The Qinghai provincial government has suspended a planned tourism project on Qinghai Lake, China’s largest salt lake, officials confirmed Wednesday.

The Xiadu Tourism Co., Ltd., announced in May that it would begin a luxury cruise service on the lake. Billed as a four-star hotel on the water, the 80-meter-long ship was designed with facilities for dining, lodging and entertainment.

But the commercial plan met with opposition from scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering immediately after it was announced. 

As the lake is a closed inland one with no water outlet, scientists are concerned about the buildup of pollutants from the ship. If that occurs, they contend, the ship could destroy the ecological balance of the lake area.

The provincial government held a special meeting to discuss the project and the scientists’ objections, concluding that the project needed further review.

Provincial environmental protection authorities will organize experts to study the academicians’ concerns and reevaluate the project.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2004)