40 Years of Reform and Opening Up: Northeastern port city of Dalian reaps the benefits of progress

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02:46

In the port city of Dalian, on China's Bohai Bay, environmental preservation goes hand-in-hand with economic development. Experts say the delicate balancing act is a testament to the progress the city has made over the past 40 years. CGTN's GUAN YANG visited Dalian to see what the next chapter of reform and opening up will look like for China.

Sand as fine as powder meets painted skies. The people of Dalian have always treasured their gift of nature. Despite rapid urban development in recent years, the pleasure of a promenade by the sea remains.

LIU XINCUN, VICE DIRECTOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF JINSHITAN SCENIC AREA, DALIAN "Since 1988, when the area was first rated a national scenic spot, management personnel have come and gone. But the principles of environmental protection have always been strictly followed."

Dalian's scenery reminds people that economic prosperity doesn't have to come at the expense of environment. And being a key transportation hub, over the past 4 decades the city's port has driven more than just goods.

LU QIDE, VICE GENERAL MANAGER OF OIL TERMINAL PORT OF DALIAN, LIAONING PROVINCE "The port's oil terminal first went into operation in 1976. Its mission in those days was to facilitate the export of China's crude oil, as the nation urgently needed foreign exchange."

GUAN YANG DALIAN, LIAONING PROVINCE "This photo was taken in 1976, when China's first oil terminal capable of handling a 10-thousand ton oil tanker was put into service. With 4 decades of commitment to facilitating economic transitions in northeastern China, people at Dalian port are proud to say: no matter how big the ship is, there is a berth for it."

Experts say the reform and opening up was the most efficient way to bring prosperity to many Chinese industries. And for one of the country's largest oil terminals, safety is just as important as making a profit.

LU QIDE, VICE GENERAL MANAGER OF OIL TERMINAL PORT OF DALIAN, LIAONING PROVINCE "Due to the highly volatile compound of oil and petroleum products here, we never compromise on anything that violates safety rules. We think that by creating a culture of safety, good business will follow."

In 1978, the world could hardly imagine how much economic and social progress China would make in the next 40 years. Today, places like the city of Dalian are more confident than ever, in advancing reform and opening up from a new starting point. GUAN YANG, CGTN.