This year marks the 20th anniversary of the concept that “clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” Starting August 15, a 20-episode documentary series titled China’s Green Development will premiere on CCTV-1 at 6:20 PM.

China’s Green Development explores 20 representative cities and regions—including Huzhou, Bayannur, Chengdu, Changzhou, Chongqing, Foshan, Ganzhou, Hotan, Jiyuan, Jinzhou, Qinghai Lake, Songyuan, Shiyan, Tongren, Tianjin, Weihai, Wuwei, Xiamen, Xiangxi, and Zhaotong—showcasing their innovative approaches to ecological conservation. The series systematically documents China’s breakthroughs in environmental governance, green development, and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature over the past two decades.

Using on-the-ground footage, the series captures inspiring stories and achievements in ecological progress.


Huzhou, the birthplace of the “green development” concept, demonstrates how ecology drives prosperity. Bayannur combines desert control with agricultural innovation to create a “granary beyond the Great Wall.” Chengdu is building a “park city” model, while Changzhou revitalizes its waterways to spur green transformation. Chongqing enhances urban ecology through riverfront rehabilitation, Foshan upgrades industries for sustainability, and Ganzhou strengthens forest coverage as a southern ecological barrier. Hotan achieves dual wins in desert control and economic growth, with roses blooming along the Taklamakan Desert’s edges. Jiyuan pioneers circular economy solutions, and Jinzhou advances integrated environmental restoration for a livable city.


At Qinghai Lake, fish migration channels protect endangered species, while Przewalski’s gazelle populations rebound from 150 to over 3,400. Songyuan blends modern agriculture with eco-tourism, Shiyan safeguards water sources for the South-North Water Diversion Project, and Tongren accelerates green economic growth. Tianjin restores coastal ecosystems, Weihai protects marine environments, and Wuwei mobilizes citizens against desertification. Xiamen pioneers watershed-to-ocean conservation, Xiangxi offers a mountain ecology model, and Zhaotong strengthens the Yangtze’s ecological security while boosting rural revitalization.

The documentary balances grand narratives with intimate storytelling—using aerial cinematography to capture landscapes and time-lapses to reveal seasonal changes, while ground-level footage showcases urban greenways and wetland transformations. These visuals not only celebrate nature’s beauty but also decode China’s ecological progress.

China’s Green Development deciphers the “Chinese approach” behind environmental solutions. Experts analyze case studies like Huzhou’s bamboo-based circular economy, Hotan’s desert “green belts,” and Bayannur’s sand-fixing vegetation patterns. The series highlights how ideas become action: ecological courts in Zhejiang, science-driven desert control in Xinjiang, and Yellow River conservation in Inner Mongolia.

The series also connects ecological efforts with cultural heritage. Changzhou’s Tai Lake cleanup revives traditional industries sustainably, while Tianjin’s river restoration sparks renewed interest in canal culture.

By showcasing grassroots participation, the documentary makes green living tangible—proving sustainability isn’t abstract but woven into daily choices. Together, these 20 case studies form China’s multidimensional answer to a critical question: What kind of development ensures both prosperity and a thriving planet?

Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake, located in China’s Qinghai Province, is the largest saltwater lake in the country and a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism. Historically, it was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road and has been a key cultural and ecological region for nomadic Tibetan communities for centuries. Today, it is a protected nature reserve known for its stunning scenery, migratory birds, and annual cycling race.

Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is an ancient series of fortifications stretching over 13,000 miles, built to protect Chinese empires from invasions. Construction began as early as the 7th century BCE, with the most famous sections completed during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of China’s historical strength and ingenuity.

Taklamakan Desert

The Taklamakan Desert, located in China’s Xinjiang region, is one of the world’s largest sandy deserts, known for its harsh, shifting dunes and extreme climate. Historically, it was a significant part of the Silk Road, with ancient trade routes skirting its edges, leaving behind ruins of lost cities and Buddhist artifacts. Its name, often translated as “Place of No Return,” reflects its perilous yet historically rich landscape.

South-North Water Diversion Project

The **South-North Water Diversion Project** is a massive infrastructure initiative in China designed to transfer water from the water-rich south to the arid north. Launched in 2002, it consists of eastern, central, and western routes to address water scarcity in northern regions like Beijing and Tianjin. The project has faced challenges, including environmental concerns and displacement of communities, but remains critical for China’s water resource management.

Yangtze

The Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, flows over 6,300 kilometers through China, playing a vital role in the country’s history, culture, and economy. It has been a cradle of Chinese civilization for millennia, supporting agriculture, trade, and transportation, while also inspiring countless works of art and literature. Today, it remains essential for hydropower, irrigation, and tourism, with landmarks like the Three Gorges Dam and scenic gorges drawing global attention.

Tai Lake

Tai Lake (or Taihu) is a large freshwater lake in eastern China, located near Shanghai and Suzhou. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, limestone formations, and historic importance in Chinese culture, dating back over 2,000 years as a key region for agriculture, trade, and inspiration for classical poetry and painting. The lake is also famous for its unique “Taihu stones,” used in traditional Chinese gardens.

Yellow River

The Yellow River, often called the “Mother River of China,” is the country’s second-longest river and a cradle of ancient Chinese civilization. It has played a vital role in agriculture and culture for thousands of years but is also known for its devastating floods, earning it the nickname “China’s Sorrow.” Today, it remains a symbol of resilience and national identity.

canal culture

Canal culture refers to the historical and social significance of man-made waterways, particularly in regions like the Netherlands, Venice, and China’s Grand Canal, where canals have shaped trade, transportation, and daily life for centuries. These waterways often reflect unique architectural styles, urban planning, and community traditions tied to water management. Today, many canal networks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserving their legacy as hubs of cultural and economic exchange.