China's commitment to ecological preservation under its pioneering 'Two Mountains' philosophy — which emphasizes that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets' — has catalyzed a remarkable recovery of biodiversity across the country. Over the past 20 years, this vision has guided the expansion of national parks and nature reserves, now covering 18% of the Chinese mainland's land area.
By prioritizing habitat restoration and species protection, populations of iconic animals like the giant panda and crested ibis have rebounded significantly. The strategy has also safeguarded critical ecosystems, from the rainforests of Hainan to the alpine meadows of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
With 3,100 terrestrial vertebrate species and 38,000 higher plant species — including 4,000 rare varieties — China's ecological revival offers lessons in balancing conservation with sustainable development. Researchers note improved genetic diversity among protected species, while local communities benefit from eco-tourism initiatives aligned with conservation goals.
