Xi’an Lake in northern Shaanxi, once polluted and avoided by locals, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Thanks to a government initiative launched in 2013, the lake now receives 11 million gallons of reclaimed water daily, cleaning up its waters and making it a pleasant leisure spot.
Chen Xu, a local who returned to find the lake transformed in 2016, was inspired to become a sanitation worker in his hometown. Nearby, the Shichuan River in Fuping county has also been revitalized through a comprehensive treatment program, turning a once polluted stretch into a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
The success of these projects showcases how reclaimed water and environmental initiatives can improve water bodies for both the ecosystem and the community. Yang Yi, a resident near Xi’an Lake, now frequents the area with her children for leisure activities, while Zhang Lina, who returned to find her childhood river transformed, was amazed by the new life it now teems with.