Hechi leads Guangxi in air quality for two straight years

Hechi city in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region has emerged as the leader in air quality among the region's 14 prefecture-level cities for two consecutive years, according to the Ecological Environment Status Bulletin released by the region's governmental authorities on June 4.

Hechi features clear waters, blue skies and lush greenery. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

This comprehensive report details the region's ecological environment across various domains, including air, water, marine environments, natural ecosystems, and meteorological disasters.

The report indicated that Hechi ranked first in both the air quality excellence rate and the comprehensive air quality index. In 2025, the city maintained its top position in PM2.5 levels and overall air quality index. This achievement underscores Hechi's extensive efforts to combat pollution across air, water, and soil.

As a significant non-ferrous metal industry base in Guangxi, Hechi implemented a package of strategic measures in 2025 to combat air pollution, including a ban on straw burning, fireworks, and firecrackers. Additionally, Hechi secured 17.42 million yuan ($2.6 million) in central government funds for air pollution prevention, supporting five projects to upgrade industrial facilities.

In addition, Hechi completed afforestation of 334,000 mu (22,260 hectares), planted over 7.156 million trees, and achieved a forest coverage rate exceeding 62 percent.

The city's environmental departments handled 72 administrative penalty cases, with fines totaling more than 7.3 million yuan, and transferred several cases to law enforcement for further action. By adhering to the rule of law, Hechi sent a clear message that it is committed to sustainable development through ecological protection and law enforcement.