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For generations, Chen Xianming’s family cast their nets into the mighty Yangtze River, relying on its waters for survival. But in 2021, the 53-year-old traded his fishing gear for a new mission: protecting the river that once fed his community.
A decade-long fishing ban, introduced in January 2021, marked a turning point. 'The Yangtze is our mother river,' Chen says. 'When they asked us to stop fishing, I knew I had to help heal it instead.' Now, as a river guardian, he monitors water quality and wildlife — and the results are inspiring.
Fish populations are rebounding, and even the rare Yangtze finless porpoise — once nearly extinct — has reappeared. 'Seeing them leap again… it feels like the river is breathing,' Chen smiles. His story mirrors China’s growing focus on ecological restoration, proving that sustainability and tradition can thrive side by side.
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A decade-long fishing ban, introduced in January 2021, marked a turning point. 'The Yangtze is our mother river,' Chen says. 'When they asked us to stop fishing, I knew I had to help heal it instead.' Now, as a river guardian, he monitors water quality and wildlife — and the results are inspiring.
Fish populations are rebounding, and even the rare Yangtze finless porpoise — once nearly extinct — has reappeared. 'Seeing them leap again… it feels like the river is breathing,' Chen smiles. His story mirrors China’s growing focus on ecological restoration, proving that sustainability and tradition can thrive side by side. 
