China's largest saltwater lake level rises further

Aerial photo taken on Jan. 16, 2019 shows the frozen Qinghai Lake in northwest China's Qinghai Province. China's largest inland saltwater lake saw its water level rise 0.48 meters in 2018 as a result of increased rainfall, the local meteorological center said. Qinghai Lake, situated in northwest China's Qinghai Province, has been expanding since 2005. The water level rose to 3,195.41 meters at the end of last year, according to the Qinghai hydrology and water resources investigation bureau. Experts said the rising level of the lake could help increase the area's humidity and temperature, which contributes to the improvement of the region's wildlife habitat and ecosystem. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)