Nestled by the Xin'an River, the mother river has nurtured generations of Jiande residents for thousands of years. Local residents have recognized the symbiotic relationship between the two by beefing up efforts to make the river clean and ensuring that the culture along it continues to thrive.

The Xin'an River in Jiande, a county-level city administered by Hangzhou, is now renowned for its lucid waters and lush mountains. Local residents have made great efforts to improve its water quality and enrich its biodiversity. [Photo/dskb.cn]

A bird's-eye view of the Xin'an River Reservoir in Jiande, an important flood control project in the upper reaches of the Qiantang River. The nine-spillway project was the first of its kind that was independently designed, equipped, and constructed by China. [Photo/dskb.cn]

Opera artists perform at the Chengqing Pavilion in Yanzhou Ancient Town, Meicheng town, Jiande, Hangzhou. Meicheng is among the few "living old towns" in China with intact street-and-alley structures and abundant historical relics. It is now a booming tourist destination. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

The intelligent manufacturing base of Nongfu Spring, a beverage giant in China, is not only an example of advanced productivity but also a popular choice for edutainment tours. The base has teamed with 14 schools in Hangzhou for study trips. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_f85f67b041b7]

A helicopter takes off from Qiandao Lake Airport near Jiande Aviation Town. Encircled by the picturesque Qiandao Lake and Yellow Mountain, the town offers visitors a variety of sky-related activities, such as skydiving, helicopter tours, and hot air balloon tours, as well as immersive classes on the sky and space. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]