In recent years, measures to clean it up have been enhanced. Some companies have been shut down and wastewater from households is usually handled at sewage treatment facilities.

Before adopting his new job as a livestream host, Shao earned a living by fishing. His income was not stable. He said that compared with other hosts who are young and eloquent, his livestream falls short. He is old and doesn't know much of the popular internet slang.

Even so, he earns about 100,000 yuan ($14,450) per year, mainly in July and August, the busiest tourist season for the lake. The income was more than double what he could earn by fishing.

His fans call him "Laotie" — a name often applied to online hosts. It means a good buddy. "I can also cook delicious fish," Shao said, noting that he had been a fisherman since he was 18 years old.