In recent years, Xi'an has steadily advanced efforts to preserve the ecological integrity of the Qinling Mountains, implementing robust mechanisms to ensure continuous environmental quality improvements.

An aerial view of the Qinling Mountains. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

The Qinling Mountains, located primarily in Northwest China's Shaanxi province, are a natural divide between northern and southern China and are crucial to the nation's sustainable development goals.

Today, 99.3 percent of the Qinling Mountains in the Shaanxi section boast an environmental quality index of 82.20, the highest level. From January to August this year, all 10 designated drinking water sources in the region met national standards, with the water quality at 58 key mountain passes also fully compliant.

Xi'an has embraced cutting-edge digital technology to enhance its ecological preservation efforts. It has developed a smart management system for the Qinling Mountains, deployed drones for monitoring, and integrated intelligent surveillance systems, which have significantly increased preservation efficiency.

The Heihe River is a crucial water source for Xi'an, supplying 76 percent of the city's drinking water annually. A dedicated team of water guardians works tirelessly to protect this vital resource and ensure its quality. The introduction of a smart oversight platform has further bolstered environmental protection for the Heihe River.

With these protective measures in place, the ecological quality of the Qinling Mountains has seen substantial improvement. Wildlife is thriving, with frequent sightings attesting to the region's rich biodiversity. The Qinling Mountains are becoming a symbol of pride for Xi'an, where verdant landscapes and a balanced ecosystem paint a breathtaking natural canvas.