Xiaotas Mountain Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Xiaotas Mountain Water Conservancy Scenic Area

The Xiaotas Mountain Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national AA-level tourist attraction and a national water conservancy scenic area.

The Xiaotas Mountain Reservoir Water Conservancy Scenic Area is located in northern Jiangsu and southern Shandong, 350 kilometers from Nanjing and 60 kilometers from downtown Lianyungang. It is close to the Coastal Expressway, Lianlin Expressway, and National Highway 204, only 17 kilometers from Ganyu County, making it conveniently accessible with a favorable geographical location.

Xiaotas Mountain Reservoir is the second largest reservoir in Jiangsu Province. It is a large (Type 2) reservoir primarily used for flood control, combined with comprehensive functions such as agricultural irrigation and urban water supply. It has a catchment area of 386 square kilometers, a total storage capacity of 280 million cubic meters, a beneficial water level of 32.8 meters, and a beneficial storage capacity of 116 million cubic meters. Construction began on October 20, 1958, and was completed on September 30, 1959. Water supply to Ganyu County started in 1980. In October 2002, an investment of 107 million yuan was made for reinforcement and hazard mitigation. The reinforcement project closely followed the theme of "harmonious coexistence between humans and nature," where modern water conservancy engineering art complements the historical sites in the scenic area. In April 2007, it was approved as a provincial-level water conservancy scenic area by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Water Resources. In 2010, it applied for recognition as a national water conservancy scenic area.

The scenic area is situated in a warm temperate humid monsoon zone with abundant sunlight, ample rainfall, and superior climatic conditions, creating an ideal environment for diverse biological communities. The types of biological communities are varied, mainly including aquatic communities, wetland communities, and terrestrial communities. Over long periods of growth, reproduction, and evolution, these biological groups interact through mutual constraints and dependencies, occupying their respective spaces to form relatively independent and stable biological communities.

The scenic area is only 50 kilometers from Lianyungang Airport and 50 kilometers from Lianyungang Port. It is connected by Provincial Highway 242 and trunk roads such as Xujia and Lida, allowing visitors to reach the site via multiple routes. Within the scenic area, a 4.5-kilometer-long dam-top road, 7 meters wide, has been fully completed, along with 10,000 square meters of bluestone pavement, forming a well-connected road system. Parking lots with 30 and 15 spaces have been established on Xiaotas Mountain and Zigong Mountain respectively to meet parking needs. Two sightseeing docks have been set up at both ends of the main dam.

The scenic area lies to the west of the remaining ranges of the Yishan Mountains. The main dam is built between Xiaotas Mountain and Zigong Mountain, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque scenery. Verdant pine trees line the shores, while the vast waters stretch out as far as the eye can see. The harmonious blend of mountain and water, fishing boats drifting gently, and birds soaring overhead make the natural landscape truly exceptional.

The scenic area boasts numerous cultural sites and a profound historical background. The inscribed stone tablet “Xiaotas Mountain Reservoir” was personally penned by the renowned calligrapher Shu Tong.