How Tianjin’s Ninghe District is Turning Eco-Friendly Resources Into Massive Economic Growth – Discover the Secrets Behind China’s Green Revolution!

In the context of China’s advancing economic goals for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Ninghe district in Tianjin is placing a significant focus on leveraging its ecological assets to foster long-term economic growth. Guided by the overarching objective of achieving a green transition in economic and social development, Ninghe is evolving into a model of sustainability. Bai Fengxiang, the secretary of the district’s Communist Party committee, emphasized that the region’s rich natural resources, particularly its diverse ecosystems, are being harnessed to shape its future prosperity.

The core philosophy behind Ninghe’s growth strategy lies in transforming its ecological value into real development opportunities. This shift aims not only at preserving nature but also at using it as a catalyst for economic innovation and improved livelihoods. With the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Ninghe’s ecological strategies are poised to shape its trajectory for years to come.

Ninghe’s Ecological Strengths: A Foundation for Economic Prosperity

The district of Ninghe is home to several critical ecological features, including the Qilihai Wetland, one of the world’s three major ancient coastal wetlands. This natural treasure is unique in that it is the only national nature reserve in China where both an ancient coastline and a wetland exist simultaneously. Such a rich biodiversity forms the backbone of Ninghe’s development plans, with the district seeking to strike a balance between ecological conservation and economic growth.

Bai Fengxiang pointed out that while lucid waters and lush mountains are often regarded as valuable natural assets, they are also seen as key economic resources. The district’s challenge is to transform these resources into tangible benefits for its people, aligning conservation with economic advancement. Through strategic initiatives, Ninghe is not just focused on ecological protection but also on building a thriving economy centered around its environmental strengths.

The “Ecology Plus” Model: A Holistic Approach to Development

In recent years, Ninghe has adopted an “ecology plus” development model, which aims to integrate ecological protection with sectors such as agriculture, tourism, sports, education, and commerce. This integrated development approach is designed to move beyond simple conservation efforts and create a sustainable economic framework based on the district’s ecological advantages.

Agriculture, a central element of Ninghe’s identity, plays a crucial role in this model. The district has maintained a consistent agricultural output, surpassing 8 billion yuan ($1.14 billion) during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). Notably, Ninghe has seen a steady increase in grain production for four consecutive years, underscoring its capacity for agricultural development. The district has also launched branded products under the “Jingu Qilihai” label, which have successfully entered Southeast Asian markets. The value of its signature Qilihai river crabs has exceeded 500 million yuan, cementing the importance of agriculture to the region’s economy.

With an increasing focus on modernizing agriculture, Ninghe is transitioning from traditional farming practices to smart, branded farming techniques. This shift reflects a broader effort to adapt agricultural production to the demands of the modern economy, with the ultimate aim of maximizing both ecological preservation and economic returns.

Tourism and Culture: Ecological Assets Driving Growth

Beyond agriculture, Ninghe has also made substantial strides in the tourism sector, leveraging its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The district has become a hub for ecological tourism, attracting millions of visitors annually. Key events, such as marathons and the Lutai Fair, draw increasing crowds, while the district’s annual tourist visits exceed 9 million, generating revenue of around 700 million yuan.

The fusion of ecological sightseeing with cultural and educational experiences has proven to be a successful formula for growth. The district’s tourism sector is not only a source of income but also a means of fostering deeper connections with the environment. By offering opportunities for study tours and cultural immersion, Ninghe has managed to expand its tourism offerings beyond conventional leisure travel.

Moreover, the district’s rural areas are undergoing significant transformation. As Bai explained, farmers in Ninghe are no longer confined to traditional roles; they have become tour guides, cultural interpreters, and active participants in the broader economic development of the region. This shift is emblematic of the broader trend of rural revitalization in China, where farming communities are benefiting from diversified income sources, such as tourism, ecological compensation, and profit sharing from various industrial ventures.

Technological Innovation: Building the Future with Ecology

In tandem with agriculture and tourism, Ninghe is also positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation. Drawing on its unique ecosystem and biodiversity, the district has established the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region’s first low-altitude safety technology industrial park. This park is aimed at fostering advancements in technologies related to crop protection, logistics, and environmental monitoring.

The district’s pioneering efforts include the introduction of Tianjin’s first integrated sky-ground biodiversity monitoring system. This technology has the potential to revolutionize how ecosystems are studied and preserved, with applications that span across a wide range of industries. Bai noted that ecology plus innovation is key to creating new, quality productive forces suited to the local conditions of Ninghe.

The district’s commitment to technological innovation is also reflected in its efforts to partner with research institutions in Beijing and Tianjin. By aligning scientific advancements with industrial applications, Ninghe aims to establish a thriving ecosystem of emerging industries that will further enhance its economic resilience.

Measuring Ecological Value: A Pathway to Sustainable Development

Ninghe’s efforts to measure and monetize its ecological value have garnered international recognition. In 2024, the district joined the “Cities with Nature” platform, a global initiative aimed at advocating for the integration of nature into urban development. Additionally, Ninghe became a part of the “Biodiversity Charming City” initiative, highlighting its commitment to preserving biodiversity while pursuing economic growth.

The district’s approach to ecological accounting has proven effective, with its ecological products estimated to be worth about 46.6 billion yuan. Bai emphasized that accurate measurement of ecological value is essential to unlocking the economic potential of Ninghe’s natural resources. Moving forward, the district plans to expand its efforts in wetland and forestry carbon sink trading and the industrialization of ecological resources, ensuring that its green development strategy continues to yield tangible benefits for its residents.

Looking Ahead: A Balanced Future for Ninghe

As the 15th Five-Year Plan period approaches, Bai expressed confidence that Ninghe will continue to prioritize ecology-first development. The district’s goal is to strike a balance between environmental protection and economic vitality, creating a modern city that is both sustainable and prosperous.

The ultimate objective is to ensure that green development translates into meaningful improvements in the livelihoods of local residents. By prioritizing ecological integrity while embracing economic diversification, Ninghe aims to set a benchmark for other regions in China and beyond.

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