Chaihe Reservoir Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Chaihe Reservoir Water Conservancy Scenic Area

The Chaihe River was originally called the Qilin River, but was later renamed in honor of Chai Yi, a brave warrior who slew demons and eradicated evil. As an important tributary of the Liao River, the Chaihe originates from the western foothills of Laohudingzi Mountain in Qingyuan Manchu Autonomous County, Fushun City. It flows through Qingyuan County and the cities of Kaiyuan and Tieling County under the administration of Tieling City, before joining the Liao River north of Shuang’an Bridge in Yinzhou District, and eventually emptying into the Bohai Sea at Panjin, with a total length of approximately 150 kilometers.

Chaihe Reservoir is located within Tieling County and is a large-scale water conservancy hub project primarily designed for flood control and water supply, while also integrating comprehensive functions such as fish farming and power generation. Its water is clear and clean, providing drinking water for hundreds of thousands of residents in Tieling and Diaobingshan. The reservoir is also renowned across the north and south for its dozens of varieties of organic wild fish sourced from its water catchment area.

The Chaihe River is the mother river of the people of Tieling. Since ancient times, it has nourished the communities along its banks with its simple, kind, gentle, and loving nature. After nearly half a century of rest and conservation, Chaihe Reservoir has regained the auspicious imagery of the legendary Qilin, restoring its benevolent and serene character. The reservoir area, like a beautiful maiden who has slept for years and remains secluded, appears drowsy and shy, as if awaiting to be awakened and brought to life.

The Chaihe Reservoir Water Conservancy Scenic Area boasts a forest coverage rate of over 95%, making it a natural oxygen bar and a place for refreshing both the lungs and the mind. In spring, mountain flowers bloom in profusion; in summer, the area is shaded by lush green trees; in autumn, maple leaves turn brilliant red; and in winter, rime forms a sacred spectacle.

When you take a boat upstream, the beautiful scenery on both banks is reflected in the water. The dangerous peaks of Hunger Maiden Peak, the vividly lifelike images of the Divine Turtle Emerging from Water and the Raccoon Watching the Water, the exquisitely picturesque “Little Guilin” with its undulating landscape, the Qingyun Temple built against the cliff with incense lingering in the air, and the Jade Emperor Summit with its morning bells and evening drums shrouded in vast sea of clouds all create breathtaking views.

Drifting on the water, you can enjoy the poetic and picturesque scenery — where “mountains send cloud shadows that suddenly lull you into a dream, water carries floating flowers past passing boats; green waters reflect the glow of sunset redder than brocade, distant mountains gather hues of dusk faint as mist.” You can also listen to ancient legends such as the Brave Qilin King Winning the Precious Gourd, Xue Rengui’s Eastern Expedition, the Legend of the Hunger Maiden, and General Li Directing the Battle. Far from smog, this place soothes the restlessness in your daily life and serves as a rare leisure and wellness destination amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also a place for praying for blessings, welcoming good fortune, seeking truth, and exploring the profound.

Visitors to this area can not only stroll amidst the blue waters and green mountains, but also admire uniquely modern water conservancy landscape architecture. The scenic area will leverage its water resources, forest resources, agricultural industry resources, and ecological environment resources, fully capitalizing on regional advantages to build a national-level forest park that integrates travel and vacation, leisure and entertainment, health and wellness, ancient village charm, parent-child activities, ecological agriculture, and winter activities.