Chen Xi

A GROUP of 20 expat volunteers registered with Shenzhen’s Shahe Subdistrict teamed up with local residents to clean the shore of Swan Lake in Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) on May 13 and 14.

Clad in their signature red vests, the volunteers collected cigarette butts, plastic bags, empty drink bottles, and even small food wrappers. After two days of hard work, they had filled over a dozen large trash bags, leaving the lakeshore cleaner and safer for the birds and fish that live in and about the lake.

During the cleanup, the volunteers also rescued a turtle trapped by a fish hook near the shore. Li Shourong, a senior member of the team, spotted the distressed animal.

While some volunteers sought help from the local property management office, others stayed to calm the turtle. Eventually, the hook was carefully removed, and the turtle swam back into the lake unharmed.

Sava, a volunteer from Romania, shared, “This place reminds me of the beautiful lakes in my hometown. Protecting the environment is a responsibility we all share, and I’m honored to contribute.”

OCT, home to popular attractions like Happy Valley and Splendid China · China Folk Culture Villages, is part of China’s second batch of designated international blocks. Swan Lake, a tranquil spot in the area, attracts both shutterbugs and leisure seekers.

Shahe Subdistrict plans to organize regular cleanups in the future and encourages more residents to join the volunteer team, helping to create a cleaner, more livable community.