At the confluence of the Yangtze and Hanjiang rivers, with abundant water and massive environmental cleanup efforts underway, Wuhan is a fitting host for the 13th World Lake Conference set to begin in the capital of Hubei province on Sunday.

The city's 166 lakes, 272 reservoirs and 165 rivers or streams comprise more than one-quarter of its total area, the highest ratio of any Chinese provincial capital.

"The ample water resources provide strong support for Wuhan's sustainable economic and social development," said Mayor Ruan Chengfa.