In particular, the construction of a town focused on eco-friendly tourism has helped development. Located 13 km away from the Chagan Lake Reserve, the Chagan Lake Ecological Town offers accommodations, dining, sightseeing and other tourist-oriented businesses that have increased local incomes and made it more convenient for people to visit the area. It is powered by green energy－specifically, wind power and biogas－and according to Zhang Guannan, a clerk at the town's construction office, this has reduced the environmental burden on the lake, as farms and tourism projects that were previously affecting the environment have been removed or relocated.

Tourism brought in 1.65 billion yuan last year, putting money in local pockets and allowing more visitors to share in the beauty of Chagan. All of this was achieved without harming the lake or the animal and plant life that call it home.

Now, the fishermen are free to do what they have done for centuries past－bag the biggest fish possible and share it with their family and friends.