Greenway in east China improves local life, restores ecology

A vibrant coastal greenway in east China, which recently enjoyed a visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, has helped improve life in the city and boosted tourism, according to residents.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited the greenway in Rizhao City, Shandong Province on Wednesday. His arrival aroused a warm welcome from locals, officials and tourists.

The construction of the 28-km-long greenway prioritized the restoration of ecologically sensitive areas. This approach maximized the integrity and natural state of the local marine ecosystem, in line with the national strategy of building "ecological civilization."

"The general secretary mainly learned about the construction of ecological civilization and the greenway along the path. What he cared about the most is the construction of ecological civilization, and the development of culture and tourism," said Liu Xianglong, secretary of the Party committee of Donggang District of Rizhao.

"The area underwent three large-scale upgrading renovations. The intersection of the greenway's Wangpingkou section and Shanghaitian section used to be a shrimp pond, and the ecology was relatively fragile. The construction of this greenway helped to improve the ecological environment here and protected the sea," said Liu Wenjun, manager of the Wangpingkou scenic spot along the greenway.

"The construction of the greenway shows respect for and compliance with nature, and finally brought the best natural scenery to residents and tourists. The greenway now integrates naturally with its surroundings," said Liu Xianglong.

The greenway serves as a multi-functional leisure area for local people. During Xi's visit, he encountered a number of cyclists and a couple posing for wedding photos at the greenway's Wanpingkou scenic spot.

"Now the greenway connects the beautiful countryside, seaside, mountains and rivers. Every day when we cycle on the greenway, it feels like looking at a landscape painting," said Fan Fengzhan, one of the cyclists.

"Cycling keeps us healthy, and I feel especially happy living in the city of Rizhao," said Li Mei, another cyclist.

"'Wanpingkou' means that everything goes well with peace and happiness. Rizhao has undergone many changes over the past two years, and it is a very vibrant city," Zhang Zhenhua, a groom taking wedding photos on the beach.

The greenway also draws tourism thanks to its kilometers of beautiful scenery, according to Liu Xianglong, the Party committee secretary.

"Riding bikes, jogging, and walking by the sea provide great experiences for local residents. For tourists, Rizhao offers over 60 kilometers of natural beach shoreline. The construction of this coastal greenway enhances the beauty and functionality, providing an even better experience for visitors," said Liu Xianglong.

"I came to Rizhao to participate in the first National Workers Marathon. I think the course is particularly beautiful. While running, we enjoyed not only the happiness brought by the sport but also the beautiful scenery of the sea along the way," said Zhao Yunqun, a marathon runner from Chongqing Municipality in southwest China.

"We often organize activities here for students. They all love it here and are very willing to visit here. We feel very fortunate to have such a beach and sea," said Liu Dan, a teacher at Rizhao Polytechnic, a local vocational school.

"In the next stage, we will bear in mind the instructions of the general secretary during his visit to Rizhao, and will do a good job in the basic management of the scenic spot so that the visitors can enjoy the beauty of clear skies, blue seas and golden beaches here," said Liu Wenjun.

Greenway in east China improves local life, restores ecology

Greenway in east China improves local life, restores ecology

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth