In the heart of China’s northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Gahai Lake has undergone a dramatic ecological revival. Once desiccated and on the brink of collapse due to overgrazing and soil erosion, this alpine freshwater lake in Gansu Province is now teeming with life, earning a reputation as a “paradise for migratory birds.”
On June 11, a group of journalists and online influencers from countries including Canada, the United States, Switzerland, South Korea, and Australia visited the Gahai-Zecha National Nature Reserve in Luqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The visit offered a rare firsthand look at a 20-year environmental restoration project that transformed a once-drying lake into a thriving wetland ecosystem.
At 3,470 meters above sea level, Gahai is Gansu’s largest plateau freshwater lake and a crucial source of water retention for the upper reaches of the Yellow River. The Gahai Wetland, a core part of the national reserve, is the only protected area in Gansu that spans both the Yangtze and Yellow River basins. It features a rare combination of mountain, forest, grassland, and lake ecosystems—earning it titles like the “Kidney of the Plateau” and “Jewel of the Highlands.”
“We’ve seen this lake completely dry up three times in the past,” said Fan Long, head of the Wetlands Division at the Gahai-Zecha National Nature Reserve Administration. “At one point, the degradation was so severe that even drinking water was a problem for locals.”
Fan detailed a wide-ranging restoration effort that began in 2014, which included ecological compensation, replanting native grasses, and rodent control. These measures yielded remarkable results: the lake’s surface area has expanded from just 500 hectares in the 1990s to approximately 2,700 hectares today.
The reserve has also seen significant gains in biodiversity. According to recent monitoring data, over 30,000 migratory birds are expected to breed around the lake this year, including the endangered black-necked crane—often dubbed the “giant panda of birds.” Artificial nesting structures installed on central bird islands boast a 99% success rate, Fan reported.
In 2024, researchers also fitted two bar-headed geese and two black-necked cranes with tracking bands, marking a milestone in studying migratory patterns and contributing to global conservation efforts.
Local residents have witnessed the transformation firsthand. “There used to be a stench around the lake,” recalled 67-year-old Wang Qimao, a lifelong resident of Luqu County. “Now, during bird migration season, the view is breathtaking. We’re proud of what this place has become.”
The ecological revival has also captivated international visitors. Park Sehee, a journalist from South Korea’s Culture Daily, was visibly moved as she snapped photos from a birdwatching boardwalk. “The water is so clear, the air so fresh—it feels like another world,” she said. “I’ve already sent dozens of pictures to my family back home in Korea. They’re amazed.”
Wang Guanlun, Editor-in-Chief of Australia’s Yeeyi News, praised the thoughtful design of the eco-tourism infrastructure. “The boardwalks keep visitors at a safe distance from the birds’ core nesting areas,” he noted. “It’s an excellent example of how nature conservation and public education can coexist.”
Fan Long emphasized that restoration efforts are far from over. “We will continue to invest in wetland restoration, ecological water replenishment, and watershed connectivity,” he said. “Our goal is to make Gahai cleaner, richer in biodiversity, and stronger in its ecological functions.”
As one of China’s most compelling examples of nature-based climate solutions, the story of Gahai Wetland stands as a powerful testament to how long-term commitment and science-based management can turn ecological crisis into opportunity—and transform a barren lake into a sanctuary for life.