The waterfront trail along the Lanxi River bustled with residents on Sunday, November 8, who were paddling in the shallows and relaxing on the bank.

Nine waterfront spots now line the river, including a circular square of over 2,000 square meters that can hold some 500 people at a time.

The Lanxi River is where Sun Yat-sen played in the water in his childhood. Local authorities have carried out a comprehensive upgrade of the river, restoring its appeal as a place to get close to the water while protecting the local ecosystem.