Recently, Ministry of Water Resources has released the "List of First Group of Pilot Cities Accepted by National Water Ecology Culture Construction". There are total of 41 pilot cities that have accomplished the construction goal. Among them, Yunnan Pu'er has also become a member and the only city in Yunnan that ranked in the list.

Pu'er has long enjoyed the reputation of "the pearl of the green sea" and "natural air purifier", with superior ecological environment, unique regional advantages and abundant natural resources. Since Pu'er has been awarded national water ecology culture construction advanced city, the contributions of Pu'er's beautiful and charming water cultures and water landscapes cannot go unnoticed. The lakes and wetland parks that scatter round Pu'er are like pieces of round and translucent jadesembedded in the land of Pu'er which becomes more splendid, full of "aura".

Meizi Lake

Meizi Lake, situated in the southeast of Simao District, is an artificial lake generated by dam building and water storing on Meizi River. Meizi Lake runs for several kilos, surrounded by green mountains, and becomes a charming landscape that nourishes the people living on the land. There's a beautiful legend about Meizi Lake. Long long ago, there's a pretty and kind girl called Lady Meizi living by Meizi Lake. She planted a large area of prune trees by the lakeside. The prune trees burst into gorgeous blossoms that attracted many tourists to stop and appreciate. Rich fruit brought about happy life for local people. The origin of the legend cannot be traced, but the legend has cast a magic spell on Meizi Lake.

Nowadays, winding walkways have been built around Meizi Lake, which becomes a good place for local people to walk round and tourists to go sightseeing. Walkways round Meizi Lake are built alongside Meizi Lake that is as clear as a mirror. The paths are near the mountain and by the river, 8km for a round trip, endowed with picturesque landscape. In the early morning, when wandering along the walkway, you will see the glassy lake become foggy densely like a beauty who wears a veil, partly concealed. When a breeze blows, the mist gradually disperses. Meizi Lake starts to show her "real face".

In the vernal afternoon, the sunlight contains the special warmth only found in the south. Golden sunlight scatters on the clear and glassy lake. At that time, you may feel as if in the fantasy appreciating the glistening water surface. Looking into the distance, wild ducks are paddling as if they are enjoying the god-given warmth of sunlight in winter. Egrets are flapping wings and about to fly away, which breaks up the peace of the lake. Layers of layers of ripples are moving from the lake to the area under the walkway and disappearing. Everything is so natural and peaceful.

Each weekend, citizens on the walkways upstream come and go while no one makes any noise. Anyone who lives in a city for too long and spares some time here seems unwilling to break the hard-won peace. Standing on the walkway and looking into Meizi Lake, everything you see seems soaked in a blue dreamland. Different kinds of blue have their own lasting appeal and form a clear texture, like the clear azure, somber dark blue and the tender royal blue.

Everything in the rough shows their powerful vitality: water plants of clusters of vines inside the lake, wildly growing branches beside the walkways and everything else. They endow Meizi Lake with vitality too. Roaming along the walkway of Meizi Lake, your forehead will start to sweat only after half the way. When a gentle breeze blows from across the lake, it brings about the moisture that makes you feel cool physically and mentally.

Pu'er Northern Wetland Park

Pu'er Northern Wetland Park, situated in the north new area of Simao, has become a new tourist attraction of splendor after careful arrangement. Pu'er Northern Wetland Park is divided into 11 areas by lounge bridges and walkways. Standing on the walkway, the tourists will see their reflections on the water surface. Surrounded by dense calamus, you will feel a lingering charm of southern Chinese riverside towns even if you are on the highland of southern China.

Walking in the wetland park, you will feel mild moisture when you take a breath. Delicate hint of fragrance scatters everywhere, and it's hard to tell whether it's the scent of flowers or the grass, which makes you relaxed and delighted. Various plants are well-proportioned and organized, such as cinnamomun camphcra, pinus khasys and bauhinia. Tridimensional plant community will provide tourists with diversified sensual experiences. Groups of egrets are gathering here in the verdurous pond, which attracts tourists to stop to take photos. In a blink of an eye, masses of egrets spread wings and fly away, rousing splashes.