An aerial view of the Huaihe River basin in Bengbu, Anhui. Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn
In the golden autumn season, along the Huaihe River in Bengbu city of East China's Anhui, the sky is high, the water is wide, and the riverbanks are beautiful with a smooth river flow.
On the waterfront square, children play in the sand and water, their laughter echoing from both sides of the banks where a fitness trail winds into the distance, allowing people to stretch freely amidst the beautiful scenery. In this boundless beauty, a new picture of harmony between people and the water slowly unfolds.
An aerial view of the Huaihe River basin in Bengbu, Anhui. Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn
It's hard to imagine that just a few years ago, the area was cluttered with rubbish, a concentrated area of disorder and dirt.
The Huaihe River is the first major river in New China to undergo comprehensive systematic management, according to the local authorities.
As the central city in the Huaihe River basin, the local government launched the "Beautifying Huaihe River" project in 2022, promoting comprehensive flood control, transportation and ecological management of the river in the main urban area.
This includes raising flood discharge standards, restoring the ecology of the river, improving urban transportation, optimizing the living environment and expanding urban space.
An aerial view of the Huaihe River basin in Bengbu, Anhui. Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn
Xun Yiran, director of the Bengbu water conservancy bureau, said the project has increased flood discharge capacity by around 30 percent.
With the widening of the river channel, areas near the water such as embankments, beaches, and riverbanks have been reshaped.
The city focuses on comprehensive management based on protecting and restoring the ecological environment of the river, adding 4,600 mu (367 hectares) of water surface, 2,600 mu of wetlands and 12,000 mu of urban green space.
"This is like installing a large air conditioner in the city center, playing a role in regulating the microclimate of the city," said Xun Yiran.
An aerial view of the Huaihe River basin in Bengbu, Anhui. Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn
Different facilities and its construction are arranged based on different flood levels, utilizing tidal flats in a tiered manner to transform it into urban parks.
Water-resistant flowers, plants and trees are planted along the riverbank, with cycling paths, beaches, boardwalks and waterfront platforms readily available.
Sports facilities like tennis courts and basketball courts are also built near the water to meet diverse public needs.
An aerial view of the Huaihe River basin in Bengbu, Anhui. Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn
