In 2005, Xi Jinping, then the Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee, creatively proposed the influential concept that "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." The "Two Mountains" concept emphasizes the dialectical unity between ecological and socio-economic value, providing a novel pathway for promoting high-quality economic development alongside high-level ecological protection. Nanling County in Wuhu City, Anhui Province, has thoroughly implemented the "Two Mountains" concept. As a national model area for ecological civilization, it has innovatively developed practical pathways to transform the "Two Mountains" concept into action, adopting an "ecology+" development model alongside a "+ecology" industrial path. This dual strategy has fostered a unique pathway for growth, where enhanced productivity bolsters natural capacities, and natural assets, in turn, sustain productivity. To further learn and implement Xi Jinping's ecological civilization thoughts and explore efficient pathways for ecological asset management and the realization of ecological product value, the "Walking Beautiful China" research team from Renmin University of China chose Nanling County, Anhui Province, as its inaugural field site.

From July 14 to 20, Anhui research group from the School of Ecology & Environment, Renmin University of China, guided by the Environmental and Economic Policy Research Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and receiving strong support from the Nanling County People's Government and the Nanling Ecological Environment Bureau, conducted a field study in Nanling County. Led by Dean Jun Pang, the group included Associate Professor Hongliang Zhang and Assistant Professor Jinghan Di, comprising a total of 16 faculty and students. The research group focused on practical models for realizing the value of ecological products and innovations in institutional mechanisms, gaining valuable insights into the critical role the "Two Mountains" concept in promoting sustainable development and rural revitalization. Xiaoming Yang, Director of the Comprehensive Department at the Policy Research Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, along with staff members Jiaojiao Wang and Mulan Yang, participated throughout the research process.

Nanling, Anhui

Nanling County is located at the transition zone between the hilly areas of southern Anhui and the Jiangsu Plain, distinguished by its breathtaking ecological landscape, which features a harmonious blend of mountains and waterways. In recent years, it has actively practiced the "Two Mountains" concept, persistently exploring avenues for its transformation. As a result, Nanling has been designated as a national ecological demonstration zone, a national ecological civilization construction demonstration area, and a national modern agriculture demonstration zone. The innovative "1861" strategy proposed by Nanling County aims to build a beautiful Nanling through ten key action plans that harness local ecological resources and extensive green spaces. This initiative has led to the establishment of five national recognized geographical indication products and seven well-known Chinese trademarks, charting a distinctive pathway for practical innovation under the "Two Mountains" concept.

(1) Visiting the Yangtze Alligator National Nature Reserve to Learn About the Spirit of Conservation

On the morning of July 15, the research team visited the exhibition hall dedicated to the construction of the "Two Mountains" practical innovation base in Nanling County, where they learned about the implementation and innovative practices associated with the "Two Mountains" concept. Engaging short films showcased the substantial efforts and achievements Nanling County has made in practicing the "Two Mountains" concept, including the "Two Mountains Bank", which utilizes ecological resources as shares, geographical indication protected products (such as Yuxi Cuilan), and ecological compensation mechanisms. Additionally, the ecological agriculture model that integrates rotating purple vetch and rice left a lasting impression on the research team.

The research team visited the exhibition hall for the construction of the "Two Mountains" practice and innovation base in Nanling County.

Under the guidance of Xuefeng Sheng, President of the Nanling Wildlife Protection Association, the team visited the biodiversity experience hall located on the third floor of the exhibition hall, where they observed specimens of wild Yangtze alligators and leopard cats. President Sheng passionately shared the association's past rescue efforts and showcased growth photos of owls, giant salamanders, and swans, each photo narrating a touching story of community-led wildlife rescue and protection. He emphasized the importance of instilling a conservation ethos in the younger generation, aiming to inspire the faculty and students from the School of Ecology and Environment to embrace the responsibility of environmental stewardship.

The team subsequently visited the Nanling Management Station of the Yangtze Alligator National Nature Reserve, where they were inspired by the touching stories of the third-generation alligator protectors, including Sheng Zhang. During discussions, the students learned about the current challenges faced by protectors, such as insufficient income and subsidies for conservation efforts. Despite these difficulties, Sheng Zhang's unwavering commitment to the cause was truly moving, as he worked tirelessly to instill this spirit in future generations. The team later delved into the core area of the nature reserve in the Changle region for further investigation.

The research team visited the "Crocodile Protection Family" at the Yangtze Alligator Conservation Station in Changle.

The research team entered the core area of the Anhui Yangtze Alligator National Nature Reserve.

