Aerial photo taken on Dec. 30, 2018 shows Xingkang grand bridge on the Ya'an-Kangding expressway in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Located in southwestern China, Sichuan is a landlocked province boasting various biological resources and landscapes. Sichuan is often dubbed as "giant panda capital of the world," as more than 70% wild pandas live in the province. To bring the species back from the brink of extinction, relevant authorities have been implementing measures to protect and restore habitats, as well as expand and build nature reserves and breeding bases, in a race to save the bear. The status of the giant panda was downgraded from "endangered" to "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. As a key ecological barrier and water reserve, Sichuan has many visages from fairyland-like grassland, lush greenery canyons to crystal-clear lakes. Jiuzhai Valley (Jiuzhaigou National Park), located in the mountains on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is well-known for its ethnic minority communities, superb mountains and stunning scenery. During the past years, following the green development principle, Sichuan authorities adopt various measures to protect the environment including enhancing natural resources governance, improving afforestation and improving natural reserves management. From 1 to 3 in August, the "Sichuan Day" event is held at the ongoing Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition. Visitors can take a glimpse of the beauty of home to giant pandas. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)
