As the province where the strategy for ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin was first proposed and where major efforts are being made, Henan has dedicated five years to painting a remarkable picture of the 711-kilometer-long Yellow River with tangible actions.

Ensuring flood control and safety is the primary mission of Henan in protecting the Yellow River. To address the challenge of the "suspended river," Henan has built a flood control system that involves "draining upstream and blocking downstream, with diversion on both banks." A 501-kilometer standardized embankment has been constructed, and the Xiaolangdi Reservoir has been regulating water and sediment for 23 years, deepening the main channel by 3.1 meters. The Guxian Water Control Project, launched this year, will further contribute to long-term flood control, maintaining the record of no breaches during the summer and autumn flood season for over 70 years.

Ecological restoration reflects Henan's gentle dialogue with the Yellow River. From the clear waters of the Mengjin Yellow River Wetland, known as "the blue Mengjin section of the Yellow River," to the restored vitality of the Xiaoling Mountains after the closure of 1,189 mining pits, and the 69,000-mu green forest belt built by the Minquan Forest Farm, Henan has, over the past five years, afforested 6.4538 million mu of land and restored 27,800 mu of wetlands. With 220 natural reserves, the Yellow River has become a paradise for swans, bustards, and other wildlife. The water quality leaving Henan has consistently remained at Grade II.

Cultural heritage represents the spiritual core that Henan has instilled in the Yellow River. "Only Henan · Drama Fantasy City" attracts nearly 20 million visitors each year. The traditional Yellow River work songs resonate with modern artistic expressions, while the Hanfu clothing trend sweeps across Luoyang. Through innovative approaches, Henan has revitalized intangible cultural heritage and history, seamlessly integrating Yellow River culture from museum exhibitions into everyday life.

Today, with the digital twin of the Yellow River enabling precise early warnings and supercomputing centers driving development, Henan is harnessing "intelligence" to govern the river and "innovation" to revitalize it. This mother river is now radiating a new glory in the Central Plains, where safety, ecology, and culture intertwine.

 Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Li Siyao