A splendid aerial view of Yangquan. [Photo/Yangquan Evening News]

Yangquan in North China's Shanxi province recently received national recognition from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment for its exemplary efforts in ecological reforms and improvements to the quality of its environment.

As the only city in Shanxi province to be honored, Yangquan was commended for its outstanding practices in promoting Beautiful China and advancing local ecological initiatives.

This marks the first time Yangquan has achieved such recognition, highlighting its dedication to sustainable development and environmental protection.

Since last year, Yangquan has been actively enhancing its ecological environment through comprehensive strategies. The city has vigorously tackled air pollution, water quality, ecological restoration, clean transportation and solid waste management.

These efforts are widely said to have led to significant improvements in Yangquan's ecological indicators.

Growing greener: Yangquan city is making moves in Shanxi province. [Photo/Yangquan Daily]

In 2023, Yangquan's comprehensive air quality index improved to 4.73, a 4.6-percent year-on-year decrease, ranking it ninth among 168 key cities nationwide and first in the province.

The heavier PM2.5 concentrations dropped by 7.3 percent to 38 micrograms per cubic meter, marking a record low. The city's air quality has been above 70 percent for three consecutive years, with five out of six pollutants decreasing.

Additionally, all substandard water bodies and urban black-odorous water bodies have been eliminated, with 100-percent of national examination water bodies meeting quality standards. 

Yuxian county became a national model for ecological civilization, and the Yangquan High-Tech Industrial Development Zone was recognized as a pilot area for pollution and carbon reductions.