After 20 years of environmental protection and regulation, the once dust-covered Liyang city in East China's Jiangsu province regained its green hills and clear waters. The city's favorable natural environment has sparked the development of the local tourism and culture industry, and has also promoted rural revitalization and attracted more talent.
To date, Liyang city has invested 4 billion yuan ($622 million) to protect the Tianmu Lake water source, with all water sections reaching the level-3 water standards or above in national and provincial surface water assessment.