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Nantong's Green River Revival: From Pollution to Paradise
25 Jun
Summary
- Nantong transformed industrial riverbanks into greenways.
- Mined craters now house China's National Archives.
- Eco-restoration projects prioritize environment and culture.

The Wushan area in Nantong, Jiangsu province, has undergone a remarkable ecological transformation. Once choked by chemical plants, the riverside has been reshaped into vibrant greenways after authorities phased out polluting industries starting in 2015. Authorities dismantled 203 substandard plants and 162 unauthorized vessels, reclaiming 5.5 kilometers of shoreline and establishing 6 sq km of new forest.
In a different vein, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has utilized geological scars for cultural preservation. Two deep mining craters in Yuhang district were selected to house the Hangzhou Branch of the National Archives of Publications and Culture. The design leveraged natural topography, stabilizing the site and embedding the archive within the hillside.