China spent $13.8bn restoring wetlands now valued at $434bn

China's coastal wetland restoration projects between 2000 and 2020 showed substantial economic gains. Investments of up to $13.8 billion generated ecosystem benefits valued as high as $434 billion. Mangrove restoration projects, in particular, offered exceptional benefit-cost ratios of 47 to 1. These restored wetlands provide vital carbon storage and coastal protection services. The research highlights restoration as a valuable nature-based solution for climate action.