Follow Erik Solheim, chairman of the Europe-Asia Center and former UN under-secretary-general, as he travels through China’s lucid waters and lush mountains in 2025, uncovering how ecological challenges turn into sustainable solutions.
From Coal to Culture: The Eco-Tourist Village
Once dependent on mining, a small village in southwestern China has rebranded itself as an eco-tourism hotspot. This year, visitor numbers soared by 300%, drawing over 500,000 travelers seeking hiking trails, river tours, and cultural workshops. Local residents now earn income from homestays, craft markets, and guided nature treks—proof that environmental restoration can spark economic revival.
Turning Marine Waste into New Resources
Along the coast, startups have transformed marine plastic debris into building materials and fashion accessories. By last year, factories processed more than 10,000 tons of ocean waste, reducing plastic pollution and creating hundreds of green jobs. This circular approach turns an environmental threat into a profitable resource.
Bamboo’s Role in Plastic-Free Futures
Bamboo, a fast-growing grass, is stepping up to replace single-use plastics. Early trials this year show a 60% drop in carbon emissions compared to conventional plastics, making bamboo a natural ally in the fight against pollution.
West Lake’s Environmental Guardians
For more than a decade, volunteer teams have patrolled the shores of West Lake in eastern China, organizing cleanups, monitoring water quality, and hosting community workshops. Their grassroots efforts have kept this historic lake crystal clear, inspiring similar initiatives across the country.
The Changlongshan Water Battery
High in the mountains, the Changlongshan pumped-storage facility acts like a giant "water battery." By pumping water uphill during low-demand hours and releasing it through turbines at peak times, it stores up to 1,200 megawatts of clean energy. Today, this massive power bank helps stabilize the grid and supports renewable integration.
From lucid waters to lush mountains, China’s story in 2025 is one of adaptation and innovation. These projects showcase how policy, technology, and community spirit can turn environmental challenges into sustainable solutions—offering lessons for a planet in need of bold action.
Reference(s):
China Quest: A journey through lucid waters and lush mountains
cgtn.com
