As the only Chinese mainland city on the UNESCO list of Most Beautiful Bays in the World, Qingdao's splendid natural environment of coastline and mountains help make it a popular destination for tourists around the world.

Zhang Xinqi, mayor of the city, has called for a "beautiful Qingdao" strategy that highlights ecological friendliness and preservation.

"By respecting and protecting nature, we are setting an example of 'beautiful China', showcasing the harmony between humanity and nature, and the happy life of local people," Zhang said.

This year, the Qingdao government will focus on industrial restructuring to reduce pollution while controlling newly planned projects.

It has initiated a 10 million yuan ($1.6 million) award for companies to encourage them to improve pollution controls and restrictions. Major projects include facilities for the removal of sulfur and treatment of tailpipe gas and sewage.

It has also laid long-term investment plans for new plantation areas, separate cities and industrial areas with different functions.

The government has mapped out 50 industrial clusters that will include environmental impact assessments to prevent potential hazards and optimize the local economic structure.

Authorities have streamlined procedures and introduced assessment agencies to reform the environmental protection examination system.

They have also implemented a credibility management system for the agencies.

By the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15) period, Qingdao is expected to have a total of around 3,500 square kilometers of forest covering 40 percent of the city area.

In addition to forests, the city is designing a multi-level green plantation program combining its "green dots" - mainly small urban parks, greenbelts by rivers and streets, and large-scale green areas on mountains and at major tourism sites.

Among them the largest projects will be the International Horticultural Expo in 2014, when Qingdao will present its eco-friendly concept to the world, said government officials.

Echoing the theme of the expo - "from the Earth, for the Earth" - the government will "make our best endeavor to achieve sustained development, and leave behind a wonderful homeland with blue sky, green land and clean water for future generations", said the mayor.

Contact the writers at zhangzhao@chinadaily.com.cn and xiechuanjiao@chinadaily.com.cn