The open-pit mine site of Jinchuan Group in Jinchang, Gansu province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Under the vast, cerulean skies of Gansu province, a group of international travelers visited Jinchang, Gansu province, from July 24 to 25, a city where a history of mining harmonizes with the crescendo of sustainable innovation.

Here, the scars of industry are not erased but reimagined into vibrant testaments to ecological renewal, crafting a blueprint for green development that resonates worldwide.

At the mine sites of Jinchuan Group, the transformative power of reclamation is on full display. What once stood as a stark crater of industrial ambition now rises as a lush, terraced hillside, part of a project that has restored eight such sites across one million square meters.

These reborn landscapes, adorned with native vegetation, not only combat desertification but also serve as living laboratories for sustainable mining practices.

"Jinchuan Group ranks third globally in nickel production. This year, the company expanded its operations to Pakistan, my home country, where it has undertaken a number of significant projects. Today, I visited their mining site and witnessed their advanced technology firsthand — it's truly impressive. Their contributions have played a vital role in China's modernization efforts," said Usman Masood from Pakistan.

Brazilian photographer Thales Saque uses a VR headset to dive into a virtual mine of Jinchuan Group in Jinchang, Gansu province on July 24. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Inside the Jinchuan Science and Technology Museum, holograms traced Jinchuan's metamorphosis — from nickel extraction to pioneering lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

The group donned VR headsets to dive into a virtual mine, where AI optimized resource extraction in real time.

"Jinchang is rich in mineral resources. Here in Gansu, they pursue development in tandem with environmental protection," said Karyna Kovalevska from Ukraine, highlighting the region's pioneering "mine-while-restoring" approach, which includes backfilling operations and afforestation atop mining zones.

Global influencers explore the Mars Base 1 Camp in Jinchang, Gansu province on July 24. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In the Gobi Desert, the Mars Base 1 Camp captivates with its Martian-inspired domes and rover simulations, yet its true mission transcends interplanetary fantasy.

Designed as an educational nexus, the camp ignites curiosity in youth through immersive astronomy and ecology programs.

"I saw the younger kids walking inside the Mars base, their eyes wide with curiosity. They see the spaceship, stars, planets and astronaut outfits. Their curiosity is growing and the Mars program there is increasing their interest in space. I believe that's a really good program for the education of younger generations," said Douglas Dueno, reflecting on the camp's role in fostering aspirations rooted in sustainable exploration.

Neeta Vanmari (third from the right) from South Africa and Gabrielle Chen (far right) from the United States take photos with local people at the Zijinyuan Scenic Area in Jinchang, Gansu province on July 25. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Jinchang's ecological renaissance flourishes in locales like the Zijinyuan Scenic Area, a once-barren expanse now thriving as a fragrant sea of flowers.

Over 40 herb and floral species, including lavender and verbena, weave a purple mosaic, attracting butterflies and tourists alike.

This revitalization project, blending ecological restoration with leisure tourism, offers a wedding square, train restaurant and wooden villas, proving that sustainability and recreation can coexist.

Jinchang's journey from industrial epicenter to eco-innovation beacon offers a compelling narrative for global sustainability. By prioritizing reforestation and ecotourism, the city demonstrates that environmental responsibility and economic growth are not mutually exclusive.

As travelers depart, they carry with them a vision of a world where humanity's footprint leaves behind gardens, not scars — a symphony of ecology and innovation, composed anew in Jinchang's green hills.