Workers collect floating debris in Jiaxing's Nanhu Lake scenic area. [Photo/IC]

Jiaxing in East China's Zhejiang province made significant strides in building an ecological civilization during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), advancing environmental governance, green development, and social welfare.

The city has focused on the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," balancing pollution control with ecosystem restoration and integrating ecological progress into economic and social development.

The city's water environment has seen marked progress. More than 1,700 kilometers of clear-water streams are improving the region's landscape, and the water quality of rivers and drinking water sources has consistently met standards for five years.

Jiaxing's air quality has also improved through practical measures to control PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, reducing ozone and particulate matter pollution.

Additionally, Jiaxing has been recognized as one of the first cities in the province to establish a "zero-waste city" initiative, thereby reducing soil pollution risks.

Jiaxing has made advances in biodiversity protection and wetland conservation, with the city now home to various protected species, such as the glossy ibis and black-faced spoonbill. It also improved coastal wetland ecosystems by establishing one national-level wetland park and six provincial-level parks.