Nanming district: 70 years of green development

Nanming is adorned with greenery. [Photo/Nanming Integrated Media Center]

Guiyang's Nanming district has advanced five major environmental campaigns targeting clean air, clean water, soil protection, solid waste management, and rural environment improvement, implementing comprehensive measures across all pollution types, sectors, and regions.

In 2024, the district achieved remarkable environmental results: 99.5 percent of days with good air quality, and 100 percent compliance for national and provincial water quality monitoring points, drinking water sources, safe land use for key construction projects, and medical waste treatment. Twelve wastewater treatment plants are now in operation, maintaining a residential sewage treatment rate above 98 percent and ensuring robust water quality management.

The Nanming River, known as the "mother river" of Guiyang, once suffered severe pollution from domestic and industrial wastewater, creating persistent odors near Jiaxiu Pavilion. Nanming has since integrated ecological protection with socio-economic development, implementing targeted measures such as tributary remediation and rain-sewage separation projects along the "Nine Major Ditches", constructing four water treatment plants and one pumping station, and establishing routine governance mechanisms.

Nanming district has dozens of pocket parks. [Photo/Nanming Integrated Media Center]

This "Nanming Model" balances ecological, economic, and social benefits, restoring the river's health through black-odor water treatment, reclaimed water facilities, and a comprehensive river chief system.

Today, the river is teeming with aquatic plants and wildlife, including rare species such as the Chinese merganser. Clear waters, green banks, and abundant birdlife paint a vivid picture of a thriving urban river ecosystem.

Beyond waterways, Nanming has cultivated diverse green spaces throughout the district. From pocket parks and park-style shopping centers to large urban parks encircling the district, greenery now permeates every corner of the district. Residents can enjoy everyday access to nature, with "green views from windows and parks at the doorstep", creating a harmonious urban landscape where the city blends seamlessly with nature.