Dali (Yunnan province, China) is famous for its breath-taking scenery and efforts in protecting Erhai Lake, located in the middle of Dali city. Owing to the latest state efforts, the water quality of Erhai has effectively improved. Using Dali as a case, we conducted semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders to investigate how an environmental agenda—Erhai protection is implemented and rethink China’s urban governance.
Strategic importance
Protecting Erhai Lake is a predominant goal in Dali. When visiting the Dali Erhai Lake Scientific Education Center, the large screen in the lobby displayed an image showing the visit of President Xi. When he visited Dali in 2015, he commented that “Erhai needs to be well protected”.
Multi-scalar involvement
Multi-scalar state actors have been involved in Erhai protection in Dali. For example, in 2018, the provincial-level government set up a leading group for Erhai protection while the governor of Yunnan province was the group leader. Besides direct interference of governments, state-owned enterprises affiliated with various levels of governments have been involved in Erhai protection. For example, Yunnan Jiantou, affiliated with Yunnan Provincial government is responsible for several major projects in Erhai protection, including Ecological relocation and greenway construction.
Proactive actions
Since 2016, stringent regulations on Erhai protection have been enacted. The most influential project is the 1806 ecological relocation project. In 2018, the Dali government compiled a plan for protecting Erhai and drew “three lines”. 1806 households living in the protection area were relocated into four areas.
Erhai Ecological Corridor is another significant environmental project. After ecological relocation and removal, Dali constructed a 129 km greenway surrounding Erhai and associated wetlands, parks and ecological reserves. Upon finishing, the ecological corridor has become one of the most famous tourist sites in Dali.
Environmental discourse
Environmental slogans can be seen everywhere in Dali. The environmental goal is not subject to the local growth agenda but even surpasses the other objectives.
ChinaUrban 