The National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone's achievements in preserving and improving the natural and living environments play a significant role in having Zhuhai ranked 11th among 338 cities in terms of ecological and environmental quality last year.

The Ministry of Ecological Environment released a brief report on March 18 stating that 122 cities, or 35.8 percent of those surveyed, meet ambient air quality standards. The top five are Haikou of Hainan, Huangshan of Anhui, Zhoushan of Zhejiang, Lhasa of Tibet Autonomous Region, and Lishui of Zhejiang.

Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone

As Zhuhai's profile continues to improve in various respects, the development zone in Tangjiawan, already with a strong reputation for a romantic coastland and Qi'ao Island, is contributing to the trend with extensive beautification and afforestation.

An ecological drawing card, Qi'ao Mangrove Wetland Forest Park provides a safe, comfortable habitat where migratory birds feed easily, leading to scenes of flocks in flight. Phase 1 of newly opened Tangjiawan Coastal Park gained instant popularity with its 1.4-km (.87-mile) beach, its loveliness enhanced by creative murals on 133 box substations along Gangwan Avenue.

Harmonious coexistence with nature

While Fenghuang Mt Forest Park represents a superior level of environmental quality, the new Tangjia Gongleyuan and Xiazha Community parks are also setting high standards. Last year more than 10 hectares (25 acres) of windbreak tree belts were renovated and 26.5 km (16.5 miles) of health tracks such as Xiangshan Old Post Roads (Tangjiawan Section) were added. Landscaping of key highway isolation belts, involving 2.57 hectares (6.4 acres) of flowers and 3.3 hectares of turf, was undertaken four times in 2018 alone.

Local departments also monitor building construction, upgrades, demolitions, and renovations of industrial areas, while strict control of water quality remains a top priority.

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Blossoms in the sunglow [Photos courtesy WeChat ID: zh_gxq]