From abandoned pond to eco-friendly retreat

On Sept 21, Xinghe Bibo Camping Site in Xiaohe village, Qingzhen, offered a picturesque scene: birds skimmed across the water, visitors gathered in animated conversation, and children chased each other along a man-made beach.

Decades ago, the pond had fallen into disuse and became stagnant, with many locals coming to swim and fish there despite safety risks and pollution. With depths exceeding 1.7 meters and no protective barriers, the abandoned pond was very unsafe, compounded by the accumulation of silt and litter.

In 2022, Qingzhen encouraged villages to develop collective economies. By renovating the pond within the Hongfeng Lake eco-tourism zone, the village could restore the river's ecology, utilize idle land, and boost local income. The project involved pond demolition, river widening, dredging, soil restoration, and lotus pond creation. Native and ornamental plants were also introduced.

Located partly within the Hongfeng Lake nature reserve, the project adhered to numerous environmental guidelines: no construction within 15 meters of the waterline, zero wastewater discharge, and full ecological protection. The camping site relies on movable wooden cabins and tents instead of permanent buildings. All wastewater is collected and sent to the park's ecological purification system before being safely discharged.

Since opening, the eco-camp has become a vibrant community attraction, generating over 100,000 yuan ($14,000) in income for the village while offering a safe, scenic destination where leisure and nature coexist.