12 BEIJING REVIEW AUGUST 29, 2019 http://www.bjreview.com

BEING THE CHANGE

COVER STORY

W

uhan, capital of Hubei

Province in central China,

boasts a large freshwater lake

that has become an ecologi-

cal icon of the city.

Years ago, wastewater was discharged

into Donghu Lake, or East Lake, resulting

in severe environmental degradation. Then

efforts were made to clean up the water

and build a greenway. The once stinking

lake has been transformed into a popular

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tourist attraction and a leisure destination

for locals.

The over 100-km greenway connects

islands, parks and ponds. Trees have been

planted by the lake and over 100 species

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reptiles. The large-scale ecological restora-

tion program, launched in 2009, highlights

the concept of harmony between people

and nature.

Opened to the public in 2016, the

greenway is car-free, accessible only to

walkers and cyclists.

Addressing environmental problems

has been a crucial measure to pursue

high-quality growth. In addition, hi-tech de-

velopment and further opening up are also

at the top of Wuhan’s agenda.

The East Lake Hi-Tech Development

Zone, also known as the Optics Valley of

China, is one of the first national-level hi-

tech zones. Located in southeast Wuhan,