The improved environment in Yongxing village, Zhangjiagang, East China's Jiangsu province, brings tangible benefits to local residents. [Photo/Official WeChat account: zjgcitynews] 

The county-level city of Zhangjiagang in East China's Jiangsu province launched an environmental conservation project in 2019 in an effort to protect the Yangtze River from over development. The efforts made by governments at all levels have led to numerous benefits for villages along the river, especially Yongxing village.

"Living conditions have improved a lot since last year, and we usually take a walk along the river after dinner every day, which used to be impossible because of the severe pollution," said Gu Xueyuan, a resident of the village.

Zhangjiagang has been making efforts to promote port-related industries since reform and opening-up began in 1978. A large shipyard and many wharfs have been built there, destroying the balance of natural ecosystems. Villagers living along the river suffered from heavy noise pollution and awful stenches, as well as severe dust on windy days.

The dirty, chaotic river environment led Huang Xuexian to depression. Huang, Party secretary of Yongxing village, decided to lead the construction of an ecological park and encouraged locals to promote their local culture and attract more tourists in an effort to develop a rural tourism industry.

The local government has also been making efforts to create more jobs and business opportunities in the village by promoting the development of rural tourism, which has become a new path to prosperity for Yongxing village.