To promote the construction of ecologically livable happy rivers and lakes, Wenzhou, recently, has issued the second General River Chief Order of 2023, and at the same time, launched the Action Plan for the all-in-one Construction of Happy Rivers and Lakes in Wenzhou (2023-2027) (hereinafter referred to as the Action Plan). By doing so, it has also provided ecological guarantee for turning itself into a more dynamic “Millennium-old Port and Happy Wenzhou”.

According to its primary objectives of achieving “safer flood control, a healthier ecosystem, a more livable environment, a more prominent culture, a more beneficial industry and smarter management and protection”, the Action Plan provides clarity on the city’s strategic focus. It outlines the city’s commitment to developing a belt of growth centered around water, creating a “horizontal” axis along the primary streams of Oujiang River, Feiyunjiang River, and Aojiang River, and establishing a “vertical” framework encompassing the coastal seawalls, the mother river Tanghe River, and an interconnected smart water source system. The plan includes ambitious targets, aiming to construct 100 high-quality hydrophilic Integrated Projects (IPs), 100 pristine rivers and lakes meeting high standards, and 1,000 kilometers of top-notch roads over these water bodies. This endeavor results in the formation of a fundamental and harmonious water pattern characterized by “three horizontal and three vertical axes with multiple intersections.” By 2027, the plan anticipates achieving a satisfaction rate of over 98% among the population in regard to the construction of Happy Rivers and Lakes, along with the attainment of a 100% intelligent monitoring rate for the shores of crucial rivers and lakes.

Over the next five years, Wenzhou will place a significant emphasis on the enhancement of 177.61 kilometers of seawalls, including the Oujiang Standard Embankment in Longwan District and the Wengyang Reclamation Pond in Yueqing City. This initiative will be pursued through five key actions: elevating river and lake quality, enhancing ecological safeguards, advancing hydrophilic amenities, boosting waterfront industry and well-being, and tackling the difficulties in river and lake management reform, thereby shaping a seawall configuration encompassing “one belt, one district, one bay, three axes, and multiple points”. This undertaking will improve the flood control capability of Wenzhou’s urban areas and counties, reducing the recurrence of significant floods to once every 100 years and once every 50 years respectively. The flood control compliance rate for villages and towns will surpass 85%. Simultaneously, Wenzhou will vigorously promote the connectivity and ecological restoration of the three major rivers (Oujiang, Feiyunjiang, Aojiang) and five major plains (Hangjiahu, Yaoxi, Shaoyu, Wenrui, Taizhou). It also plans to rectify 1,200 kilometers of the rural water system and keep 100 kilometers of riverbank under ecologically management. In an effort to make water conservation more effectively, the total water consumption in the city will be limited to 1.852 billion cubic meters. Moreover, water consumption per 10,000 yuan of GDP will decrease by over 21% compared to that in 2020.

At the same time, aligning with the overarching strategy of the project “Green Rural Revival Program,” Wenzhou will integrate the development of all-in-one tourism, the creation of beautiful towns and harmonious villages. This approach involves continuous enhancements to the scenic rivers and lakes, culminating in the establishment of 100 enchanting water villages, 200 convenient water hubs for urban residents, and the creation of 400 kilometers of picturesque waterfront greenways. The city will expedite the modernization of six significant irrigation districts, including Wenrui and Ruiping, aiming to increase the efficient utilization coefficient of irrigation water to over 0.612. Therefore, the water requirements of high-standard farmland and grain production zones are met comprehensively. Furthermore, there will be a concerted effort to explore the multifaceted functions of rivers and lakes, emphasizing the well-being of local communities. Wenzhou will encourage local government departments to actively nurture waterfront industries with rivers as their focal points, and support the construction of the Bailuzhou Water Economic Industrial Base in Wencheng County. Additionally, the city will drive the development and utilization of vital river and lake shoreline resources, showcasing premium waterfront economic features like the “Wenzhou Fashion Bund” along the Oujiang River and the “Yunjiang Water Leisure Belt” along the Feiyunjiang River. In doing so, Wenzhou aims to leverage the invaluable resources of its rivers and lakes to deepen the impact of the project “Green Rural Revival Program,” foster rural revitalization, and propel regional development to new heights.