The Yellow River is the mother river of the Chinese nation. The ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin is a significant national strategy that focuses on the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the overall economic and social development.

The Yellow River flows through nine cities and 25 counties in East China's Shandong province before reaching the Bohai Sea. Shandong province enjoys significant geographical advantages and serves as an important region for the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin.

Shandong has been accelerating the ecological protection and restoration of the Yellow River basin and focusing on the comprehensive protection and governance of the entire basin.

The Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve is dubbed an "international airport for birds". [Photo/IC]

Efforts have been made to transform and upgrade traditional industries and cultivate new economic growth drivers. The province is promoting coordinated development among cities and making efforts to turn the Yellow River basin into a model area for ecological protection, a demonstration zone for long-term stability, a leading area for green and low-carbon development, a new highland for opening up to the outside world, and a new benchmark for cultural innovation.

Dongying, where the Yellow River meets the sea, has undergone significant social and economic development over the decades.

The Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in the city has become an important wintering and stopover site for migratory birds due to the local government's efforts to restore the ecological environment.

Dubbed an "international airport for birds", the reserve is home to 373 avian species and attracts large numbers of tourists from home and abroad.

In addition, the natural vegetation coverage rate in the reserve now stands at 55.1 percent, making it the largest newly-formed wetland natural vegetation area along China's coastal areas.

Jinan, Binzhou, Tai'an, Heze, Jining and other cities in Shandong province along the Yellow River are also harnessing their own unique strengths to achieve low-carbon transformation and create a green development path that would contribute to the high-quality development of the Yellow River basin.