BEIJING, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China Daily:
In Linxiang city, Hunan province, lies the picturesque village of Changjiang, where many residents once relied on fishing along the Yangtze River for a living. However, uncontrolled fishing was taking a toll on the river. Thanks to the villagers' efforts and a fishing ban, the river has now rejuvenated.
Today, in the village, fields of rapeseed flowers stretch to the riverbanks, creating a vibrant tapestry of golden and green hues. This transformation raises the question: how did this river, once nearly devoid of fish, become a source of prosperity for the locals? The answer lies in the efforts of each person in the village.
Song Yinzhong, Party secretary of Changjiang village and a former part-time fisherman, exemplifies this change. After stepping away from fishing, he and his wife began cultivating strawberries in greenhouses, finding a new livelihood by embracing agritourism. This story is echoed by many in the village who once depended on the river.
In the early 2000s, the local fish population had dwindled drastically. Now, fish swim up to people dipping their feet in the water. "The finless porpoises I used to see a lot as a kid are back," Song said.
With the fishing ban, how have former fishers found new livelihoods? In recent years, the village has guided residents to develop eco-friendly farming and aquaculture industries. It has planted over 133 hectares of rapeseed, creating scenic "seas of rapeseed flowers". To complement this, the village hosts activities such as folk performances, countryside markets and banquets, attracting an influx of tourists. As the village grows in popularity, locals have seized the opportunity to open guesthouses and sell local specialties.
Xiang Cuiyang was the first person in Changjiang village to open a rural guesthouse. The village's inaugural Rapeseed Flower Festival drew many visitors, who enjoyed their stay at the guesthouse. "They left us their contact details. Since then, tourists and tour guides have called us every year to stay in touch," Xiang said.
With the rise of social media, short videos showcasing the village's beauty have attracted tourists from across the country. The village, which once struggled with flooding and depleted resources, now boasts beautiful riverside scenery, paved roads and well-kept homes. Its transformation illustrates the development philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets".
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