The local government has taken actions to improve ecological conditions in recent years. Our reporter Hu Chao takes a look at the dramatic changes that have occurred as a result.

Dongting Lake sits across three cities in central China's Hunan Province. It covers 2,600 square kilometers. 60% of the lake sits along the city of Yueyang. Recent actions from the local government have effectively halted the environmental damage and helped turn the lake back to what it was.

HU CHAO YUEYANG, HUNAN PROVINCE "The illegal gravel-picking was once a big environmental threat to the Dongting Lake Wetland. I'm standing on the Junshan Hualong Dock along the eastern part of the lake. This place used to be a center for gravel trading with hills of gravel sitting all over the place, which severely damaged the wetland. However, local government has shut down all 39 gravel docks like this and planted new grass, turning the once barren land green."

The improved wetland has been attracting more migratory birds. Local experts say more than 200,000 migratory birds come to stay here every year.

More than 160 wild elk have also settled here. A rescue center for elk was built in 2016. Now more than 200 workers and volunteers have been protecting these beautiful animals. 

HU CHAO, ELK RESCUE CENTER YUEYANG, HUNAN PROVINCE "This is Dian Dian. She's about six years old. And that's her daughter born just this year. They really like to get close to people."

Dian Dian was rescued by locals when she had just been born. Yang Xiaoqiang was the one who fed her milk for three months.

YANG XIAOQIANG, WORKER EASTERN DONGTING LAKE NATURE RESERVE "I've been working here for nearly three decades. I've seen the environment here improved. And I hope it will get even better."

HU CHAO YUEYANG, HUNAN PROVINCE "Dongting Lake is covered by large areas of reeds. They used to provide raw material for making paper. In order to reduce pollution, local government has closed most local paper-making factories. The few remaining ones are slated to close by the end of this year."

Now the reeds not only provide shelter for wild animals but are also able to purify the water. The local government aims to do more. They made a three-year action plan to further improve the environment. The plan runs through 2020.

GAO DALI DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT OFFICE EASTERN DONGTING LAKE NATURE RESERVE "We believe after three years of action, Dongting Lake will look like a beautiful painting, where the water is clear, with dolphins leaping here and there, and birds are flying above the water."

Hu Chao, CGTN, Yueyang, Hunan Province.