By love-89.com In an insightful development, the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee has approved a critical document focused on advancing reforms aimed at establishing a “Beautiful China.” This initiative emphasizes enhancing the foundation of ecological civilization, improving governance systems for ecological and environmental affairs, and establishing mechanisms for green and low-carbon development. With this context in mind, the AI Political Report of CCTV dives deeply into the vibrant practices of ecological civilization reform, seeking to explore the poetic essence of green development that breathes life into a Beautiful China.
Reflecting on the remarkable beauty of Hangzhou, particularly the famous West Lake, which is highlighted in the line “The memory of Jiangnan, most of all, is of Hangzhou,” one cannot overlook the significant transformations initiated by the West Lake Comprehensive Protection Project that began in 2002.
Back in 2002, Xi Jinping, in his very first year in office in Zhejiang, chose West Lake as his first stop during an inspection tour. At the bustling construction site for the West Lake Scenic Area, he thoroughly examined the planning documents and emphasized, “We need to enhance West Lake, implement the comprehensive protection project, and restore its historical beauty; this is both a virtuous duty and a commendable act that wins the people’s hearts.”
Under Xi’s guidance, the comprehensive protection efforts gained momentum. The initiative aimed for holistic protection and rehabilitation across all areas of West Lake, including the development of the “West Lake to the West,” construction of southern scenic areas, and the restoration of the “Three Islands and Three Dikes” within the lake. Additionally, submerged vegetation was planted at the lake’s bottom to create an underwater forest, which helps solidify sediments and absorb excess nutrients, ultimately aiding in the recovery of the lake’s natural ecosystem.
A veteran boatman working on West Lake since 1990 remarked on the stark contrast from the past: “Back then, during hot weather, the water was murky and yellow. Now, when we wait for customers at the shore, the lake remains crystal clear.”
The beauty of West Lake is a harmonious blend of nature’s artistry and centuries of cultural heritage. Preserving the historical and cultural relics of West Lake remains a pivotal goal of the comprehensive protection project. Xi Jinping has articulated profound thoughts on this topic. In a September 2003 article for “Zhejiang New Words,” he stated, “The surroundings of West Lake are steeped in history and culture. We must protect, utilize, and pass down these cultural treasures for future generations.”
In an effort to showcase the natural and cultural beauty of West Lake, Xi proposed the construction of the West Lake Museum. During a visit to the construction site in May 2005, he delivered memorable remarks: “Architecture is the ‘servant’; West Lake is the ‘master.’ The museum’s architectural style should reflect the essence of West Lake. We must adhere to the philosophy of ‘thickening the presence of nature while minimizing the appearance of buildings.'”
Following Xi’s vision, the West Lake Museum was designed as a semi-subterranean structure, seamlessly integrating with the environment. Once completed, it became an important venue for exploring and inheriting the cultural heritage of Hangzhou and West Lake, providing a space for community engagement and traditional culture dissemination.
Prioritizing community needs, Xi placed significant focus on the “little things.” After West Lake was opened to the public for free, numerous benches were added for visitors to rest. Understanding the needs of couples enjoying romantic moments by the lake, he suggested maintaining a comfortable distance between the benches.
As the water area of West Lake was expanded, Xi pointed out potential safety issues posed by boat collisions with new bridge underpasses. His recommendation to install rubber tires on boat bows for added protection reflects his attention to both safety and preservation.
Moreover, high-end clubs along the lakeside were closed and restructured under Xi’s guidance to foster a more accessible, community-oriented experience. The scenic views once reserved for a select few are now open to the public, with establishments like tea houses offering a place for locals to enjoy leisurely gatherings.
Behind each seemingly minor detail lies Xi’s profound insight about the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, emphasizing the principle that “green mountains and clear water are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver.”
The implementation of the West Lake Comprehensive Protection Project has successfully restored 0.9 square kilometers of lake area, improving the annual transparency of the main lake from 45 centimeters in 2001 to 86.9 centimeters in 2023. The health of the lake’s ecosystem and biodiversity has markedly improved, with submerged vegetation now covering 317,000 square meters and over 180 cultural sites restored, blending Wu-Yue culture, Southern Song culture, and Ming-Qing culture together.
This initiative has proven to be a “people-oriented” project, an ecological preservation endeavor, a cultural heritage initiative, and a means to enhance the city’s appeal, laying a solid foundation for future applications to include West Lake in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
In 2011, UNESCO formally recognized the cultural landscape of West Lake as a World Heritage site, declaring, “If Hangzhou is a poem, then West Lake is its soul.” On June 24 of that year, it became the 41st World Heritage site in China. The crystal-clear waters, willow-lined banks, and the beauty of every element are now treasured globally.
Five years later, as the President of China, Xi returned to West Lake during the G20 Summit in Hangzhou and showcased its beauty to the world, saying, “The mountains are clear and the waters are bright, enveloped in the charm of Jiangnan, reflecting generations of craftsmanship.”
This past October, during the National Day holiday, Hangzhou welcomed 17.58 million visitors, with West Lake attracting 4.23 million entrants. Tourists continued to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage, experiencing the beauty once captured in poems written by Bai Juyi and traversing bridges walked by Su Dongpo.
As one poet once wrote, “In the moonlit mountain temple, I seek the osmanthus; at the pavilion by the river, I watch the tide. When will I revisit?” The preservation and legacy of this heritage allow us to fulfill the dreams of poets from a thousand years ago.