Tourist Li Zixuan, from Southwest China's Sichuan province, has always enjoyed holidaying in neighboring Yunnan province's Dali Bai autonomous prefecture.

It not only boasts the country's most pleasant climate, but also the majestic Erhai Lake. Li's most recent trip to the region impressed her more than any previous such was the clearness of the lake's water.

It is a result of provincial government's commitment since 2017 to curb pollution and improve the local environment. One measure taken, possibly the region's strictest ever, has been closing all restaurants and hotels around the lake. Some of the businesses have reestablished since May 2018, but they need to meet environmental protection standards.