Hangzhou is a leader in China's sponge city initiative, and is home to lush mountains and lucid waters. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hangzhou is at the forefront of China's sponge city initiative, recently earning an A grade in the national performance evaluation for sponge city construction, local media outlets reported.

The city has developed 365.67 square kilometers of sponge city-compliant drainage areas, covering 41 percent of its urban area. Ten key demonstration areas, including parks like Taohua Lake Park and the Grand Canal Hanggang Park, have significantly improved flood prevention, water quality, and resource utilization.

To date, Hangzhou has implemented 511 sponge city projects, integrating the concept into river restoration, urban green spaces, and community upgrades. The city has created 13 large-scale water retention spaces and wetland parks, adding 336 hectares of water surface area, which have become popular destinations for locals.

Since being named a national demonstration city in 2021, Hangzhou has focused on five main areas: ecological restoration, flood management, water quality improvement, water resource utilization, and urban renewal. These efforts have established Hangzhou as a model for sustainable urban development in China.

Hangzhou is a leader in China's sponge city initiative. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]