Nakao River, an inland river in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, used to be a seriously polluted gutter with dozens of sewage outlets along the river. The water quality was once graded Level V, the lowest level in China's water quality grading system.
Thanks to the measures taken in recent years including sewage interception and treatment, and aquatic ecosystem restoration, Nakao River has shifted itself from a stinky ditch to a picturesque wetland park.
Nakao River wetland park is an epitome of "black and odorous" water bodies elimination in Nanning and is dubbed "the kidney of the city." It has become a benchmark nationwide for "black and odorous" water bodies treatment and sponge city construction.
The change of Nakao River mirrors China's unremitting efforts in environmental protection. China has taken the global lead in both the vision for and the practice of harmonious coexistence between people and nature and has become a pathfinder for, a contributor to, and leader of better green development.
Aerial photo taken on July 11, 2021 shows a view of the Nakao River wetland park in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
Aerial photo taken on July 11, 2021 shows a view of the Nakao River wetland park in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
People walk in the Nakao River wetland park in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, July 11, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
Aerial photo taken on July 11, 2021 shows a view of the Nakao River wetland park in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
People take photos in the Nakao River wetland park in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, July 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
Aerial photo taken on July 11, 2021 shows a view of the Nakao River wetland park in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
