Linchang River is clear with green banks.

The protection of the Yangtze River is reflected not only in its major rivers but also in the details of every city and river.

Jianli is located on the north bank of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, with a dense network of rivers and interconnected waterways. The Linchang River, which flows through the city, starts from the Hou River in the west and ends at the Drainage River in the east, forming an important part of the Yangtze River tributary system.

Once upon a time, direct sewage discharge, silt accumulation, and foul odors turned this river into a “smelly ditch,” severely affecting the city’s appearance and residents’ lives.

Over the past decade, the Yangtze River protection initiative has deepened. Jianli City moved beyond the single-minded approach of “treating the river in isolation” and integrated inland river management into the overall layout of Yangtze River protection. By coordinating pollution source control, internal pollution treatment, ecological restoration, and long-term maintenance, the once-dull urban water veins have been revitalized.

In the past, sewage was directly discharged, clogging the river.

“When I was a child, the Linchang River was clear. In summer, children would play in the water and catch fish. These are our most precious childhood memories,” said a villager from Zhaoxia Village, Hongcheng Township, Jianli City, while walking along the riverbank on May 19, gazing at the rippling water.

As the core water system of Jianli’s main urban area, the Linchang River connects residential areas and industrial parks, benefiting about 280,000 urban residents. It is truly the “city’s mother river.”

With rapid urbanization and continuous expansion of the city, the conflict between population concentration, industrial development, and ecological carrying capacity became increasingly prominent, and the Linchang River gradually became overwhelmed.

For some time, the construction of sewage pipe networks in Jianli City lagged behind, with widespread issues of combined rainwater and sewage, misconnected pipes, and broken leaks. Residential sewage, wastewater from street shops, and scattered aquaculture tailwater were directly discharged into the river. Combined with heavy sediment accumulation, the water body completely lost its self-purification ability, turning the Linchang River into a mildly black and odorous water body.

“Before the government started treating the Linchang River, the water turned black and smelly in summer. We couldn’t open windows all year round, and we had to cover our noses and hurry past, let alone take a walk or relax,” the villager recalled.

The “illness” of the inland river was not only a pain for the people but also a potential threat to the ecological safety of the Yangtze River.

Previously, only periodic dredging and garbage cleaning were done for the Linchang River, without cutting off pollution at the source or systematically restoring the ecology. Therefore, the river’s chronic problems were never fundamentally solved.

With the comprehensive promotion of Yangtze River protection, the Jianli City government made up its mind to treat the Linchang River, Hou River, and other inland rivers as key livelihood and ecological projects for Yangtze River protection, using the management of one river to protect the waters of the Yangtze.

11 sewage interception gates cut off pollution sources.

Entering the Jianli (Rongcheng) urban sewage treatment plant, the online monitoring screen shows real-time data: total phosphorus 0.19 mg/L, total nitrogen 4.515 mg/L.

Fine screens, biochemical tanks, and other equipment operate orderly. The originally turbid domestic sewage becomes clear and transparent after multiple treatment processes.

“Treating the Linchang River starts from the source on the banks and in the pipe network. After urban sewage is treated, the compliant tailwater is used to replenish the Linchang River nearby, achieving water cycle replenishment and long-term water quality improvement,” said a construction management official.

The key to preventing sewage from entering the river is interception. The culprit that once turned the Linchang River into a “smelly ditch” was the direct discharge of sewage and mixed rainwater and sewage throughout the city.

Moving away from the fragmented approach of “treating the river in isolation,” local authorities used the sewage treatment plant as the terminal node, tracing forward and extending upward. They built a complete chain of interception, pipe connection, dredging

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, flowing over 6,300 kilometers through China. It has been a cradle of Chinese civilization for thousands of years, supporting agriculture, trade, and cultural development along its basin. Historically, it served as a natural boundary and strategic waterway, with major cities like Shanghai and Nanjing rising along its banks.

Linchang River

Linchang River is a scenic waterway in China’s Inner Mongolia region, known for its role in the local ecosystem and forestry history. Historically, it was central to the region’s timber industry during the mid-20th century, supporting the development of the nearby Linchang forest area. Today, the river is valued for its natural beauty and serves as a reminder of the area’s transition from logging to environmental conservation.

Hou River

The Hou River, located in Taiwan’s New Taipei City, is a scenic waterway historically significant for its role in early mining and transportation during the Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial period. Once bustling with gold prospecting and coal mining activities, the river now flows past the charming old streets of Shifen, where visitors release sky lanterns and admire the natural beauty of its waterfalls. Today, it remains a popular tourist destination, blending industrial heritage with tranquil landscapes.

Drainage River

The Drainage River, also known as the “Paiho” or “Baihe” in some contexts, is a historical waterway in Taiwan that was originally built during the Dutch colonial period in the 17th century to drain marshlands and facilitate agricultural development. Over time, it played a key role in shaping the region’s landscape and settlement patterns, particularly around Tainan. Today, it serves as both a functional drainage system and a cultural landmark reflecting Taiwan’s colonial and agrarian history.

Jianli City

Jianli City, located in Hubei Province, China, is a historic county-level city situated along the Yangtze River. Its history dates back over 1,700 years, having been established as a county during the Three Kingdoms period, and it later served as an important administrative and cultural center in the region. Today, Jianli is known for its agricultural output, particularly rice and cotton, as well as its role in preserving traditional Jingchu culture.

Hongcheng Township

Hongcheng Township is a historic area located in the city of Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China, known for its ancient pottery and ceramic production dating back over a thousand years. It was a key center for Yixing clayware, particularly the famous Zisha (purple sand) teapots, which have been crafted there since the Ming dynasty. Today, the township preserves traditional kilns and workshops, offering insights into this enduring cultural heritage.

Zhaoxia Village

Zhaoxia Village, located in the mountainous region of southern China, is a historic Hakka settlement known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and ancient walled houses. The village dates back over 600 years, with its layout and buildings reflecting the defensive needs and communal lifestyle of the Hakka people during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it stands as a cultural heritage site, offering insight into rural life and architectural traditions of southeastern China.

Jianli (Rongcheng) urban sewage treatment plant

The Jianli (Rongcheng) urban sewage treatment plant is a modern facility in Rongcheng County, part of the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei Province, China. It was constructed as part of the region’s large-scale development plan, which began in 2017, to ensure sustainable urban growth and environmental protection. The plant treats wastewater from the local population, helping to preserve water resources and support the ecological goals of the new area.