Restoration efforts reviving lakes and wildlife in northern China

In Ulanqab, northern China, Daihai Lake has become a critical habitat for migratory birds, including oriental storks, which nested for the first time in 2023. Two nests on high-voltage pylons produced six chicks, marking a significant ecological milestone.

Restoration efforts extended beyond the lake's shoreline, involving changes in land use and water management. The lake relies mainly on surrounding rivers and rainfall, with water from the Yellow River being pumped in to replenish it since 2022.

Local farmers converted 260,000 mu of farmland from irrigated to dryland farming, reducing water demand. They replaced water-intensive maize with drought-tolerant crops like sorghum and millet, supported by government subsidies.

Industrial changes also contributed to the lake's recovery. The Daihai power plant shifted from water cooling to air cooling and began using treated reclaimed water, reducing its reliance on lake water and groundwater.

The lake's ecological improvements have also benefited nearby communities. Residents like Hu Dengyu, who now operates a sightseeing boat, have adapted to the changing environment, with tourism restricted to designated areas to protect the ecosystem.

At Huangqihai Lake, fish activity was detected again in 2025 after a 27-year absence, with crucian carp, common carp, and loaches being recorded. Fishing is now prohibited to protect the recovering fish population, which has grown to cover 85.22 square kilometers by late 2026.