Wenjiang residents reap benefits of environmental protection

Residents of the Wenjiang district of Chengdu – capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province – are breathing deeply and enjoying a much greener and cleaner atmosphere these days, thanks to continuous municipal government efforts to strengthen the district's environmental protection.

Covering 277 square kilometers, Wenjiang is located on the site of the ancient Shu Kingdom from over 4,000 years ago. It is also known as "golden Wenjiang" for its mild climate, rivers and green spaces, and agricultural and industrial output.

With the aim of creating a better living environment for residents, the government of Wenjiang is attaching great importance to the construction of a greenway, to upgrading its river ecological system and strengthening cultural protection centered on Confucius Temple in the upcoming years.

The district is constructing a 698 km-long greenway system with the aim of supporting rural revitalization and boosting industrial development in fields like tourism, creativity, sports and leisure in the region.

A cyclist powers along the Beilin Greenway in Wenjiang. [Photo by Tian Xianghe/For China Daily]

The district government has hosted events such as an international marathon and cycling races at the Beilin Greenway, part of the northern section of the greenway, which has a length of 65 km.

Jiangping Road, part of the southern section of the greenway, which goes through the downtown area of Wenjiang, is set to be a place of leisure with parks, sports areas, reading corners, and public squares for residents to relax and experience modern life in Wenjiang.

In the next few years, the government will accelerate construction on the greenway by establishing a public transport network and public service facilities for it to play a bigger role in communities.

Jiang'an River and Jinma River are two rivers that flow through Wenjiang. The Wenjiang government has decided to upgrade areas along the two rivers to promote cultural and tourism development. Public service facilities and wetland parks will be created to enhance local living standards.

A glorious evening view of the Jiang'an River in Wenjiang. [Photo by Zhang Zhiqiang/For China Daily]

Lujia mud flat, was once a less developed part of Jinma River in Wenjiang, but has been developed into a park. The park attracts nearly 1 million visitors annually for activities such as cycling, jogging, sightseeing, taking photos and camping.

Apart from creating new infrastructure and sceneries, Wenjiang has launched a series of upgrade plans for old communities. It attaches great importance to cultural protection in the upgrading process.

Tuanjie Lane, one of old lanes with century-long history, has retained its traditional look after the upgrading process. Traditional cultural and lifestyle elements such as stonework, tofu shops and old teahouses allow visitors to experience an ancient Wenjiang.

Confucius Temple is a particular highlight that demonstrates Wenjiang's history. The district government has decided to develop a cultural zone centered around the temple.

Looking ahead, Wenjiang will promote cultural development so as to strengthen interaction with residents and achieve higher goals in social and economic development.

The breathtaking mountain views are among the many charms of the Wenjiang district of Chengdu. [Photo by Zhang Zhiqiang/For China Daily]