Isn't the government trying to shift away from dirty coal powered plants, to embrace "cleaner" energy like hydro, nuclear and natural gas? Considering over 70% of their electricity comes from coal, I really don't understand how you can have too much hydro. Is the energy source too far away from the demand?

Xiefei, of course the system is designed to be able better monitor everyone's movements, not just foreigners. Everyone knows you can easily be tracked with your phone. Now there is yet another tool to keep better tabs on you. I won't be putting one on my bike, thanks.

I was just taking a cheap shot at those abusing student and travel visas.

Sounds like a great way for the gubmint to keep tabs on people...especially pesky foreigners overstaying or working on school visas.

I just found this article today:

www.comedali.com/tnew/show/id/2746

Now the opening date has been pushed back to late 2017 or early 2018.

I like how in the original gokunming article it stated "No cost estimates for the project were provided." That certainly turned out to be a major issue with regards to meeting the 2-3 year completion target. I guess I can't say I'm surprised considering Yunnan is known for poor work ethic and corrupt civil servants.

As far as I can tell, Erhai is getting worse...at least the shoreline, mostly due to tourists throwing garbage into the lake, and lakefront hotels dumping in untreated sewage. I'm super depressed about the environmental situation in Dali, especially the air quality.