Ouyang Hua, a deputy to the National People's Congress and the first secretary of the general Party branch of Baita village. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]
"I have witnessed firsthand the gradual improvement and beautification of Taihu Lake," said Ouyang Hua, a deputy to the National People's Congress and the first secretary of the general Party branch of Baita village in Yixing, Wuxi, during a press interview on March 7.
As the third-largest freshwater lake in China, Taihu Lake's management has been a top priority for local authorities in recent years.
"Being born and raised by Taihu Lake," Ouyang continued, "I would express my feelings in three ways: the water is clearer, the scenery more beautiful, and the pockets of local people fuller. The song The Beauty of Taihu Lake is being sung once again."
Ouyang highlighted a particularly striking change that illustrates the success of the lake's management: "Oriental white storks and Baer's pochards have been spotted in Taihu Lake. These birds, which demand high water quality, are the best witnesses to the lake's improvement."
Local residents have embraced Taihu Lake as a destination for evening strolls. On weekends and holidays, the lawns by the lake are dotted with tents set up by citizens coming to camp and walk, Ouyang noted.
"Green development has truly become our 'cash flow,'" Ouyang said. With cleaner rivers and more beautiful villages, the influx of tourists has increased. Scenic spots like Nianhuawan Bay and Yaohu Town are seeing a rise in visitor numbers, boosting the popularity of nearby homestays and farmstays.
As a grassroots representative, Ouyang emphasized the necessity of shouldering the responsibility to protect green waters and lush mountains, ensuring that the song The Beauty of Taihu Lake is passed down through generations.
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