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Weishan Lake rises to 5A tourist haven

chinadaily.com.cn| Updated: June 2, 2023
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Weishan Lake, once considered the "world's toughest pollution control challenge" in 2001, has undergone an incredible transformation and is now recognized as a national 5A-class tourist destination renowned for its pristine waters. This picturesque lake offers ecological benefits and provides visitors with remarkable cultural experiences.

The revival of Weishan Lake can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of local governments from Jining, Zaozhuang, Tai'an, and Heze cities. Together, they formed an Ecological Environment Protection Leadership Group committed to improving the area's environmental conditions. Effective measures included the closure of nine coal mines and six polluting photovoltaic projects, the removal of 228,500 mu (approximately 152.33 square kilometers) of fishnet aquaculture, and the integration of 67 rivers into a digital management platform.

These collective endeavors have yielded impressive results. The thirteen national control sections of the Shandong South-to-North Water Transfer project and the 36 South Four Lakes control sections now boast a 100 percent water quality excellence ratio. The Weishan Lake area is cherished for its natural splendor and its rich cultural heritage, with ancient legacies like the Grand Canal, Fuxi culture, and Liang-Zhu culture.

The region's captivating attractions, such as Nanyang Ancient Town, Weishan Island, Dushan Island, and the vast lotus fields, never fail to mesmerize visitors. One of the standout features of the area is Weishan Lake, which covers an expansive 76.78 square kilometers. The lake's prestigious 5A national tourism rating attests to its commitment to preserving its ecological balance while promoting sustainable cultural tourism.

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Egrets perch by the Weishan Lake. [Photo/Dazhong News]