Improving lake water quality is believed to increase the economic value of recreational resorts. However, few empirical estimates have been made in China to determine the value of the economic benefits brought about by such improvements. In this study, two non-market valuation methods, contingent valuation (CV) and travel cost (TC), were used to gather empirical evidence on the economic value of improved recreational water quality. The values obtained from CV and TC methods were similar. Lake users were willing to pay for the use of the lake and its facilities, thus offsetting some of the cost of maintaining water quality for recreation. Payment for the improvement and maintenance of water quality could take the form of fees for entry, angling or swimming.