As the main storage lake in the upper area of the Four-Lake Basin, Changhu Lake plays an important role in Jingzhou's flood control, water supply, environmental protection and economy. Before the enclosure in 2016, Changhu Lake had serious endogenous pollution problems, and water hyacinth and water peanuts were seen everywhere. Exogenous pollution caused by industrial pollution, domestic sewage pollution, aquaculture tail water pollution and rural non-point source pollution in the main entry rivers and branch canals seriously affected the ecological environment of Changhu Lake. After nearly five years of efforts, satisfactory results have been achieved in the ecological restoration and environmental renovation, and the ecological environment of the wetland greatly improved. Today, fishes and shorebirds can be seen swimming and flying in the lake area again.

In January this year, Jingzhou kicked off its water pollution prevention and control project in Changhu River Basin. The project, with a total investment of over 30 million yuan, included the ecological protection and restoration of Taihu Port Canal which is presenting a beautiful ecological picture consisting of clear water and a variety of fishes and birds. In January, More than 20 species and more than 16,000 birds were detected in the lake area. In September, 7 green-headed diving ducks, a national first-class rare and protected bird species, were detected.

Currently, Ji’nan Ecological and Cultural Tourism Zone has relocated villagers living within 44 km along Miaohu Lake and Haizi Lake, involving 9 villages, more than 10,000 households and over 30,000 people. In terms of ecological restoration, a 44-kilometer-long green ecological corridor along the lake has been built, the river and lake chief system implemented, and the shoreline of Changhu Lake cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Through the above work, the water quality of Changhu Lake has been improved from class 5 to class 4, and even class 3 in some areas.