Siming district convenes a press briefing on March 30. [Photo provided by Lin Yuyang to chinadaily.com.cn] 

Siming district convened a press briefing on March 30 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the nationwide rollout of the river and lake chief system and to report on the district's accomplishments in implementing the system. District officials provided an overview of the work carried out over the past decade.

Siming district has placed the river and lake chief system at the forefront of its ecological conservation strategy, enhancing collaboration across the district, subdistrict, and community levels. 

Through persistent efforts in key areas — such as the integrated treatment of Yundang Lake, the separation of rainwater and sewage flows, and the maintenance of small water bodies — the district has seen steady improvement in its water environment.

Yundang Lake and its surroundings in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province. [Photo provided by Lin Yuyang to chinadaily.com.cn] 

After years of sustained efforts, Yundang Lake — a landmark of the city — has achieved Class IV seawater quality. Its ecological functions have steadily recovered, with 98 bird species recorded in the area. 

The lake now features 14 kilometers of shoreline trails and 27,000 square meters of mangroves, serving as a gathering place where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the waterfront. The ecological and social benefits of the restoration continue to grow.

Over the past decade, the restoration of Yundang Lake has received widespread recognition. Its ecological rehabilitation was included as a case study in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, attracting international interest in its governance approach. In 2025, Yundang Lake was showcased at the China Pavilion of the Osaka World Expo as the sole Chinese example of urban ecological governance.