Baotou -- the largest industrial city in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region -- is now putting environmental protection at the top of its list of priorities, to speed up its goal of becoming a sustainable city.

Officials said the metropolis has been making great strides in improving air quality and environmental protection, with a series of effective measures.  

A panoramic view of the stunning landscape in Yellow River National Wetland Park, located in Jiuyuan district in Baotou. The park, sitting at a relatively high latitude, covers an area of 122 square kilometers. It comprises Zhaojun Isle, the Xiaobai River, Nanhai Lake, Gongzhonghai and Chilechuan. It was designated by the State Forestry Administration of the People's Republic of China as the first national wetlands park in Baotou. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

Elegant trees line the Kunhe River in Baotou. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

Sheep graze contentedly, in pastoral scene on urban grassland in Saihantala Park in Baotou. Saihantala Park, located in Baotou’s Qingshan district, covers an area of 770 hectares. It is the only wetland grassland area in an urban region in Asia. Saihantala means “beautiful grassland” in the Mongolian language. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]