Pollution, purification

The local government began addressing the problem in the early 2000s, and a number of wide-ranging programs were launched in 2012. They included cleaning the riverbed silt and controlling the sources of pollution, while water control gates and a high-tech purification system were put into use.

In the past five years, the quality of the water in the river has improved significantly, according to the Guiyang water affairs bureau. Its data shows that 70 percent of the water in the river last year was judged to be either level III, which means it is suitable for swimming and use in aquaculture, or level IV, suitable for industrial use and other pursuits where the water does not come into contact with the skin, such as angling.

The methods used to control pollution in the river are a microcosm of the city government's project to conserve natural resources and raise living standards through eco-revitalization.

The plan's core theme is "sharing", which emphasizes that all projects should be people-oriented to encourage the participation of residents, who will share its success.