Shankou Lake Scenic Area

Shankou Lake Scenic Area

The Shankou Lake Scenic Area is a National AAAA-level tourist attraction and a National Water Conservancy Scenic Area.

The Shankou Lake Scenic Area is located in the upper reaches of the Nemoer River, 50 kilometers from Wudalianchi City, covering a total area of 342.7 square kilometers. It is a uniquely charming tourist destination in Heilongjiang Province and was rated as a National Water Conservancy Scenic Area and a AAA-level tourist attraction in 2005. With its landscapes of lake and mountain scenery, water conservancy hubs, natural forests, rivers, and wetlands, Shankou Lake offers visitors endless rustic charm.

The Shankou Hydropower Station is a national Class II project, costing 340 million yuan and taking five years to build. It has now become a symbol of the wisdom and ingenuity of the people of Wudalianchi.

Green Hills in Sight: Nestled between mountains and water, the environment around the Shankou Hydropower Station is serene and elegant. The four seasons here are distinct—spring brings gentle breezes, as all things come back to life, the mountains turn a intoxicating green, and the waters reflect that same captivating hue. Among the myriad peaks, flowers bloom in vibrant but not overwhelming splendor, with petals occasionally brushing against your clothes, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. As you sit in a boat, you become part of the painting. Green Hills in Sight leaves you forever yearning for those emerald mountains.

Summer Forest Beauty: Summer is the most wonderful time of year here and the best season for tourism. Drifting leisurely by boat or freely wandering ashore, you’ll find mountains and waters in perfect harmony on the opposite bank, fish playing beneath your feet, and birds singing passionately from the trees. Friend, if you pay close attention, do you feel as though the fish are swimming among the branches and the birds are frolicking in the water? If you’re feeling adventurous, venture deeper into the dense forest, where you might discover wild mountain vegetables like bracken and wood ear mushrooms—pure, natural, and unexpectedly rewarding.

Autumn Sunset Glow: As summer’s lush green fades, autumn’s brilliant colors arrive. The autumn scenery of the Shankou Scenic Area presents a poetic, dreamlike world of vibrant hues. On the mountains, treasures like pine cones, walnuts, grass mushrooms, and hazelnuts gradually ripen, bringing great joy to foragers. At dawn, standing on the dike, watch the sun leap out of the water—the water turns red, the sky turns red—and this red lingers, reluctant to leave the endless blue waters... People can’t help but thank the autumn sunrise for painting the forests in layers of color, marveling at the wonders of autumn’s charm: “They say autumn brings loneliness, but I say autumn surpasses spring tides. A crane soars through the clear sky above the clouds, lifting poetic thoughts to the azure heights.”

Snow-Covered Mountains: Winter snow blankets the Shankou Scenic Area, transforming the land into a world of silver. The Nemoer River, like a coiling jade dragon, allows you to feel its surging heart. The continuous mountain ranges on both banks cradle untold mysteries. The forests along the riverbanks resemble crystal palaces carved from ice and jade, glistening with clarity. At this time, grab a ski pole—or ride a horse-drawn sled—and race across the snowy expanse while hunting for game, discovering a unique kind of adventure.

Riverside Homes: Scattered across the Nemoer River, the riverside homes float like tiny boats on the ever-changing, mysterious waters. Though separated from the mainland on isolated islands, their spirit is far from that of recluses. They know history, understand the Han and Wei dynasties, and even sent up fireworks on the night Beijing won its Olympic bid. Only by being in these small houses can you truly understand—this is one of the rare pristine lands in the north.

Fishing Boats at Dusk: When the sun leaves only a blushing half-face, and the red glow of the sunset slowly climbs the tree trunks from base to treetop, day laborers return from their fields with the day’s haul, boarding their boats. They offer their laughter to the mountains, their chatter to the waters. Standing on the boat, as your oar slices through the rosy light and your boat cuts through the blue waves, you feel like an immortal in paradise. If a light rain falls, you may catch whiffs of fragrant breezes. From the shore come the joyful calls of cattle and sheep, accompanied by a herdsman’s short flute—how could your thoughts not soar boundlessly?

Lake Mountain Chess: Quanhu, a tranquil spot within the Shankou Scenic Area, nestles against green hills and embraces clear waters, with pine breezes and murmuring streams. Sitting at the stone table on a stone bench and playing a game of chess quickly transports you beyond the mundane world, turning you into a deity among the clouds or an immortal within the mist. When you gain the upper hand, it feels as if the mountains nod and the waters bow—suddenly, you grasp the profound joy of “standing atop the forest peak, I am the highest.”

