Taihu Lake in Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]

The water quality of Taihu Lake, the third-largest freshwater lake in China, has shown steady improvement, according to the Jiangsu Provincial Government.

The Jiangsu government announced that Taihu Lake has become the first among China's three major lakes under key management to achieve and sustain Class III water quality for two consecutive years during a press conference on March 2.

China classifies surface water quality into a five-tier system, with Grade I as the highest. Water classified as Grade III is considered quite good and suitable for supporting most aquatic life.

Wuxi primarily manages Taihu Lake and has taken effective steps to restore its natural environment. These efforts include shutting down polluting enterprises along its shores, conducting daily dredging operations, and establishing wetlands.

As the water quality in the lake has improved, its biodiversity has steadily grown. The Taihu Basin now hosts 7,179 species, an increase of 280 species from the previous survey. Among these, 150 species of flora and fauna are under national protection, with several, such as the white-necked long-tailed pheasant, appearing for the first time.

Wildlife such as the light-lipped barbel and the dark-striped oriental puffer have returned to Taihu Lake. Every winter, a large number of black-headed gulls migrate from Siberia, providing clear evidence of ecological recovery in the Taihu Basin.