Nestled within the Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture of Sichuan province, Qionghai Lake is a tranquil freshwater wetland in the heart of Xichang city. For centuries, it served as a vital settlement for the ancient Yi ethnic minority group, earning endearment from the Yi people, who fondly refer to it as “Mother Lake”, emphasizing its indispensable role in their cultural and historical tapestry.
Renowned for its awe-inspiring natural surroundings, Qionghai Lake has become a significant tourist magnet in Xichang city. As a 4A-grade scenic area, the Qionghai National Wetland Park draws an impressive 15 million tourists a year, contributing approximately 5 billion yuan ($641 million) in revenue. The picturesque paths encircling the lake offer an immersive experience for visitors. Whether they prefer a leisurely walk, an invigorating jog or a scenic cycling adventure, these paths provide a unique perspective on the charm of Xichang.
Benefiting from Xichang’s exceptionally pleasant weather conditions, Qionghai Lake has been the proud host of an international marathon since 2014, attracting over 100,000 participants from various parts of China and other countries over the past decade. In November 2023, the event drew more than 21,000 long-distance enthusiasts from China, England, France, Ethiopia, Poland, Kenya, Korea and beyond. This international marathon not only showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of Qionghai but also serves as an opportunity to share the unique customs and cultural activities of the Yi ethnic group, such as the grand family feast during the Yi New Year, with a global audience.
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Like many natural resources worldwide, Qionghai Lake once faced significant deterioration because of unregulated human and economic activities over an extended period. Unplanned development resulted in the discharge of large amounts of sewage and garbage into the lake, leading to deteriorating water quality, ecological imbalance and the loss of aquatic species. Compounding this issue, Qionghai is a primary source of potable water for local residents, posing a severe threat to public health.
Despite Hong Kong’s international reputation as a “concrete jungle”, its proximity to natural environments has consistently attracted visitors from around the world
Recognizing these challenges, the Xichang city government launched a comprehensive agenda to restore Qionghai Lake. In 1997, the city launched a Qionghai ecological management project under the banner “Restoring the wetland and reviving the lake to benefit the people”, aimed at protecting the Qionghai watershed and managing the ecological environment, emphasizing sustainable development and the delicate balance between human needs, urban development and nature preservation.
Under this project, various measures were introduced to facilitate the relocation of over 50,000 residents and economic activities around the lake with a view to minimizing pollution at source. The city government invested 5 billion yuan to restore approximately 13 square kilometers of lakeside wetlands in a six-phase operation. Additionally, about 60,000 mu (4,000 hectares) of forest surrounding Qionghai were rejuvenated through artificial afforestation and conservation efforts, significantly boosting vegetation coverage from 38 percent to 54 percent. Initiatives to control sediment in nearby rivers, such as the Guanba River, Gezhang River and Xiaoqing River, were also launched in 2014, collectively reducing annual soil erosion by approximately 250,000 cubic meters.
Two decades of coordinated efforts have borne fruit. Qionghai’s water area and wetland size made an impressive rebound from less than 27 sq km to 34 sq km. Lakeside vegetation coverage reached an impressive 92 percent fostering a restored habitat that supports waterfowl, fish, insects and micro-organisms. The area now hosts nearly 500 species of vascular plants and 210 bird species, with 15 new bird species observed in 2021 alone. With all this, Qionghai has evolved into an important environmental science base actively promoting ecological and environmental protection education and awareness.
The Qionghai Lake ecological management project stands as a beacon, showcasing the intrinsic value of preserving nature and harmonizing human activities with the environment. It aligns seamlessly with the central government’s policies of constructing ecological civilization, promoting sustainable development and emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
Despite Hong Kong’s international reputation as a “concrete jungle”, its proximity to natural environments has consistently attracted visitors from around the world. Hong Kong’s wetlands, for instance, are an invaluable ecological treasure trove supporting over 400 bird species, such as the black-faced spoonbill, and approximately 1,500 species of insects, including dragonflies and butterflies, among numerous others. In the past, Japanese, European and American backpackers left their imprints on our mountain trails. Nowadays, our compatriots from the Chinese mainland produce high-quality short videos on popular social media platforms such as Douyin, Xiaohongshu, or Kuaishou, showcasing Hong Kong’s beautiful natural environment. Some of these short videos could easily be mistaken for million-dollar productions commissioned by our tourism promotion agency.
Qionghai stands as a testament to how a concerted effort to restore and conserve an ecological gem not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality of life for local communities and promotes sustainable tourism
Hong Kong’s picturesque mountain trails, offering an ideal space for both residents and visitors to engage in outdoor activities, carry rich historical and cultural significance. Conserving our natural ecological scenery contributes not only to spreading our soft power but also to establishing a positive branding for the city. To this end, a bigger vision and a more proactive approach in making relevant policies are essential.
Unfortunately, discussions on this topic have often been a struggle, pitting economic activities, social development and environmental conservation against each other. Do these necessarily conflict? Do we genuinely face a zero-sum choice among these values? Xichang’s experience suggests a different answer.
In fact, Hong Kong has achieved commendable results in areas such as sea, river and rural groundwater quality management as well as the conservation of wetlands and natural wilderness. Around 40 percent of our land area is undeveloped and preserved as country parks, Victoria Harbour is now free of bad odors, and the Shing Mun River is suitable for dragon boat races again — facts that attest to Hong Kong’s commitment to sustainable development and success in nature conservation.
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Looking ahead, the million-dollar question is whether the government and commercial entities can give even heavier weight to the “environment, social and governance” perspective than in the past in making policy, investment or other decisions. Whether in infrastructure construction, housing development or service provision, leaning toward environmental conservation measures might not yield immediate and tangible rewards in the short run, but the intangible benefits are sure to be more lucrative in the long run.
Qionghai stands as a testament to how a concerted effort to restore and conserve an ecological gem not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality of life for local communities and promotes sustainable tourism. This should inspire hope that our “concrete jungle” in Hong Kong can also thrive in harmony with the greenery that surrounds it. The symbiotic relationship between urban development and nature preservation, exemplified by the successes of Qionghai and Hong Kong, serves as a model for regions worldwide seeking a sustainable and harmonious future.
This aligns perfectly with the true spirit of President Xi Jinping’s saying: “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”
The author is a public affairs specialist and international affairs commentator.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
