Dongping county in Tai'an is committed to ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. [Photo/WeChat account: SDTXTA]

Dongping Lake in Tai'an is the only flood storage area in the lower reaches of the Yellow River, serving as a crucial hub for the South-to-North Water Diversion East Route Project and the restoration of the Grand Canal.

In recent years, Dongping county in Tai'an, Shandong province, has actively integrated into the national Yellow River strategy and the overall development plan of the province and city. The county is dedicated to safeguarding the clear waters of the lake, focusing on green and prosperous initiatives in facility agriculture, ecological fisheries, cultural tourism, and more.

As the weather gets colder, with the sky as blue as a gemstone and Dongping Lake shimmering green like jade, nestled peacefully in the embrace of the earth, the picturesque scenery of the lake and mountains is truly breathtaking. The clear waters and lush shores of Dongping Lake, with its thriving ecology, have attracted many rare species.

Its pristine aquatic ecosystem is Dongping Lake's greatest asset. The county is committed to ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, making continuous efforts in the ecological governance of the lake by consistently managing the water, shores, and greenery to protect its clear waters.

The Dongping Lake Nature Reserve currently boasts 679 plant species and 788 wildlife species, including five national first-class protected wild animals and 20 national second-class protected wild animals.

In recent years, the cultural and tourism industry in Dongping county has been growing rapidly. With a number of unique cultural and tourism consumption scenes, it has become increasingly popular among netizens.

From January to November 2024, Dongping county received a total of 13.57 million visitors, generating a comprehensive tourism revenue of 7.97 billion yuan ($1.1 billion), year-on-year increases of 19.2 percent and 25.4 percent, respectively.