Egrets and tourists help Xianglu earn national honors

The restoration of Zhuhai's signature Xianglu Bay Beach on Central Lovers Avenue won the Best Practice Prize of the China Human Settlements & Environment Awards. The beach provides a practical model and exemplifies urban environmental protection, according to the Ministry of Housing & Urban-Rural Development.

On Oct 31, the scenic spot between the Fisher Maiden in Jida and Yeli Island in Xiangzhou became one of four projects in Guangdong Province to merit official acknowledgement, the highest honor given by the ministry.

Best Practice and Comprehensive prizes are both categories under the award set up in 2000 to attract more attention to harmonious, healthy, and environment-friendly human life. Urban and rural construction and management as well as urban living projects are evaluated based on environmental protection, ecology, atmosphere, water quality, greening, and transportation.

The 1.5-km coast of Xianglu Bay, which affords a picturesque view of the Pearl River Delta, symbolizes Zhuhai's natural beauty. Several rounds of improvements and ecological restorations have been initiated over the past few years.

Xianglu Bay Beach [Photo by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]

In 2013, studies and measurement of ocean currents, hydrology, and submarine topography was conducted before overall planning began. Gree Real Estate commenced construction work in July 2015 and reopened the beach on Jan 1, 2016, though improved service facilities and landscape greenery were not completed until October of that year.

Experts agree that the project's methodology provided sound instruction for protection of urban ecological environments in China, and provided insight into the art of furthering scientific development in accordance with the laws of nature.

Droves of tourists have been attracted to the site along with flocks of egrets -- something not seen for many years and evidence of a good ecological environment.

The site has received about 200,000 visitors per month since reopening; soaring to 144,000 daily during Spring Festival.