(CFP Photo)

Nantong inaugurated a project on November 12 to highlight its efforts in protecting the Yangtze finless porpoises and elevate the city’s reputation as an eco-tourism destination.

The project comes amid an improved ecological environment along the Nantong section of the Yangtze River and an increased number of sightings of the endangered species.

The finless porpoise, known as the "giant panda of the water," is an indicator of the Yangtze River basin’s ecosystem. It’s also dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" because of its slightly curly lips.

In Nantong, the species has been observed in the waters from Kaisha Island to Qidong Port. Notably, the area near the Riverside Park reported 372 sightings of the Yangtze finless porpoises between December 2019 and October 2023.

In recent years, Nantong has intensified its efforts to protect the Yangtze River, such as coordinated water environment management, ecological restoration, and the gradual shutdown and relocation of chemical enterprises. The city has ensured that no chemical production enterprises are located within one kilometer of the riverbank and has developed 10 waterfront tourism venues.