Photo: Urban Planning & Construction Bureau of Hengqin

Hengqin in Guangdong province will be China’s main venue for Earth Hour 2025, the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin announced on March 5 at a press conference held at Hengqin National Wetland Park.

This global initiative, which encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential lights for one hour, will be celebrated with a series of events aimed at fostering sustainability and ecological conservation.

The environmental festivities will begin with the "3rd Hengqin Nature Week," running from March 12 to March 26. The event will feature over 60 activities, including tree planting, ancient tree preservation, nature photography exhibitions, and educational workshops.

Photo: Urban Planning & Construction Bureau of Hengqin

The event will also serve as a platform for ecological cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, inviting families, schools, businesses, and social groups from both regions to participate. By engaging the communities, organizers hope to highlight the importance of protecting natural habitats and promoting sustainable development.

On March 22, Hengqin will join millions worldwide in observing Earth Hour. The main event will take place at the Hengqin Cultural and Arts Center, featuring an environmental carnival, seminars, science exhibitions, and volunteer services. The highlight of the evening will be a synchronized lights-off ceremony, where iconic landmarks in Hengqin and Macao will go dark in solidarity with global efforts to combat climate change.

Photo: Urban Planning & Construction Bureau of Hengqin

Adding a creative dimension to the environmental advocacy, a nature photography competition was announced at the conference. Open to residents and shutterbugs from Guangdong and Macao, the contest focuses on capturing the flora of the Hengqin National Wetland Park, with attractive prizes, including a top award of RMB 5,000.

Wang Yun, Deputy Director of the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of Hengqin, emphasized the significance of these initiatives as Hengqin approaches a critical phase in its development. "As we move toward our second-phase development goals by 2025, these ecological celebrations are not just about raising awareness but also about showcasing the successful integration of environmental protection into our urban planning," Wang stated.