The unveiling of Jiang Ru Lian (literally meaning a river as silk) in Beijing marks a significant milestone in the portrayal of ecological civilization along the Lijiang River. Authored by Ren Linju, the book provides a comprehensive and panoramic depiction of the region's ecological development from historical and cultural perspectives.

Ren embarked on an exhaustive journey, starting from the river's source at the Mao'er Mountain and conducting field investigations in over 30 villages and islands along the river. Through in-depth interviews with more than 60 individuals, the book captures the essence of ecological progress in the region, covering aspects such as wildlife protection, forest fire prevention, industrial pollution management, domestic sewage treatment, reservoir protection, and the delicate balance between ecological preservation and economic advancement.

Beyond being a historical account of ecological construction along the Lijiang River, the book serves as a spiritual biography of its builders. It delves into the social fabric of the area over the past decade, offering a profound exploration of the emotions and experiences of individuals, presenting a compelling ecological narrative of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Li Jingze, vice-president of the Chinese Writers Association, lauded the book as a triumph in nonfiction and documentary writing, emphasizing its role as a representation of the era and social development.

He highlighted the necessity for writers to approach such works with a comprehensive vision, an open mind, a broad knowledge base, and a corresponding writing strategy, noting that Jiang Ru Lian exemplifies an important stride in the development of documentary literature.