Hamatong Reservoir

Hamatong Reservoir

In 1958, General —, who led 100,000 soldiers in the development of Beidahuang (the Great Northern Wilderness), personally formulated the plan to build a reservoir by damming the river. After a massive winter construction effort involving ten thousand workers in 1970, the dam was closed in 1972, and the reservoir was largely completed by the end of 1974.

Hamatong Reservoir is situated within the Bashier No. 2 Farm in the eastern part of Baoqing County at the foot of the Wandashan Mountains. Its geographical coordinates are 130°05' east longitude and 46°37' north latitude. The reservoir was formed by damming the Hamatong River as it flows through the valley of the Wandashan foothills, with an 800-meter-long dam. The dam crest elevation is 91.38 meters, and the crest width is 5 meters. The water surface area covers 33.8 km², with a controlled catchment area of 493 km² and a storage capacity of 127 million m³—twice that of Beijing’s Ming Tombs Reservoir—making it one of the major reservoirs in Heilongjiang Province.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Hamatong Reservoir lies quietly in the valley along the Wandashan foothills, stretching roughly from north to south. Both banks are covered in lush greenery, with undulating mountain ranges, dense forests, and large tracts of birch, pine, linden, oak, and various rare tree species. The mountains are rich in over a dozen types of medicinal herbs such as goji berries and schisandra, as well as wild delicacies like hedgehog fungus and wood ear mushrooms. The famed “Three Treasures of Northeast China”—ginseng, deer antler, and sable fur—are also well known. Beneath the shimmering waters swim 18 species of fish, including carp, crucian carp, and silver carp, among which the “red-bellied crucian carp” is a unique treasure of the Sanjiang region. On the water’s surface, red-crowned cranes sing loudly, while swans and wild geese soar overhead, making it a natural treasure trove of flora and fauna.

The scenery around Hamatong is a blend of mountain and water landscapes. The green mountains surrounding the reservoir are reflected in the clear blue waters. At the western end of the dam, there is a steep cliff. Climbing to the top and looking south, you’ll see the jagged tail of the western bank jutting into the water, creating a contrast of mountain and water colors like a piece of paper-cut art. Turning north, you’ll see 91 fish ponds, each nearly 400 acres in size, arranged in an orderly fashion, displaying an artificial pastoral beauty. Next to the ponds lies the old course of the Hamatong River, with winding riverbanks lined with willow trees and gently flowing water. The contrast between the winding and the straight, the dynamic and the still, is striking. At the eastern end of the dam, there is a mountain peak with a significant slope and a relative elevation of about 100 meters, making it a great spot for hiking. Once atop the peak, you can look east and north to enjoy views of the mountains, clouds, and sunrises, or turn around to admire the water. Taking a boat from the dam and heading upstream, you’ll pass through verdant mountains along both banks. After traveling 14 li, you’ll reach a lake islet, and further ahead, the water opens up broadly, where flocks of water birds play and fly. On the island, you can often witness the spectacular sight of ospreys diving into the water to catch fish—an excellent spot for birdwatching. After the beginning of spring, due to weather conditions, a misty veil often rises on clear mornings, blending water and sky in ever-changing fog formations. These misty clouds lift the residential area built along the hillside by the water management office, creating a mirage-like illusion when viewed from the island.

On the eastern shore of the lake islet, there is a mountain peak. At the base of its southern slope is now a spot where fishermen set up camp. The area is covered with wild fruits such as hawthorn, crabapple, and Manchurian cherry. When the wild fruits ripen, the mountainside turns red, offering a unique and enjoyable hiking experience with the chance to taste these sour and sweet fruits—making it a site with great potential for development.

In the river pools where the Hamatong River enters the reservoir upstream, there are also precious ornamental aquatic plants such as wild lotus and water caltrop, adding another scenic element to the reservoir.

The autumn scenery of the Hamatong Reservoir area is also incredibly enchanting. When autumn arrives, the mountains and forests on both banks display a variety of colors—red, orange, yellow, and green—depending on the tree species. From a distance, the layered forests appear painted in vibrant hues, resembling an oil landscape painting.

Leveraging the abundant wildlife resources of the pristine waters, and with hunting as a highlight, the people of “Beidachuang” invested over 1 million RMB to build the Birch Goddess Hunting Ground. This hunting ground combines hunting, fishing, leisure angling, boating, and tourism, allowing visitors to fully experience the wilderness charm of the mountains and forests and immerse themselves in the harmony and grandeur of nature.

The air at Hamatong Reservoir is fresh and moist, with low bacterial and dust content. The climate is pleasant, making it an excellent location for investment and development in tourism and recuperation. In recent years, the number of visitors coming to sightsee and enjoy the scenery has exceeded 70,000 annually, making it a renowned tourist destination.