By Li Wei
Once renowned for the serene beauty of its “Yundang Fishing Lights,” Xiamen’s Yundang Lake had fallen from grace by the late 20th century. The 1970s land reclamation project severed the lake’s connection to the sea, turning it into a stagnant basin of pollution. Today, however, Yundang Lake stands as a testament to environmental restoration, teeming with life and reflecting the city’s skyline on its tranquil waters. This remarkable transformation is best told through the eyes of three Xiamen natives who witnessed its rebirth.
Chen Ming: The Fisherman’s Lament and Joy
Chen Ming, a third-generation fisherman, remembers casting nets with his grandfather under the glow of lanterns on Yundang Lake. “In the old days, the lake was our livelihood,” he recalls. But as pollution took over, the fish disappeared, and with them, his family’s way of life. “The water turned murky and the smell was unbearable,” Chen says.
In the 1980s, when the environmental management project began, Chen was skeptical. “We had lost hope,” he admits. But gradually, he noticed changes—the water cleared, plants began to flourish, and fish returned. Today, Chen runs a small boat tour on the lake, sharing stories of its past and hopes for its future. “Yundang Lake gave me back not just my livelihood, but also my faith in what we can achieve when we work with nature,” he smiles.
Li Na: An Urban Planner’s Dream Realized
For Li Na, an urban planner born and raised in Xiamen, the lake’s deterioration was a blemish on her beloved city. “It was heartbreaking to see such a beautiful place become so polluted,” she says. Joining the city’s environmental project straight out of university, Li Na dedicated herself to restoring Yundang Lake.
“We faced many challenges—technical, financial, and even convincing the public that change was possible,” Li reflects. The team implemented modern sewage systems, introduced native plant species, and reconnected the lake with natural water flows. “Seeing egrets return was the moment I knew we had succeeded,” she beams. Now, Yundang Lake is a central feature of Xiamen’s urban landscape, blending ecological health with modern living. “It’s a model for sustainable urban development,” Li Na asserts.
Wang Jian: A Young Ecologist’s Inspiration
As a child, Wang Jian avoided the lake. “My parents told me not to play near it because it was dirty,” he remembers. However, the transformation of Yundang Lake inspired him to pursue a career in ecology. “I was amazed by how nature could bounce back,” he says.
Now a researcher at a local university, Wang Jian studies the lake’s ecosystem. “We have documented over 50 species of birds and a variety of aquatic life that had been absent for decades,” he notes. Wang believes that Yundang Lake serves as an invaluable natural laboratory. “It shows the impact of human activity on the environment and how positive actions can restore balance,” he explains. He often brings his students to the lake, hoping to inspire the next generation. “Yundang Lake is living proof of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature,” Wang Jian concludes.
A Beacon of Hope and Progress
The stories of Chen Ming, Li Na, and Wang Jian highlight not just the environmental revival of Yundang Lake, but also the social and economic rejuvenation it sparked. The lake is now a hub for community activities, tourism, and education. It stands as a paragon of sustainable development, offering valuable lessons for cities worldwide facing similar challenges.
As evening falls and the lights reflect off the clear waters, the “Yundang Fishing Lights” once again become a celebrated sight. The transformation of Yundang Lake is more than an environmental success; it’s a story of a community reclaiming its heritage and forging a harmonious future with nature.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
