The Yangtze River, the mother river of the Chinese people, stretches over 6,300 kilometers, nourishing the vast lands of 11 provinces and regions along its banks. In 2018, a pivotal guideline for high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt was established in Yichang: «Prioritize ecological restoration of the Yangtze, protect the mother river of the Chinese nation, and avoid destructive development.» Seven years later, we revisit this landmark location to witness the river’s rebirth after ecological restoration.

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«In August, the Yangtze stretches endlessly under clear skies, with countless sails gliding lightly on the breeze.» Yichang marks the natural boundary between the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze. Here, the river transitions from gorges to plains, creating a unique landscape where «waters grow calm and mountains turn gentle.» This city owes its existence and prosperity to the Yangtze.

Riverside: From «Chemical Encircling the River» to «Green Riverfront Corridor»

The Yangtze River Conservation Park now stands by the water, a picturesque scene of lush trees. In midsummer, nearby residents gather here to relax and chat. Yet, just seven years ago, the view was entirely different.

At its peak, chemical industries accounted for a third of Yichang’s industrial output, with over 40 chemical plants clustered within 1 kilometer of the riverbank. In 2016, the «Yangtze River Conservation» initiative was launched, emphasizing «prioritizing protection over development.» Yichang relocated chemical plants to industrial parks, shut down illegal docks and sand mining sites, and restored over 42 kilometers of shoreline.

Similar efforts unfolded in dozens of cities along the Yangtze. Once-cluttered riverbanks, lined with garbage and docks, have shed their industrial clamor, transforming into green corridors and riverside parks where people now stroll along beautiful shorelines.

Underwater: Clear Waters and Thriving Fish

Professor Shi Xiaotao was conducting fieldwork with his students when we met. As an aquatic environment expert, his team has established multiple observation points along the Yangtze. Years of monitoring reveal significant improvements in the aquatic ecosystem.

Shi Xiaotao, Deputy Dean of the College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering at China Three Gorges University: The plant communities along the riverbanks have changed. During Yichang’s «chemical encircling» era, polluted discharge turned waters black, leaving only pollution-resistant plants. As water quality improved, clear-water-loving plants gradually returned, along with more small fish and shrimp—a clear biological response to cleaner waters.

River Surface: Clear Waters and Returning Porpoises

The Yangtze’s improving water quality reflects the region’s transformative efforts. In 2016, while the main stream was rated excellent, only 82.3% of tributary sections met Class I-III standards. By 2024, both the main stream and tributaries achieved excellent ratings, with 98.6% of sections reaching Class I-III, and heavily polluted Class V sections nearly eliminated.

As the river grew clearer, rare neighbors reappeared.

Zhu Ling, an avid photographer, has captured increasing numbers of Yangtze finless porpoises in recent years. This year, he even documented an entire family swimming freely.

Latest surveys count 1,249 Yangtze finless porpoises—over 200 more than five years ago. Their return is

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, stretches over 6,300 kilometers through China, playing a vital role in the country’s history, culture, and economy. For centuries, it has served as a major trade route, supported agriculture, and inspired countless works of art and literature. Today, it remains essential for transportation, hydroelectric power (notably the Three Gorges Dam), and tourism, while its basin is home to diverse ecosystems and millions of people.

Yangtze River Economic Belt

The Yangtze River Economic Belt is a key regional development strategy in China, encompassing 11 provinces and municipalities along the Yangtze River. Launched in 2016, it aims to promote sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, and infrastructure connectivity while leveraging the river’s historical role as a trade and cultural artery. The initiative builds on the river’s millennia-long significance as a vital hub for agriculture, transport, and industry in China.

Yangtze River Conservation Park

The Yangtze River Conservation Park is a protected area dedicated to preserving the biodiversity and ecosystems of the Yangtze River, China’s longest river. Established to combat environmental degradation, it aims to safeguard endangered species like the Yangtze finless porpoise and restore natural habitats. The park also highlights the river’s cultural and historical significance, which has been vital to Chinese civilization for millennia.

China Three Gorges University

China Three Gorges University (CTGU), located in Yichang, Hubei Province, was founded in 2000 through the merger of several local colleges and universities. It is a comprehensive public institution known for its focus on engineering, hydropower, and environmental studies, reflecting the region’s connection to the Three Gorges Dam project. The university plays a key role in regional education and research, particularly in fields related to water resources and sustainable development.

Yangtze finless porpoises

The Yangtze finless porpoise (*Neophocaena asiaeorientalis*) is a critically endangered freshwater porpoise native to China’s Yangtze River. It is the only freshwater porpoise in the world and has faced severe population declines due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. Conservation efforts, including protected reserves and breeding programs, aim to prevent its extinction, following the tragic loss of the Yangtze river dolphin (*Lipotes vexillifer*) in the early 2000s.