As scorching summer heat grips much of China, the country’s northeast has emerged as a popular sightseeing destination with cool weather and breathtaking views of lush mountains and lucid waters.

Encompassing Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces and part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the northeastern region, once a heavy industrial base, has embraced a green transition in recent years, embodying Chinese President Xi Jinping’s thought on ecological civilization.

 Since the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress in late 2012, President Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has conducted several inspection tours of northeast China, emphasizing green development and providing guidance for the region’s revitalization.
 
 BETTER LANDSCAPE, BETTER LIVES
At Chagan Lake in Jilin Province, one of China’s largest freshwater lakes, shimmering waters mirror vibrant wildflowers, lush wetlands stretch to the horizon and the sky blends seamlessly with the lake, creating a tranquil vista for visitors.

 The stunning scenery contrasts sharply with severe regional ecological degradation decades ago when the lake almost dried up.

 Zhang Wen, who has lived in the area for over 60 years, vividly remembers the hardship of that time. “Many fishermen left for greener pastures while those who stayed endured poverty due to shrinking fish resources caused by environmental degradation,” Zhang said.

 The situation has improved significantly in recent years, especially after 2012, when the 18th CPC National Congress highlighted the importance of ecological progress and advocated for building a “Beautiful China” as part of the country’s development plan.

 In addition to a water diversion project, local authorities have initiated dredging projects and mobilized farmers to turn farmland back into forests, wetlands and grasslands around the lake. These concerted efforts to a large extent have helped restore the lake ecology.

 Zhang said he is amazed by the lake’s revival. “We now not only benefit from plentiful fish resources but also earn additional income by showcasing traditional fishing practices to tourists,” he said, adding that fishermen like him have moved into large houses and commute in their own private sedans.

 While inspecting the ecological protection measures of Chagan Lake in September 2018, Xi said the sound environment is a precious resource for the economic and social development of the northeastern region, serving as an advantage for its revitalization.    

                                        Xinhua