Renovated riverbanks in Rudong. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]

Rudong, a county in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, has in recent years taken measures to improve its appearance.

In 2019, authorities invested about 1.2 billion yuan ($176.93 million) to treat the Rutai, Jueqie, and Juekan rivers and their riverbanks over the course of three years.

Both sides of the three rivers, which run through Rudong, used to serve as storage yards for building materials and coal and had many failed factories. Domestic wastewater was discharged directly into the rivers.

Three years of treatment have restored these rivers' clear water. A wide variety of plants has also been planted on both sides of the three rivers, enabling passersby to enjoy scenic views year-round and at night, the rivers are lit up with colorful lighting installations.

A spoon-billed sandpiper is spotted in Rudong. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

Rudong also values the protection and repair of historic blocks. For example, it spent 1.2 billion yuan repairing and renovating ancient Bencha town to better present its local culture involving springs, the Grand Canal, filial piety, salt, and delicacies.

Ancient Bencha town has become a major tourism attraction of Rudong, attracting numerous tourists every year.

Home to more than 1 million mu (66,666.67 hectares) of wetland, Rudong is an important stopover for millions of migrant birds ever year.

A total of 209 bird species have been found in Rudong's wetland. Last year, Rudong invested more than 10 million yuan building a 660-mu reserve for spoon-billed sandpipers, which is reputed as the giant panda of bird species.