Shu Guoping isn't the type of person to sit around being idle. The 60-year-old begins his days early, riding his electric bike around Meixi township in Anji county, Zhejiang province, and carrying his camera, a video camera and a pack of strips he uses to check soil acidity.

He uses both still photos and video to record details of any polluting activities he encounters, then posts the photos and footage online. He also phones the local government to press officials until the problems are solved.

"I grew up here and know every inch of this place. There's no way I would let anybody pollute this area," he said.