Abandoned stone mine turns into mine of enjoyment

In fact, the project was part of the city's efforts to restore ecology and boost urban development.

Situated in the Pingtang area on the outskirts of Changsha, the location was a cluster of more than 30 construction material and chemical enterprises in the 1950s, which caused serious pollution. The contradiction between economic development and environmental protection was prominent.

"The sky was gray and dusty at that time. People who lived around here hardly opened the windows. Our windowsills, even the leaves on the trees, were enveloped by dust," said 54-year-old local resident Xie Yiqiang.

It was not until 2008 that the municipal government shut down dozens of cement and chemical enterprises, which greatly reduced pollution to both rivers and the air.