Environmental improvement of Hongshui River benefits Hechi people

The Hongshui River has nurtured the residents of Hechi for thousands of years, and recent improvements to the river's ecosystems and surrounding environment have brought many benefits to those currently living in the city.

Relying on the river's rich mineral resources, Dahua, Yantan, Bailongtan, Longtan and other hydropower stations have been built along the Hongshui River. The development of hydropower resources has boosted the local economy and improved the environment.

However, since 1997, the water quality has been severely polluted due to intense mining exploration, aquaculture and waste water discharge.

In 2012, Hechi began making efforts to restore the river's health. The city has closed a total of 96 heavy metal-polluting enterprises, promoted pollution control among enterprises, used clean energy sources, and protected drinking water in recent years.

In the reservoir area of Longtan, Dahua, Yantan and Bailongtan, the local government has stepped up environmental improvement efforts by developing ecological aquaculture, healthcare and tourism.

In 2020's national surface water environmental quality ranking, the environmental quality of surface water in Hechi ranked among the top 10 in China and fourth in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. To date, there are 36 villages in Hechi which have been recognized as "National Forest Villages", and the city is striving to increase the life expectancy of its residents and strengthen health tourism.

The picturesque scenery of the Hongshui River basin in Donglan county. [Photo/IC]