Four white swans recently appeared in Kanas Lake in northern Xinjiang, the first to return in a decade and a half after disappearing from environmental pollution.

One of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's best-known tourist destinations, Kanas Lake used to be home to many white swans swimming in the crystal green water. However, by the late 1980s, there were no longer swans in the area due to the rapid development of tourism.

Locals have learned their lesson and are taking measures  to restore the original beauty of the area. Most hotels, shops and restaurants have moved 30 kilometers away from scenic areas and tourist buses to the lake are all environmentally friendly.

Their efforts have paid off with the arrival of the four white swans.