Structural transformation

Environmental protection work has prompted the county to transform its industrial structure from coal production and papermaking to new energy and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the cultural and tourism sectors.

"The lakes have injected vigor into the local tourism industry," said Zhu Sumei, deputy director of the Weishan county culture and tourism department.

She said the county is building a culture and tourism-featured economic area around the lakes to develop tourism into a pillar industry.

As the transformation continues, some residents, especially those living on islands, are anxious about their livelihoods because they have had to return their ponds to the lake in a bid to keep the water clean. However, they will all receive compensation.

Jin said the local government is providing skills training for residents to help them find jobs, such as teaching them to make artworks from wheat straws, a popular form of handicraft on the art market.

Hu, the villager, said: "The lake is a kind of lifeblood for those of us who live on it. We all know what it means to us, especially after losing it once. Protecting the lake is undoubtedly our top priority now."