Nanning, Green and Growing

By XU YING

A section of downtown Nanning.(Source:Huang Danian)

NANNING is a city of spring. In this capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, greens of various hues reign throughout the region year round, exuding an aura of peace and a mood of exuberance. The lushly wooded Qingshan Mountain adds dimension to the cityscape, and the powerful Yongjiang River is the heart of a robust water system seen in the crystal blue pools and streams that embellish its neighboring landscape.

The richness of the territory gave rise to a splendid culture cultivated by several ethnic groups that have inhabited the area throughout history; an ethos of tolerance and respect for diversity remains. On the shoulders of these natural gifts and heritage, Nanning rose to win a Habitat Scroll of Honor Award from the United Nations in 2007. The international accolade turned out to be a strong incentive for the city to preserve the basis of the traditional amity between its people and their natural environment: this year a massive campaign was launched to upgrade the local water system.

Efforts to protect the environment are not counterproductive to economic development. Instead, Nanning sees interdependence between the two desirable outcomes, and has successfully struck a balance between them.

Since Nanning began to host the annual China-ASEAN Expo in 2004, its economic diversification and urbanization processes have advanced by leaps and bounds, catapulting the city to its status as a modern metropolis and regional economic hub.