The 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) is underway in Belem, Brazil. At the China Pavilion side event on international cooperation on climate action and green, low-carbon transition, Huzhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province stood out as the only prefecture-level city from China to be invited to deliver a keynote speech.

Representatives from Huzhou shared the city's approach to sustainable development, highlighting its green industries and local practices that have shaped a distinctive path toward ecological progress. This marks the third time Huzhou has participated in a UN climate conference.

As the birthplace of one of China's guiding principles that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," Huzhou has long prioritized ecological conservation and green growth. The city has forged a sustainable development model characterized by environmental beauty, thriving industries, and improved livelihoods.

Guided by its core philosophy, Huzhou has advanced citywide ecological enhancement, cultural and tourism integration, and rural revitalization. Huzhou's Yucun Village, a symbol of green transformation, was selected by the UN World Tourism Organization as one of the inaugural "Best Tourism Villages" in 2021.

In 2024, Huzhou welcomed 125 million visitors, with tourism contributing around 8 percent of the city's GDP – a testament to how ecological strength continues to drive high-quality development.