After years of ecological restoration efforts, Erhai Lake in the Dali Bai autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Yunnan province has been transformed. Once plagued by ecological challenges such as frequent blue-green algal blooms, today Erhai's water is clear, overlooked by blue skies and lush mountains. Its ecological corridor has become a popular tourist destination, demonstrating how a clean environment can generate income for locals. This transformation allows the residents around Erhai Lake to enjoy the financial benefits of ecological dividends, experiencing the true meaning of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets".

Zhao Zhiwei contributed to this story.