 24.7 micrograms per cubic meter. This indicates a decrease of 4.3 percent compared to the same period last year, ranking Binhu first in the city in terms of absolute value.