Get ready to dive into "China Quest" 🏞️, a journey led by Erik Solheim, chairman of the Europe-Asia Center and former UN under-secretary-general. In late 2025, Solheim travels across the Chinese mainland to spot amazing eco-transformations turning environmental hurdles into sustainable wins. Here’s what he discovered:
1. From Mining Village to Eco Hotspot
Once famous for its mining operations, a small village in southwest China has reinvented itself as a trendy tourist destination. By cleaning up old mine sites, planting native forests, and launching community-led homestays, it’s now a go-to spot for nature-lovers. “It’s like stepping into a living painting,” says Solheim 😊.
2. Marine Plastic: Trash to Treasure ♻️
In coastal provinces, innovative startups are collecting marine plastic waste and turning it into building materials, fashion accessories, and even playground equipment. This year alone, over 5,000 tons of plastic have been recycled, giving new life to what once polluted our seas.
3. Bamboo vs. Plastic Pollution 🎋
Bamboo, a fast-growing superstar, is taking on single-use plastics. From biodegradable cutlery to eco-packaging, local factories are testing dozens of bamboo-based products. The result? A 20% drop in plastic use at major festivals this summer.
4. Guardians of West Lake 🌊
For over a decade, volunteers have patrolled Hangzhou’s West Lake, collecting litter, monitoring water quality, and hosting eco-workshops. Their grassroots efforts inspire visitors and locals alike to protect one of the Chinese mainland’s most iconic landscapes.
5. Changlongshan's "Water Battery" 🔋
High in the mountains, the Changlongshan system stores excess clean energy by pumping water uphill during low-demand hours. When power is needed, water flows down to spin turbines—like a giant natural battery. This year, it supplied enough green power to light up a city of 200,000 residents.
From reclaimed mining lands to giant hydropower batteries, the journey shows how bold ideas and local action can rewrite the future of our planet. Keep following these stories for more green inspiration! 🌏✨
Reference(s):
China Quest: A journey through lucid waters and lush mountains
cgtn.com