Long Bridge Over Waves: This is a place for farewells. Even today, one can still sense Lu You’s sentiment: “The sad bridge, beneath which spring waves run green.” But people no longer sing “Outside the long pavilion, beside the ancient road, fragrant grass stretches to the sky,” nor lament “Leaving the Yang Pass to the west, no old friends in sight,” filled with uncertainty about the future. Confident in tomorrow, you and I will sincerely say, “Fear not the path ahead lacking friends; who in this world does not know you?”

Qiqiao Forest Fun: This is a log cabin nestled in sparse woods and grassy meadows, transporting you into a fairy-tale world. The unique scent of birch wood is the essence of simplicity. Tents offer a taste of the leisure moments found amid the busy lives of nomadic ethnic minorities. Especially beloved are the hammocks strung between two trees—who wouldn’t love them? Lie back, gaze at the starry sky, and you might hear celestial music drifting from the Moon Palace, the rhythmic tapping of the Jade Rabbit making medicine, the silvery laughter of Chang’e, and the clinking of Wu Gang’s jade cup filled with osmanthus wine as it bumps gently against yours... Add fluttering bees and butterflies, cool scenery engaging your eyes, murmuring waters conversing with your thoughts, a tranquil void speaking to your spirit, and a deep, serene atmosphere merging with your soul. What could be more delightful?

Lakeside Verdant Embrace: Lush green hills hold refined beauty, crystal-clear waves dance with whimsical clouds. They gaze at each other without ever tiring, as mountain and water celebrate their union. Water, like a messenger of peace, flows between mountains; the mountains stand like guardians of the city, unmoved by wind or wave. Indeed, the green hills may not hold back the blue waters, but let the waters crash against their rugged rocks. No matter how the rapids invite them to journey together, the mountains remain resolute.

Lanterns Warm the Lake Moon: “The waters are fair, the hills lush, flowers bloom like brocade; stars hang high, clouds lie still, the moon gleams like silver.” Scattered stone lanterns by the lake, the stars in the sky, and the moon reflected in the water form a trinity, creating a breathtaking aquatic starlight scene. From afar, it’s impossible to tell which are starlight, which are lamplight, which lies on the water, and which floats above. The lights and stars in the water warm the blue lake and the hearts of visitors—do you still feel cold?

Rime-Coated Pines: In the early morning, as the sun gathers strength to rise, layers of mist enshroud the pine trees—perhaps out of envy for their character or reluctance to leave their spirit. The moment the sun appears, the pine branches radiate rings of light, making the trees appear even more majestic, and the green stones beneath them share in the glory, dotted with silver beads that satisfy the visual cravings of visitors. Truly, the pines atop the stones embody the nobility of a wise man, the stones beneath reflect the dignity of an elder. Together, pine and stone create a scene of exceptional beauty.

Stone Ape Mountain: Known as Stone Ape Mountain, legend says that long ago, in a cave behind a waterfall, two stones existed. Because the monk Tang Sanzang needed an ape-like disciple to protect him on his journey to retrieve Buddhist scriptures from the West, heaven bestowed a spiritual essence upon the mortal realm. The two stones set off to find this essence—one succeeded and became Sun Wukong, while the other continued searching until it wandered to the banks of the Nemoer River. Finding the scenery here enchanting, it gave up its quest for immortality and has lived in solitude ever since.

Piggy Rock: The rock above bears a striking resemblance to Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), hence its name, Piggy Rock. Legend says that after obtaining the sacred scriptures with Tang Sanzang, Zhu Bajie returned to Gao Village and lived comfortably. Upon hearing of the unique beauty of Wudalianchi, he came for a visit. Overcome by sleepiness, he transformed into a little bug and fell asleep on the ground. The Buddha descended to inspect and, finding Pigsy disrespectful, transformed into a novice monk and with a sweep of his hand, sent him to the banks of the Nemoer River, where he has remained asleep ever since, becoming Piggy Rock.

Golden Turtle Mountain: Legend says that turtles could not swim in ancient times. Back then, Lü Dongbin, drunk, was bitten by a dog and lost some of his magical powers. The turtle mocked him, angering Lü Dongbin, who chased the turtle relentlessly. Eventually, the turtle tried to jump into a river to escape. Lü Dongbin pointed his index finger to immobilize the turtle but accidentally extended his golden-fingered digit—used to turn stones into gold. The finger was bitten off by the turtle. When the turtle reached the middle of the river, the magic took effect, permanently petrifying it there as the Golden Turtle, while the power to turn stones into gold vanished forever.

East and West Fort Hills: These are the East and West Fort Hills, once inseparable siblings. Now, the dam seems to have separated them, but observant visitors will notice birds flying from the western hill to the eastern one, and the flowing waters carrying endless messages from east to west. Beneath the riverbed, the two hills remain connected at heart, their lifeblood intertwined.

They say rivers flow eastward with the spring waters, but the Nemoer River flows west—perhaps symbolizing the independent spirit of the people of Wudalianchi.