People''s Daily | Harvesting from nature''s bounty: Qinba hinterland''s endeavor to craft a beautiful landscape

Recently, the "High Quality Development Research Inspection" theme interview event in Shaanxi, organized by the Central Publicity Department, has been launched. Fifteen prominent central news organizations, such as People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and the Central Radio and Television General Station, delved into valuable experiences that could serve as references for the promotion of high-quality development in Shaanxi. As part of the achievements in ecological civilization construction in Shaanxi Province, the Ankang Jiangnan Reclaimed Water Plant, operated by China Water Environment, has garnered widespread attention and coverage from central media outlets. People's Daily commends this project for its significant contributions to the "ecological well-being of Qinling and Dabashan Area" as well as to the "clear water in the river to be transferred to Beijing".

The trip to Ankang City, nestled in the heart of Qinba, reveals the Hanjiang River meandering through the urban landscape like a tranquil jade ribbon.

The distinctive layout of the Ankang Jiangnan Reclaimed Water Plant, situated along the Hanjiang River, is truly captivating—above ground, the lush greenery of the ecological park is visible, while below, there lies anundergroundreclaimed water plant.

The ambiance within the ecological park is imbued with freshness, while beneath the surface lies an unparalleled uniqueness. Photo by Gao Bing

"The plant employs distributed undergroundreclaimed water ecosystem technology, with the containment of noise and odor, facilitating a comprehensive three-dimensional utilization of space," shared Chen Hao, the individual overseeing the operation of the Ankang Jiangnan Reclaimed Water Plant, with the reporter. He went on to explain that the water plant caters to approximately 260,000 residents in Ankang Jiangnan City, treating a daily volume of 52,000 tons of sewage. "Not only does it have minimal impact on the surrounding environment, but it also boasts a remarkable water purification effect."

Wang Yefei, director of Ankang Jiangnan Reclaimed Water Plant, took samples and displayed the treated water. Photo by Gao Bing

The motivation behind this innovative design stems from Ankang's deep commitment to water conservation, underscoring its pivotal role as the primary water conservation area for the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project. The Hanjiang River courses through the entire region, stretching 340 kilometers from west to east and passing through seven counties and districts within the city.

"Ankang contributes a significant 63% of the inflow to the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project", as highlighted by a spokesperson from the Ankang Ecological Environment Bureau. Through a comprehensive strategy that integrates water pollution prevention, water environment protection, and water ecological restoration, Ankang City has consistently maintained an impeccable surface water quality rate of 100%. Furthermore, the water quality in the Shaanxi section has remained consistently stable, holding its position in Class II.

Surrounded by good mountains, pristine water, and an overall high quality of life, Ankang epitomizes the harmony between nature and urban living. In the vibrant Qinba Mountain region, teeming with energy, efforts are underway to craft a beautiful landscape.