#China #Beijing #Green Agriculture #China Initiative #Beautiful Countryside

China’s Beautiful Countryside Initiative: Progress and Achievements

China is making significant strides in its ambitious campaign to cultivate beautiful countryside, according to a recent report released by the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. The document outlines the various measures undertaken to improve rural living conditions and promote sustainable agriculture, leading to notable advancements in rural environments across the country.

The initiative, which was greatly emphasized following an implementation plan unveiled in early 2025 by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment along with eight other national agencies, includes a series of coordinated efforts aimed at transforming the rural landscape. The plan outlines four key objectives and 18 specific measures designed to enhance the quality of life in rural areas, aiming for 40% of counties to achieve the initiative's goals by 2027, with a complete fulfillment targeted by 2035.

Improvements in Infrastructure and Living Conditions

To qualify as a “beautiful countryside,” areas must establish robust public infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, public lighting, accessible green spaces, and efficient sewage and wastewater treatment facilities. Noteworthy improvements have been made in this arena; by 2025, the rate of national rural domestic sewage treatment reached 55%, a marked increase from figures reported at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan. An impressive 98% of previously polluted rural water bodies have been treated, enhancing water quality for millions.

The initiative has had a positive impact on approximately 9.72 million residents spanning over 860 counties and 4,100 villages. Regular inspections, remote sensing technology, and water quality monitoring ensure these advancements are maintained, fostering accountability within local governance.

Advances in Waste Management and Green Agriculture

The waste collection and disposal systems have also seen significant upgrades, with over 90% of administrative villages employing a structured approach to managing waste efficiently. This initiative not only ensures cleaner environments but also contributes to enhancing community hygiene and public health.

Moreover, the shift towards green agricultural practices is gaining momentum. The comprehensive utilization rate of livestock and poultry manure reached an impressive 80.1% in 2025, while crop straw utilization exceeded 88%. Efforts to reduce plastic waste in agricultural settings have seen more than 85% of agricultural film properly disposed of, addressing a critical issue of plastic pollution in farming regions.

Soil and Water Conservation Efforts

Soil and water conservation remains a priority, with significant achievements noted in 2025. The treatment of 11,500 square kilometers of soil erosion marked a key success, along with the restoration of 4,666 erosion gullies in Northeast China. By developing 634 ecologically sound watersheds, the country achieved a soil and water conservation rate of 73.09% nationally, which underscores the commitment to protecting natural resources.

Community Participation and Satisfaction

Community involvement has emerged as a cornerstone of the initiative, with public satisfaction rates exceeding 90%. Authorities are engaging directly with citizens through evaluations and interviews, ensuring that the voices of local residents are heard. Additionally, over 2,300 complaints from the public have been processed to improve governance and responsiveness.

Conclusion

Overall, the construction of a beautiful countryside is part and parcel of China's broader rural revitalization strategy and the Beautiful China initiative. As efforts continue, the focus will be on further enhancing rural environmental governance, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and encouraging greater participation from farmers. Plans indicate striving to raise the county-level completion rate to 55% by the conclusion of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, with a vision of completing the countryside transformation by 2035. These concerted actions are not only geared towards creating cleaner and orderly villages but transitioning them to ecologically sustainable and livable communities.