The brilliant blue sky and sea present a stunning coastal view in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/Guanhai News]

In recent years, the coastal city of Qingdao has adopted an integrated approach to managing water quality, resources, and ecology, creating a new governance model that rewards conservation and penalizes pollution.

As a severely water-scarce city in northern China, Qingdao faced major challenges: per capita water resources are only 186 cubic meters — less than 10 percent of the national average — while its large population and unique geography further strain supply.

To tackle these issues, Qingdao has invested over 16 billion yuan ($2.26 billion) since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), implementing 110 key projects ranging from river restoration to wastewater recycling. The city also ensures stable supply by transferring Yellow River and Yangtze River water, with external sources reaching 400 million cubic meters in 2024. Additionally, Qingdao leads nationally in seawater desalination, with a daily capacity of 345,000 metric tons.

The vibrant red-tiled roofs and historic villas of Qingdao rise against a backdrop of lush green pines and a kaleidoscope of autumn foliage in the soft early-winter light. [Photo/Guanhai News]

Ecological recovery has been remarkable. The restoration of the Licun River exemplifies successful urban waterway revitalization. Once severely polluted due to rapid urban expansion, this 20-kilometer "mother river" of Qingdao was listed as a black-odorous water body. Through systematic measures including pollution interception, the chronic issue of unstable water sources was effectively resolved.

Today, the Licun River hosts over 350 aquatic species and more than 50 types of riparian vegetation, with birds such as egrets and moorhens returning to the area. Transformed from a foul canal into an ecological corridor characterized by free-flowing clear water, green banks, scenic beauty, and social harmony, it was recognized as an exemplary beautiful river in 2023, becoming a vibrant "green ribbon" for the city.

Qingdao adopts an integrated approach to managing water quality, resources, and ecology, creating a new governance model that rewards conservation and penalizes pollution. [Photo/Guanhai News]