Beijing has formally issued its first five-year plan focused strictly on its ecological conservation districts, setting firm targets for green development and environmental protection through 2030.
The Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission announced the implementation of the plan for the ecological conservation districts, which span the mountainous areas of Mentougou, Ping谷, Huairou, Miyun, Yanqing, Changping, and Fangshan. Under the new guidelines, the city aims to consolidate a positive feedback loop between ecological preservation and green development across these regions by the end of the decade.
Did You Know? In 2025, the PM2.5 annual average concentration across the seven ecological conservation districts reached 25.2 micrograms per cubic meter, while the southern ecological comprehensive treatment project in the Yanqing mountain area was not mentioned in the source.
Targets Set for 2030 Ecological Conservation
The plan outlines several strict metrics to fortify the capital’s ecological security barrier. By 2030, the proportion of surface water bodies with fine water quality in these districts must not fall below 95%, while forest cover is expected to remain stable.
To hit these marks, authorities plan to roll out a 0.1-microgram assault action alongside a clear-water defense campaign. Officials will also advance system protections across the region’s major mountains, reservoirs, and rivers to keep ecosystems stable.
Expanding Ecological Value Realization Pathways
Yanqing and Miyun have already entered national pilot programs for realizing ecological product value.
The Yanqing district notably landed its first loan tied to ecosystem regulatory service value to test paths for converting nature into capital. Over the next five years, the city will support these pilot zones and expand regional public brands like Guishui Farming and Seeing the Sea in Miyun.
Boosting mountain economies through tourism
Economic vitality in the mountain districts relies on targeted, low-impact industries.
Cultural preservation also takes center stage through plans to connect 16.5 kilometers of elite Great Wall tourist routes—including sections at Badaling, Shuiguan, Ancient Great Wall, and Huajiayazi. Authorities intend to mix farming, commerce, culture, tourism, and sports by expanding micro-vacation options like boutique bed-and-breakfasts, starry-sky camps, and village coffee shops.
Answering key questions about Beijing conservation zones
What districts are included in Beijing’s ecological conservation zones?
The conservation area covers the mountainous regions of Mentougou, Pinggu, Huairou, Miyun, Yanqing, Changping, and Fangshan.
What specific growth rate is projected for green industries?
During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the revenue of key green economic industries in the conservation districts is slated to maintain an average annual growth rate of roughly 6%.
Which specific heritage sites are tied into the regional cultural tourism plans?
Projects include advancing the Badaling world-class Great Wall scenic area, promoting Fangshan’s Yunjiyu stone-script culture, and incorporating Mentougou’s ancient Yongding River canal irrigation engineering.