This paper compares water resource management policies between China and Denmark at the planning level. It takes two vulnerable freshwater bodies as a case study: Baiyangdian wetland in China and Mariager fjord in Denmark. It explores the commons and differences between the two ecosystems from the characteristics of the ecosystems, historical and cultural background of the society, the technologies affect the way the common is used, how the common is seen at different times, the existence of property rights through time and their development process. It also compares the environmental regulations and its impact on both water bodies. The analysis shows that both in Denmark and in China it can be expected that goals, once they are decided, will be implemented. But in reality it seems to be much easier to accomplish in Denmark than in China, probably due to the complicated administrative structure in China and clearer goals and better resources in Denmark. Denmark has also accomplished a large degree of environmental policy integration (EPI). But China has opened up the gate to the whole world and shows a positive attitude to participating in international affairs and environmental protection as well as sustainability.
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