Great travel gets better

All restaurants and hotels around Erhai Lake's core area were closed. Some businesses that meet environmental-protection standards were reopened, starting in May 2018.

"I enjoy Dali's pleasant climate and Erhai Lake," says tourist Li Zixuan.

"I'm impressed the lake's water is cleaner than what I saw in my previous trips."

Kunming's Stone Forest was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2004.

It has built new scenic spots in recent years, such as a geology museum with fossils and other incredible formations, and the Xinglin Grand View Garden, where visitors can learn about traditional Chinese medicine.

Qiubei county's Puzhehei is known for its karsts, lakes and wetlands.

Puzhehei means "a pond teaming with fish and shrimp" in ethnic Yi people's language. It has become a popular destination after such Chinese TV series as Eternal Love were filmed there.

The Sani branch of the Yi ethnic group inhabits Xianrendong village.

Residents used to fish and work the land. Nearly all households today run guesthouses or restaurants, which has produced prosperity.

Average per capita net income among the 941 villagers reached 40,000 yuan in 2018, roughly seven times 2012's figure. They earned less than 300 yuan a year two decades ago.