For years, North China's Shanxi province has been advancing ecological protection and high-quality, sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin. 

The province has consistently promoted the adoption of a unique ecological management system tailored to the region, with 40.84 million mu (2.72 million hectares) of permanent ecological public forests and 642,000 mu of wetlands within the basin under legal protection.

Since the initiation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), the province has afforested 11.03 million mu of land and restored 1.21 million mu of grassland, leading the nation in artificial afforestation for three consecutive years and achieving a soil conservation rate of 64.58 percent.

Recognizing its high reliance on traditional energy industries, significant industrial energy consumption, and substantial waste emissions, Shanxi is developing a unique modern industrial system by optimizing major project layouts, promoting a green and low-carbon economy, accelerating the adoption of clean energy in key industries, and enhancing technological innovation in the industrial sector.

Furthermore, Shanxi is working to improve the well-being and satisfaction of residents in the basin. To this end, it is integrating ecological protection with rural vitalization, creating a variety of ecological products, and gradually forming a new model of modern development that benefits both humans and nature.

In addition, to create livable cities, Shanxi is constructing small green spaces and pocket parks, allowing residents to enjoy the benefits of high-quality ecological environments close to their homes.