He eventually re-joined government as a deputy director of the Office of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project of the State Council.
published online by a netizen 'Crazy for her' (wǒwèiyīkuáng) attracted much attention for its comprehensive and data-rich examination of various public policies pertaining to the SEZ and the implications of extending them to other parts of the country.
His act was hailed in various media as a great step forward in boosting communication and dialog between high officials and Internet users.
During his time in Shanxi, he undertook several key initiatives including the closure of several thousand illegal coal mines and the improvement of the environment.
Yu came onto the international spotlight following the 2007 Chinese slave scandal involving children and migrant workers who were forced to work in kilns located in Shanxi province.
[11] No details on Yu's apparent impropriety were officially confirmed or released, but Hong Kong media speculated that this may have been related to political maneuvering at the Ministerial level.
[14] Yu was officially restored to a government post in February 2011 when he was appointed as deputy director of the Office of South-North Water Transfer Project.
After taking on the post, Yu routinely inspected and directed work, and helped to complete the East and Middle segments of the massive project.