Bailu Bay turns eco-revival into rural prosperity
Environmental restoration and art-driven tourism have transformed a former wasteland in eastern China, attracting an increasing number of both wildlife and tourists, Zhao Ruixue reports from Rizhao, Shandong.
Dredging the Chaobai River, which flows through the bay, reinforcing banks with vegetation, and reviving wetlands have reestablished a healthy ecosystem teeming with water, grass, fish and birds.
"The bay has become a thriving habitat, attracting over 80 bird species. The number of overwintering swans alone increased to 80 last year," says Liu.
This pristine ecological canvas has provided a stage for art to empower the countryside. The Zaishui Art Museum, resting on clear water, connects art galleries with culinary workshops, and has become a famous landmark that attracts tourists.
At the Cocoa "drinks library", the aroma of coffee mingles softly with music, immersing visitors in a unique reading experience. In the Train Park, a retired, green-covered train has been repurposed into a restaurant, offering guests a nostalgic dining experience with pastoral views.
"We integrate art into the fields, making beauty part of daily life," says An.
"Internationally renowned architects have created 12 art museums with distinct styles. These architectural artworks attract about 500,000 visits annually."
