Chongqing - As the warmth of spring embraced Baihe Forest Park in Fuling District, Chongqing, begonias burst into bloom, painting the park with vibrant colors. The air was filled with the melodies of birds drawn to the blossoms.

A bird is perched on a tree in Baihe Forest Park, Fuling District, Chongqing. (Photo/Huang He)

"Spring is here, and seeing these flowers and small birds makes me feel that the whole person is refreshed," said Mr. Zhang, a local citizen who visits the park every year to enjoy the seasonal beauty.

Located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Wujiang Rivers, Fuling District lies in the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area. The area's river system, rich in aquatic life, is crucial to the ecological health of the Yangtze River's upper reaches.

Ecological barrier in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau)

In 2019, Fuling District became the first in the city to retire fishing operations, removing boats and disbanding crews. By year-end, 84.8 million yuan (about USD 11.7 million) in award funds were paid to help fishermen transition to new livelihoods.

"Several generations of my family have lived on the Yangtze River," said Xie Bing, leader of the Fuling District Fisheries Assistance Patrol team. He grew up near the Yangtze River and has nearly 20 years of fishing experience.

"The smaller the fish, the poorer the fishermen." He responded to the call to retire fishing operations and now oversees over 200 kilometers of no-fishing waters. His team has rescued and released hundreds of kilograms of aquatic life in the past two years.

In the past decade, Fuling District has released over 20 million fish fry into the Three Gorges Reservoir, helping replenish fish stocks and enhance aquatic biodiversity in the region.

The Yangtze River is currently experiencing a dry season, with water levels at the Zhongxian County section dropping to 163.48 meters by February 18. This has exposed mudflats with debris.

Volunteers conduct a river cleanup in Zhongxian County during the dry season. (Photo/Cheng Qing)

Liu Qinghua, river chef of Baishi River in Zhongxian County, reported that over 20 cleaners and volunteers work daily to clear the river.

Examples like Fuling District and Zhongxian County are abundant, especially in areas along the Yangtze River, which play a key role in both economic development and ecological protection. Chongqing has focused on preserving the river’s health by reducing pollution, improving water quality, and promoting sustainable development.

In 2016, China implemented the river chief system, assigning leaders to manage water resources and protect rivers. In 2024, Chongqing's 18,300 river chiefs patrolled over 900,000 times, ensuring the Yangtze River's water quality remained Class II for eight years. Seventy-four state-controlled sections maintained a perfect 100% record for two years.

In recent years, Chongqing has focused on ecological protection in the Yangtze River's upper reaches. In 2024, the restoration project in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area reached 96% completion, adding 350,000 mu of forest. The region's forest coverage is over 55%, and biodiversity has improved. One hundred ten fish species are now detected, five more than the previous year.

Chongqing has also made significant progress in green, low-carbon development. In 2024, the city achieved 100% compliance in the national carbon market, reaching 52.99 million tons of trading. The city has established 170 national green factories and 16 green parks, focusing on eco-friendly materials and plastic substitution.

By the end of 2025, Chongqing plans to establish over 4,000 "Zero-Waste" city cells and implement wildlife protection projects. To protect aquatic biodiversity, the city will also maintain a 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River.