On November 3, the five-day journey of the international media delegation of the "Explore Guangdong along coastline" event drew a full stop in Zhuhai, where they were enthralled by the gorgeous seascape and the achievements of the city's development and protection of marine resources.
Located in the southwest Pearl River estuary in Guangdong Province, Zhuhai boasts a long coastline of 691 kilometers and 262 islands. This garden-style boomtown won many titles such as one of the happiest cities in China and one of the top ten livable cities in China.
Zhuhai's GDP of the marine industry reached 95.73 billion RMB in 2022, with the characterized marine economy spotlighted by island tourism, marine fishery, ocean engineering equipment, marine energy, etc. In recent years, the city has achieved a balance between the development of marine and island resources and ecological protection.
Ecological restoration boosts coastal tourism
With a gentle breeze, rhythmic melodies, and plenty of seaside glitz, the delegation was enchanted by the coastal scenery of Changqin Island. "Once we got off the boat and saw the natural scenery here, I felt especially refreshed," said Yoon Seokjeong, a journalist from Maeil Broadcasting Network in the Republic of Korea (ROK). He told GDToday reporter that he found several recreational facilities here, such as bowling, golf, and jet skis, and he would visit the island again.
A few years ago, Changqin Island was an uninhabited island where the ecological environment was destroyed due to quarrying. After six years of ecological restoration, the island has become a music-themed resort and officially opened in May this year.
"This will also boost Zhuhai's economy," Yoon added, "In my hometown, there are also some places where the natural environment has been ruined, and I hope such practice can also be used to restore the eco-system there."
At present, Changqin Island has completed the restoration of 630 meters of beach shoreline and 50,000 square meters of slope.
(Photo provided to GDToday)
Mangrove forest, natural guards of the coast
At the Qi'ao Mangrove Nature Reserve, Colombian vlogger Fernando Munoz Bernal captured the little crabs he discovered and the beautiful sunset with his camera, planning to show his followers the reserve's importance for the creatures there.
"I think this kind of place is extremely important to the preservation of an ecosystem and a habitat for different animals. And it's very important in a coastal area."
A mangrove is a shrub or tree that grows in intertidal zones on tropical and subtropical coasts. At high tide, they will be covered by water, leaving only the green canopy visible, and as the tide recedes, they return to a lush forest. Containing a salt filtration system and a complex root system, the mangrove can take root deep into the silt and help fight storms. Therefore, it's often regarded as a coastal guard.
Located in the northwest of Qi'ao Island, the Qi'ao Mangrove Nature Reserve has a wetland area of approximately 5,103.77 hectares and a mangrove area of around 500 hectares. It is devoted to the protection of mangrove wetlands and bird species.
Bernal believes that mangrove forest reserves like this are very relevant. "You would hear about Chinese white dolphin that actually made its comeback in Guangdong waters. It's all thanks to small projects like this," he furthered, "We protect the environment and animals, and animal life will come back to the region. It's great to see that they're doing this work here."
In addition, the visit to the Zhuhai Planning Exhibition Hall offered the delegation a clearer understanding of the city's blueprint.
"I was very impressed to see how many projects you have for the future and all the expansion projects. It was really impressive to see how many investments this Chinese region does for the future," shared Aniello Puorto, a reporter from Radiotelevisione Italiana," I saw a very beautiful landscape, a beautiful coastline, and I think that this is a place where life can be enjoyable."
Reporter | Holly, Nina, Ariel
Photo | Qin Shaolong
Editor | Olivia, Monica, Jerry
