Tongluo Mountain, one of Chongqing's "four mountains," plays a crucial role in the ecological health of the Yangtze River. Once heavily damaged by limestone mining, the area has undergone extensive ecological restoration since 2018. The project focused on converting the mined land into a green zone that integrates with urban development, serving as a city lung and a public garden.

The restoration project divided the area into conservation, restoration, and sustainable use zones, achieving comprehensive ecological recovery. This transformation restored the local ecosystem and aimed to enhance the region's socio-economic value by promoting ecological goods and services.

Tongluo Mountain. (Photo/ Chongqing Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau)

Similarly, the Guangyang Island project prioritized ecology and green growth, using nature-based solutions to address environmental degradation. This project improved soil health, biodiversity, water quality, and food production while respecting local rights and cultural practices, ensuring the sustainability of restoration practices. It has successfully increased the number of plant species from 383 to 627 and animal species from 310 to 460, creating a diverse ecosystem featuring forests, terraced fields, and flower meadows.

On Guangyang Island, the golden expanse of rapeseed flowers creates a mesmerizing sea of color, drawing in both locals and tourists alike to bask in the beauty of this captivating floral spectacle. (Photo/New Chongqing in the Lens - Cui Jingyin)