Beijing: A city where modernity intertwines with nature, Beijing is making strides in biodiversity conservation, aligning with China’s vision of building a harmonious future for all life on earth. This initiative is deeply rooted in the ancient Chinese concept of unity between humanity and nature. Over the years, China has prioritized biodiversity, pursuing ecological civilization through concerted efforts across various sectors to create a modern yet nature-nurturing nation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Beijing authorities are actively promoting ecosystem restoration and protection, reinforcing its status as a biodiversity hub. The city, recognized by the United Nations as ‘A City of Biodiversity Charm’, is a critical point along the East Asia-Australasian Flyway for migratory birds. Beijing is leveraging intellectual resources, with 25 universities and institutes partnering to innovate urban greening. The establishment of the Capital Landscape and Forestry Technology Innovation Alliance and the ‘Hundred Parks, Hundred Experts’ platform exemplify this commitment.
In furtherance of these efforts, the government has developed 28 national-level innovation platforms focusing on education, conservation, and sensitization. Over the past decade, 85 new technologies have been promoted, and 196 local standards for landscaping have been formulated, advancing the All-region Forest City and Garden City initiatives. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the significance of biodiversity protection at the COP15 summit, with China dedicating 1.5 billion yuan for biodiversity protection and approving over 30 multilateral ecological agreements.
Philip Clayton, President of the Institute for Postmodern Development of China, highlights China’s contributions to ecological civilization, which have influenced global environmental reforms. The country’s national park system, supported by nature reserves and parks, protects over 90 percent of terrestrial ecosystems and 71 percent of wild species. In 2022, the China National Botanical Garden was established in Beijing, further strengthening biodiversity efforts.
The guiding principle of harmony between civilization and nature aligns with the 2050 Vision and the Sustainable Development Goals. Beijing’s first biodiversity white paper, released in May 2025, recorded 7,121 species across 151 ecosystems, underscoring its status as a biodiverse megacity. Liu Xianshu, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, emphasizes the city’s achievements in biodiversity conservation, with field surveys documenting diverse ecosystems and species.
Beijing is home to 612 terrestrial wildlife species, including 519 bird species, representing significant avian diversity. The city’s ancient trees and plants, with 41,000 specimens, reflect a profound history and cultural heritage. In 2024, Beijing was named a ‘National Forest City’, with impressive forest and urban green coverage rates, showcasing a model of urban and natural coexistence.
The city promotes nature-based education and cultural initiatives, enhancing public life with exhibitions, seasonal campaigns, and festivals. Environmental activists at the 2025 International Symposium on Rose Research and Cultivation praised Beijing’s progress in biodiversity conservation, aligning with international biodiversity objectives.
Beijing’s urban green spaces embody the vision of accessible nature, with a Parks and Recreation System providing citizens with fulfilling urban spaces. With over a thousand parks, the city meets its vision of ‘A City of a Thousand Parks’. Visits to various parks reveal an ecological haven, with diverse flora and picturesque landscapes.
This development reflects China’s cultural and environmental ethics, fostering harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Xie Wd, a Deputy Director at the Chinese Cultural Centre for Diplomatic Missions, highlights China’s commitment to global ecological civilization, advocating for green development and sustainable living.