Zhangjiagang, a port city along the Yangtze River, focuses on protecting its rivers and lakes. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwenming]

Zhangjiagang, a port city along the Yangtze River, has been focusing on protecting its rivers and lakes and working to build an ecological civilization over the past year, according to a local news report.

The city launched a project entitled "ecological and beautiful waterways" earlier this year and planned to build 105 beautiful and ecological rivers and lakes in an effort to improve rural living conditions and beautify the local environment.

Xinhaiba village in Daxin town was once a heavily-polluted place with a bulk cargo wharf with multiple factories, causing great harm to the environment and living organisms.

The village launched a renovation project focused on improving the local environment several years ago, and it now boasts beautiful scenery and clear waters, as well as an ecological wetland park.

A local village elder surnamed Li spoke highly of the strong efforts made by the local government to improve living conditions.

"We have already improved housing conditions and created a beautiful environment, bringing us a better life," said Li.

Zhangjiagang plans to continue protecting its environment to create harmony between humans and nature and achieve sustainable development.