On that afternoon, the research team went to the Changle Village Committee to hold a discussion with the village secretary and staff, gaining insights into the basic economic conditions, production activities, and development status of Changle Village. Located in the eastern part of Jishan Town in Nanling County, Changle Village lies within the core protection area for the wild Yangtze alligator, which hosts the largest wild population of this species in the world. The village firmly adheres to the "Two Mountains" concept, effectively balancing development and conservation, and successfully emerged from the "poor village" category in 2017. Following these discussions, the research team conducted door-to-door surveys within the village, engaging in in-depth interviews with local residents to gain a comprehensive understanding of issues such as land contracting, ecological farming and breeding, and human-land conflicts.

The research team held a discussion in Changle Village.

The research team conducted door-to-door interviews in Changle Village.

(2) Exploring the Beautiful Green Mountains and Rivers of Yandun, Seeking New Paths for Ecological Cultural Tourism Development

On July 16, the research team visited Aili Village in Yandun Town to examine the ecological cultural tourism model of beautiful countryside. The village, located in the southernmost part of Wuhu City and known as "the southern gate of Wuhu," left a striking first impression with its picturesque scenery and mist-shrouded landscapes. With a forest coverage of 87%, Aili Village boasts significant natural advantages that enhance its ecological appeal.

At the visitor center in Aili Village, the team experienced the changing seasons through visual big data analysis platforms and well-crafted promotional videos. As one of the first model villages for rural tourism in China, Aili Village has actively developed its ecological tourism industry by establishing the Xiaogeli National Forest Park and five harmonious villages, thereby significantly preserving traditional customs and agricultural culture. The village also focuses on creating unique ecological products, helping local farmers in marketing their products and improving both their economic income and quality of life.

The research team visited the Aili Village visitor center.

Geli Village was the first stop for the research team during their field investigation in Aili Village. The two villages are closely connected, with residents frequently encountering one another along the way, where clusters of farm stays, rural supermarkets, and unique handmade crafts are readily visible. The research team then continued to Cangli Village and Zhuangyuan Village, experiencing the cultural landscape shaped by historical deposits at the "First Stove of Jiangnan." They walked along the paths embraced by swaying rice fields, inhaling the fragrance of traditional farming culture. At the Zixian Book Society, the research team witnessed Aili Village's ambition for the future, including the development of new industries, such as cultural and creative products, as well as capsule hotels, all aimed at promoting the Yanyu Aili brand nationwide.

The research team conducted an on-site visit in Aili Village.

In the afternoon, School of Ecology & Environment at Renmin University, in collaboration with the Environmental and Economic Policy Research Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the Yandun Town Government, held a discussion on the practical innovation of the "Two Mountains" concept. The research team gained valuable insights into Aili Village's significant measures and achievements in implementing the "Two Mountains" concept, praising the local efforts to create the "Mountain Water Original Home · Love Aili" themed rural tourism brand while preserving the original appearance of the countryside. The team was particularly impressed by Deputy Mayor Ruiting Tao's fluent responses to student inquiries and her thorough understanding of the town's development data, representing grassroots leaders' dedication to promoting the flourishing development of Yandun's ecological cultural tourism industry. The team then conducted household surveys to further investigate local development conditions, business models, and villagers' experiences.

The research team held a seminar on "Two Mountains" practical innovation research with the government of Yandun Town.

The research team conducted door-to-door surveys with the villagers of Aili Village.

(3) Visiting the White Tea and Fengdan Industrial Base, Painting a New Picture of Rural Ecological Revitalization

On the morning of July 17, the research team visited the national organic white tea base in Wanxing Village, Yandun Town. The Wanrui Tea Planting Cooperative is located on a hillside, surrounded by tea fields. With a gentle breeze and the aroma of tea filling the air, Wanxing Village Party Secretary Haisui Wan vividly recounted the village's journey of "revitalizing the village through tea."

The research team toured the organic white tea base in Wanxing Village.

Wanxing Village, situated in the mountains, previously depended on tobacco as its primary industry, with a maximum planting area of over 800 acres and an annual output value of 300,000 to 400,000 yuan. In 2015, motivated by the initiative to develop beautiful countryside, Wanxing Village decided to pursue industrial development. By 2021, the county's first Party-led tea cooperative was established in Wanxing Village, gradually forming a complete industrial chain from tea planting to processing and sales. The white tea industry effectively boosted employment for local women and the elderly due to its high labor demand and low physical intensity, ensuring that "everyone has work to do." Tea pickers earn a guaranteed minimum of 130 yuan per day, contributing to an overall annual income of 8 to 9 million yuan.

