The Pearl River has a touching legend. Long ago, the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau suffered from drought. The Pearl River Fairy shed a tear of compassion in Mount Maxiong's cave, and the tear became a life-giving spring. She declared the water would flow south, unite people, and bring life and prosperity. This legend shows the river is our spiritual foundation.

Scientifically, the Pearl River's official source is Chukou Spring on the eastern slope of Mount Maxiong in Qujing, Yunnan. Confirmed by Xu Xiake's exploration and 1985 scientific expeditions, it meets three standards: the farthest source, stable year-round flow, and integral connection to the sea. Stretching 2,320 kilometers, the river nurtures over 120 million people across 6 provinces, Hong Kong and Macao. With a basin of about 453,700 square kilometers, it contributes nearly 10% of China's GDP and is the lifeline of the Greater Bay Area.

The source area has amazing biodiversity. Forest cover reaches 98%, and water quality stays at Class II or higher. Rare ghost flowers and national second-class protected leopard cats live here, proving a healthy ecosystem.

Yet the Pearl River faces challenges: water pollution, saltwater intrusion, and uneven water distribution. Thanks to guardians like Song Zhuman, who devoted over 40 years to afforestation, and the "Forest Chief + River Chief + Police Chief" system, the source remains pure. Cross-regional cooperation also strengthens protection.

My trip to Qujing made me realize every river has a story and every source has a soul. Protecting rivers is the shared responsibility of young people. Let us learn about waterways, join clean-ups, and support environmental policies.

The Pearl River is a precious gift. Let us work together to guard it. As the motto goes: "One source moistens thousands of miles, one heart protects one river."

Thank you!