The Huaihe River Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources has recently announced the list of Happy Rivers and Lakes in the Huaihe River Basin for 2023. The Hongze area of Hongze Lake in Huai'an City (from Laozi Mountain to Erhe Dam) has successfully earned a spot on this prestigious list after multiple rounds of evaluations, scoring high marks. Furthermore, its construction practices will be promoted as a model for best practices across the entire basin.

Over the past year, local governments at both the city and district levels have embraced a people-centered and ecology-first approach, carefully developing implementation plans for the Happy River and Lake initiative. Through systematic management of river and lake systems, comprehensive treatment measures, ecological restoration, the promotion of water culture, and the construction of public-friendly waterfront facilities, significant improvements have been made to the overall environment of the region’s waterways.

Prioritizing the safety and well-being of the community, authorities have developed a flood control system for Hongze Lake to ensure effective flood management. Coordinated efforts in the governance and protection of the lake have solidified the foundation of local livelihoods, efficiently completing initiatives to ban fishing and regulate boat operations while facilitating a better life for local fishermen. In line with a holistic approach to managing natural resources—encompassing mountains, waters, forests, farmland, lakes, grasslands, and sands—projects such as returning dykes to Hongze Lake, developing flood retention areas around the lake, and implementing ecological restoration demonstration projects are being actively advanced to safeguard ecological integrity.

Hongze District has seized the opportunity presented by the development of the Great Canal Cultural Belt to launch key initiatives, including the "Ancient Dam Scroll" and the "Lake and Mountain Scroll" as part of the "One-Hundred-Mile Gallery of the Grand Canal" program, along with the Hongze Lake Cultural Heritage Exhibition Park. Additionally, the Hongze Ancient Irrigation System has been designated a World Irrigation Heritage site. The district is also promoting the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism by highlighting attractions like Jiangba River Engineering Town and the traditional village of Guishan to boost the local economy and support rural revitalization.

Moreover, efforts are underway in Hongze District to enhance the preservation and utilization of cultural heritage sites such as the Ancient Dam, Zhouqiao Dyke Ruins, "Five Dykes" Ruins, and Guishan Ruins. By delving into the rich cultural aspects of water governance, fishing traditions, and life in waterside communities, plans are being established for the Hongze Lake Museum and a governance and protection exhibition hall. These initiatives aim to celebrate the craftsmanship surrounding water management, share the stories of Hongze Lake, and elevate the overarching cultural quality of the region.