Chishui 贵州赤水

God seems to be partial to Chishui, for it not only owns a world natural heritage site, the Danxia landform, but also owns thousands of waterfalls, hundreds of rivers, and tree ferns. Traveling around Chishui, you are surrounded by clear waters, green mountains and floating clouds, which can only help make people relaxed and happy. Yet decades ago, the city was suffering. Trees were disappearing, the soil was being eroded, and the land was looking sick. But now, it's totally different. With a forest coverage rate of more than 80 percent, the city values ecological health as its life. Located in a mountainous area, Chishui's farmland has been replanted with trees, mostly bamboo, over the past 20 years. Wu Weilun is head of Liang Hekou Town, a tourist town in the city. "Over the past ten years, we have stuck to reforesting marginal arable land. We also need to abide by related policies to protect the forest when bringing in new projects, including building residential houses." This town's forest coverage rate reached 94 percent in the past year. Wu says the figure is not allowed to go down. Local farmer 28-year-old Yao Xiaoqin has witnessed the bamboo planting. "Oh! Far more than before, it's increased dozens of times. When I was young, it was all farmland on the mountain, but now it's all covered with bamboo. " This is paying off. Now more than fourth fifths of the city is covered by forest. Soil erosion has been reduced by 70 percent compared with 10 years ago. Farmers like Yao Xiaoqin now own their own bamboo grove. For each acre of bamboo, they earn some 6000 yuan. Local villagers take good care of them. One is 44-year old Wang Zeteng, "We need to take good care of them, and only in this way, can we grow more bamboo." The city has also developed bamboo-related industries. Bamboo flooring, bamboo artwork and bamboo fiber products are sold overseas. Bamboo-related industries contribute more than 40 percent of the city's total industrial output. Wu Weilun, head of Lianghekou Town, says they are careful about bringing in new projects because of environmental concerns. "We think of ecological results first when we introduce a new investment. If it damages our environment, we will abandon it without hesitation." In a tourist town like Lianghekou, most of the industries are tourist related and aim at staying green. Its original nature has also attracted lots of investors. Zheng Ling has bought a holiday inn. She retired two years ago and fell in love with the place when she visited from time to time. Then she decided to stay. "This place is natural, with little exploitation. The environment is well kept. The rivers here are clear and the air is fresh. Local people are simple and friendly. I want to spend my twilight years there. On one hand, I can lead a comfortable late life. On the other hand, I can provide a cozy stay to others." The theme of Zheng Ling's holiday inn is to provide a place for lovers, families and business partners to relax in nature, among mountains and rivers. Zheng Ling's decision was wise. In a city where natural scenic spots take up 70% of its total size, the residents' average life expectancy is 77, 3 years more than the national one. Local people take good care of the environment. Wu Weilun, head of Lianghekou Town, says they have regular environmental patrols. "Each village has three to five patrollers. We give them 200 yuan each month for their work. Those who do a good job will get more subsidies; those who fail will be punished." It's the same at a higher level. In this city, the heads of towns and villages are responsible for their environment. And they must keep it well. Kuang Shunhang is the Chishui City Mayor. "Ecology is like the life of Chishui. Our development depends on a good ecological environment. Therefore, our officials always pay a lot attention to environment protection, which is our top priority." Chishui's thriving ecology not only attracted numerous investors and tourists, but also boosted hundreds of rivers, thousands of waterfalls, wild plants and animals. Fish in the upper reaches of the Yangtze swim to Chishui to lay their eggs every year.