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A pearl breeding base in Shanxia town, Zhuji, a county-level city in Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

Zhuji, a county-level city in Shaoxing, was recently honored by the provincial government for its accomplishments in pursuing common prosperity by protecting its ecological environment.

The success of Shanxia town in Zhuji in developing its pearl industry has been listed among the best practices in this respect by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment.

Shanxia is home to the largest breeding ground for freshwater pearls in China. Its annual output of freshwater pearls accounts for over 80 percent of the nation's total and 70 percent of the world's total, according to official statistics.

The economic gains did take a toll on the local environment, but not after the local government launched a campaign to treat aquaculture water and facilitate the pearl industry's upgrading.

In addition to minimizing the pollution, the town has managed to extend the industrial chain by developing high-value-added handicraft products made with pearls and mussel shells.