Currently, Wanxing Village cultivates over 1,000 acres of gardenia flowers and 2,000 acres of white tea, along with other industries such as aquaculture and camellia oil. The white tea produced in Wanxing Village shares its origin with Anji white tea and adheres to a "quality first" philosophy, with no pesticides or chemical fertilizers used in its organic cultivation, earning recognition from testing institutions and the market.

The research team sampled the locally produced gardenia flower black tea and white tea, and under Secretary Wan's guidance, they explored the tea fields to observe the white tea and gardenia plants, gaining invaluable lessons in the process.

In the afternoon, the team visited Longshan Village in He Wan Town, known as the "Hometown of Peonies," to investigate the development of the local Fengdan industry. At Longshan Academy, which focuses on Party history education, the team learned about the diverse ecological tourism products as well as its rich revolutionary culture and history. Former village Party secretary and "Chinese Good Person" Taiping Hu shared the development history of the village's medicinal herb industry with the team.

The research team held a seminar at Longshan College in Longshan Village, Hewan Town.

Walking through the fields under the blazing sun, the team observed butterflies fluttering among the Fengdan plants, with the dark seeds symbolizing the villagers' simple wishes for increased income and improved living standards. Village Secretary Mingxi Wang shared successful experiences of rural revitalization: the Party organization leading the cooperative as an intermediary to connect smallholders with pharmaceutical companies, effectively ensuring the sales of Fengdan and farmers' profits.

The research team visited the Fengdan planting base in Longshan Village, Hewan Town.

After leaving Longshan Village, the research team continued to Yamu Village to learn about the protection of traditional ancient villages, experiencing the cultural heritage of the provincial intangible cultural heritage "Ten Beast Lanterns," and appreciating the ecological beauty at the Water Dragon Mountain Waterfall.

(4) Understanding Natural Ecological Farming Models, Writing New Chapters in Building a Beautiful China

On the morning of July 18, the research team visited the Ziyunying Science and Culture Exhibition Hall in Yijiang Town to learn about the cultivation and applications of the Ziyunying crop from Wei Wang, General Manager of Wuhu Qingyijiang Seed Industry Co., Ltd., and her father, national model worker Genhuo Wang. During the conversation with Wang, the team learned about the significant efforts the company has made over the years in Ziyunying research, market expansion, and the practice of rice-flower rotation. The exhibition hall featured a promotional map of the South Ziyunying Yijiang seeds' planting across southern China, providing deeper insights into the vast development potential of the Ziyunying industry.

The research team actively engaged in discussions during the visit, posing questions to the father-daughter duo and gaining profound insights into how Ziyunying green manure empowers ecological agriculture, while also feeling the commitment and original intentions of two generations of farmers towards agriculture.

The research team went to the Ziyunying Industry Research Institute in Yijiang Town for research.

The team subsequently visited the Jiuhong Lotus Root Planting Cooperative in Silian Village, Yijiang Town, to experience lotus seed harvesting process and learn about ecological agriculture development models. Upon entering the planting base, Secretary Youhong Liu of Silian Village and Xiaojing Wang, head of the Jiuhong Lotus Root Planting Cooperative, detailed the specific processes and steps for managing and harvesting lotus pods. They guided the team through the colorful rice fields while sharing the history and development of the new colorful rice variety known as "Five Color Dream, Silian Lotus Fragrance." Through in-depth exchanges, the research team noted that this model has significantly bolstered the local collective economy, with net income from the village collective rising from 100,000 yuan to over a million in recent years. Continued government support has been instrumental in fostering the base's planting initiatives and ongoing innovation.

During the break, instructors Hongliang Zhang and Jinghan Di engaged the students in discussions about the paths to realizing ecological product value and development models based on recent observations and research outcomes, providing a lively field lesson. Students shared their research insights, fostering in-depth interactions and mutual learning experiences among faculty and students.

The research team visited the Jiuhong lotus root planting base in Silian Village, Yijiang Town, for research.

In the afternoon, the research team visited the Xuan Education Center at the Kuaihu Provincial Wetland Park in Nanling, Anhui, to understand the park's crucial role in water conservation and ecological protection. Staff from the Kuaihu Wetland Park Management Office introduced the development direction of prioritizing ecological protection and enhancing infrastructure, detailing the ecological restoration and protection journey of the park and future plans for development. Subsequently, the research team engaged in discussions with local officials about wetland protection, restoration, economic development, and the construction of beautiful rural areas, gaining valuable insights.

The research team visited the Education and Exhibition Center of the Kuihu Provincial Wetland Park in Nanling, Anhui.

Walking Beautiful China, We Are Always on the Road!