Qidong residents enjoyed clean air in more than 87 percent of days in 2023. [Photo/WeChat account: qdrmt0513]

Qidong in Nantong, Jiangsu province continues to set a commendable example for environmental quality, with 87.1 percent of days with good air quality in 2023, the second-highest ratio in the province, according to the Qidong Bureau of Ecology and Environment.

In a concerted effort to improve air quality, Qidong has enhanced its environment monitoring network by adding one laser radar and 38 micro-stations last year. The devices have helped strengthen the city's capability for precise pollution source tracing.

Local businesses have also contributed to the cause. Huanyu Dongfang International Container (Qidong) Co Ltd has replaced traditional oil-based paints used as coatings for containers with water-based paints, reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) levels from 40-50 percent to a mere 2 percent. This shift translates to an annual decrease of over 30 metric tons in VOC emissions, a major contributor to ozone pollution.

Moreover, the company has invested 14.5 million yuan ($2.03 million) to introduce two regenerative thermal oxidizers to enhance the efficiency of organic waste gas purification. It plans to spend an additional 25 million yuan to purchase three more sets of this equipment.

The positive impact on air quality is not only benefiting residents but also attracting a growing influx of tourists. By the end of November 2023, Qidong welcomed a total of 6.88 million visitors, generating tourism revenue of 7.35 billion yuan.