The reflections of lotus leaves, blue skies and white clouds – along with pavilions and terraces in the city center park – create an idyllic ambience in Yangquan. [Photo/Yangquan Evening News]

Yangquan in Shanxi province has been exploring new models for comprehensive soil and water conservation, focusing on small clean and eco-friendly watershed management projects to preserve its green landscape.

A notable success is widely said to be the project implemented in Chanfang village in Yuxian county, which has transformed the place with clear water, lush vegetation and clean rivers.

In 2023, Yangquan exceeded its targets by completing soil erosion control over 148.94 square kilometers. The city's strategy emphasizes unified planning of mountains, water, forests, fields, roads and villages.

The Chanfang project in Yangquan, with an investment of 11.9 million yuan ($1.64 million), controlled soil erosion over 34.28 sq km through afforestation, hillside closures, village beautification and the construction of a water conservation facility.

Similarly, the Zhongtangou project in Pingding county, with a 7 million yuan investment, controlled soil erosion over 20 sq km by addressing non-point source pollution, establishing water conservation forests and improving river channels.

Glorious cherry blossoms currently festoon Yangquan city. [Photo/Yangquan Daily]

Yangquan has also strengthened its supervision and management of soil and water conservation, fully implementing a reporting system for production and construction projects.

In 2023, 72 water and soil conservation plans were approved and some 38 projects underwent supervision and inspections.

The city issued its Implementation Plan for Strengthening Soil and Water Conservation in the New Era and established an inter-departmental coordination mechanism, launching joint inspections with the relevant authorities.

Moreover, Yangquan is understood to have made great strides in informatization, fee collections and the monitoring of soil and water conservation.