Green development turns Huaxi into highly livable district

Tranquil countryside in Huaxi district [Photo/huaxi.gov.cn]

Huaxi district in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, has been improving environmental protection by focusing on prominent local problems over past few years.

Once a coal township with over 400 coal mines, Jiuan township in Huaxi district suffered from a polluted environment. However, since 2006, the township has been shifting to sustainable development and developing tea-based agriculture, culture and tourism industries relying on its abundant local tea resources. It has now become a tea-themed tourist destination in Guizhou.

The transformation of Jiuan township is a quintessential example of Huaxi's efforts and achievements in developing a national demonstration zone for ecological civilization.

The district has integrated environmental improvement and protection with the development of agriculture, industry and tourism, boosting local green transformation.

Since 2016, the rate of days with good and excellent air quality in Huaxi has increased from 95.6 percent to 98.3 percent, all industrial solid waste has been utilized and all hazardous waste has been disposed of safely, and the harmless treatment rate of domestic waste has reached 98 percent.

The district's forest coverage rate has increased to 54.95 percent, and 50.88 percent of its built-up area is now green area.

It has built the first national urban wetland park and 89 additional parks.

In 2021, Huaxi was approved as one of the first practice and innovation bases in Guizhou for the "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" development philosophy.