Gansu Jinchang: Flower city in North China

Updated: 2016-09-19
By Ge Jieru ( chinadaily.com.cn )

After many years of development Jinchang has found a way to balance its industrial capacity by establishing more eco-friendly industries, and the city now boasts the honor of being known as the "flower city in North China".

Jinchang has the third most abundant nickel ore reserves in the world, producing more than 90 percent of the country's nickel and platinum group metals.

However, the exploitation and utilization of mineral resources can result in  environmental problems. In order to achieve sustainable development, Jinchang has developed a flower industry, photovoltaic industry and modern agriculture to balance out its mining industry.

The city government has promoted four new industrial chains, including for flowers and the production of essential oils, plus it is trying to establish itself as a center for bee-related products. The city also hopes to become a center for weddings and rural tourism.

Jinchang city in Gansu province is awash with lavender. [Photo/Xinhua.net]

Staff members working at Jinchang’s Jinchuan Chemical Plant on Nov 13, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua.net]

Workers picking marigolds in Jinchang. [Photo/Xinhua.net]

Jinchang’s shelter forest project helps to improve the environment. [Photo/Xinhua.net]

Engineers check photovoltaic devices at Jinchang’s Zhenxin Photovoltaic Power Generation Base. [Photo/Xinhua.net]

A worker makes nickel ore net with the nickel ore produced in Jinchang. [Photo/Xinhua.net]

Edited by James Skinner