China's efforts to revive its longest river, the Yangtze, are yielding promising results, with fish biomass having more than tripled in 70 years. This turnaround is attributed to a sweeping 2021 protection drive that includes a full fishing ban, which has been instrumental in restoring water quality and promoting biodiversity. The key factors behind the Yangtze's recovery include not only the fishing ban but also improvements in water quality, hydrological habitat restoration, and vessel traffic reduction. These measures align with various ESG frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), which emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management. The Yangtze's recovery also underscores China's growing recognition of its role in promoting global sustainability, despite being one of the world's largest polluters. The implications of this development are significant for ESG stakeholders, particularly investors and policymakers. As China continues to promote its model for river restoration, it may serve as a catalyst for similar initiatives globally. However, concerns remain about the impact on local communities, such as the 230,000 fishermen whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the new restrictions. Forward-thinking companies and governments must weigh these trade-offs when adopting sustainable practices, balancing environmental benefits with social and economic considerations.