Zhangjiagang, a county-level city in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, focuses on the preservation of the environment and the restoration of the Yangtze River ecosystem. [Photo/Official WeChat account: zjgcitynews]

Zhangjiagang, a county-level city in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, serves as a port along the Yangtze River. It has recently doubled down on its efforts to better coordinate environmental conservation along the riverbank, according to a news report on June 9.

The city strives to take advantage of its location to develop a "port-vicinity industry", and it has developed into a visually-appealing modern port city. However, its rapid economic growth has led to high levels of pollution, and residents living along the river now suffer from severe air and water pollution.

In recent years, the city has been working hard to protect its environment and restore the Yangtze River ecosystem.

An ecological improvement project costing 3.76 billion yuan ($531.55 million) was carried out in the city last year. It was aimed at strengthening the management and protection of shorelines.

"We should uphold the new development philosophy, better coordinate environmental conservation, and avoid excessive development," said Lan Shaomin, Party secretary of Suzhou.

The city has been awarded many honorable titles for its ecofriendly development and environmental protection efforts, including being named National Ecological City and receiving the National Ecological Civilization Award.

Many rare birds, which are often referred to as the "giant pandas" of birds due to their rarity, have been observed in the city's wetlands, an indication that the city's efforts to protect its rivers and lakes have paid off.