Hangzhou's National Ecology Day event celebrates green progress

Zhejiang's main event for the nation's National Ecology Day — staged on Aug 14 in Hangzhou, capital of the province in East China — highlighted two decades of progress under the environmental precept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets".

As one of China's first national carbon peaking pilot cities, Hangzhou has led the country with its green transformation. The event unveiled the city's Top 10 Model Figures and Top 10 Outstanding Case Studies in ecological protection — including pioneers in sustainable industries, wetlands restoration, rural vitalization and the circular economy.

Among the case studies held up as outstanding examples was Hangzhou's public bike system — the world's largest of its kind — which now has 5,900 service points and has expanded to over 200 cities since its launch in 2008.

Organizers emphasized the zero-carbon approach: Calculating emissions, reducing carbon output through green travel and recyclable materials, as well as offsetting the remaining 3.21 metric tons of carbon emissions via green certificates donated by State Grid Hangzhou.

The event also named Low-Carbon Public Welfare Ambassadors and awarded the city's 2025 Top 10 Low-Carbon Application Scenarios — reinforcing Hangzhou's role as a national leader in sustainable development.