Chongqing - Since 2021, Chongqing has achieved an average annual economic growth of 5.6%, with energy consumption rising only 2.4%, according to Yuan Yao, deputy director of the Chongqing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, on Wednesday. 

Dabin Road Greenway in Dadukou District, Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing Urban Management Bureau)

In 2025, Chongqing aims to accelerate its green transformation and upgrade its industrial structure. The city targets the production of over 1.3 million new energy vehicles and a 12% increase in the automobile sector's output value. The city will also accelerate the growth of future industries like artificial intelligence and aerospace while strengthening key industrial chains in light alloy materials, fibers, and composites to achieve a 10% increase in output value.

Chongqing is also advancing its recycling industry, promoting the use of recycled materials, and encouraging a low-carbon lifestyle through consumer subsidies, including discounts on energy-efficient appliances.

Notably, the Tanhuitong platform allows citizens to create carbon accounts. They earn points for using public transportation and buying eco-friendly products, which they can redeem for rewards. Thus, low-carbon actions become tangible benefits.

Daihu Greenway in Beibei District, Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing Urban Management Bureau)

Yu Guodong, director of the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, said that the water quality in the Chongqing section of the Yangtze River has remained excellent for eight years. There have been 325 days of good air quality for five years running. To improve air quality further, 38,000 old vehicles will be phased out in 2025.

"By the end of 2025, Chongqing aims to have over 4,000 Zero-Waste City Cells," said Yu. Yu further explained that the “Zero Waste” goal aims to reduce solid waste and enhance resource use through green production and lifestyle changes. This includes promoting household waste recycling, food waste utilization, and replacing plastic with bamboo and wood products.

Additionally, Chongqing has made significant progress in biodiversity protection, including the successful breeding and return of the endangered cypress and silver fir. This year, the city will expand its forest belt by 350,000 mu and national reserve forests by 500,000 mu, reinforcing forests as green barriers.

Digital technologies are enhancing Chongqing's water, air, and waste management efforts. The city is upgrading its ecological platform, expanding key applications like "Bayu Zhishui," "Bayu Zhiqi," and "Bayu Zhifei." 

The "Bayu Zhishui" system now has over 11,000 monitoring points, reducing the response time for water quality issues from seven days to under 24 hours. Chongqing plans further optimization, with full automation for air, water, and noise monitoring on the horizon.

Furthermore, By 2025, Chongqing aims to build a high-standard greenway system that aligns with megacity governance, connecting urban and rural green resources and public service points like education, healthcare, and sports.

"By the end of 2024, the city had completed 445 kilometers of greenways in its mountainous terrain," said Liao Congquan, deputy director of the Chongqing Urban Management Bureau.

Liao also announced key greenway projects in 2025, including the 40-kilometer Zhangfei ancient ecological cultural greenway in Beibei District. These greenways will provide the public with safe, convenient, and attractive spaces for walking, commuting, and recreation.