On Monday, the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources unveiled a landmark achievement: under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), the Chinese mainland has built the world’s largest and most comprehensive water conservancy infrastructure system. According to the press conference, this vast network now benefits the majority of the population, bolstering agriculture, urban supply, and flood control across diverse regions.
Imagine miles of interconnected canals, reservoirs, and levees working in harmony to channel water from abundant sources to areas in greatest need. This infrastructure push isn’t just about pipes and concrete—it’s a strategic response to climate shifts, urban growth, and the rising demand for reliable water access.
CGTN Graphics has captured the scale of these achievements in a concise infographic, showcasing the system’s impact on rural irrigation, city tap water, and emergency flood defenses. While specific numbers vary by basin, the overall message is clear: strategic planning and investment can reshape water security at an unprecedented level.
For global citizens and innovators, the Chinese mainland’s blueprint offers fresh insights. Entrepreneurs in water tech and sustainability can draw inspiration from advanced monitoring systems and smart distribution platforms now in operation. Travelers and digital nomads might find new eco-tourism destinations sprouting around these reservoirs and restored waterways. And thought leaders in sustainability can study how integrated infrastructure projects can serve as models for regions facing acute water stress.
As the world grapples with water challenges—from droughts in the outskirts of megacities to flood risks in coastal zones—this milestone on the Chinese mainland underscores the power of scale, collaboration, and forward-looking policy. It’s a story of transformation, one that invites a global dialogue on how we manage our planet’s most precious resource.
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Graphics: China builds world's largest water conservancy system
cgtn.com
