Xiaoshun River

Xiaoshun River

As the largest tributary of the lower Cao’e River, it is called the Xiaoshun River because the Shunwang Temple is located within its basin. It is also known as the Xiaojiang or Dongxiao River. It has two sources: the southern stream originates from Chitengang in Zhuxi, Sheng County, and the northern stream originates from Jidong, Shaoxing County. The two streams converge and flow into Shangyu, joining the Cao’e River at Xiaojiekou in Shangpu. The section from Liangxi Township in Shaoxing to Shangpu in Shangyu is referred to as the Xiaoshun River.

The Xiaoshun River Scenic Area spans across three counties and cities: Shaoxing, Shengzhou, and Shangyu. In addition to its beautiful natural scenery, many sites in the area are related to the ancient sage Emperor Shun and also record numerous anecdotes from the Southern Song Dynasty.

A new Tangpu Reservoir has been built at the source of the Xiaoshun River. Based on the natural resource conditions of the Tangpu Reservoir and the need for ecological protection, this area will become the first nature reserve in Shaoxing City.

The Tangpu Reservoir began impounding water in April 2002. Currently, the reservoir area covers 50 square kilometers, with a water surface area of 13 square kilometers, and includes over 50,000 acres of forest as well as economic crops such as tea and bamboo. Today, egrets soar and wild ducks gather in flocks, with groups of migratory birds that have made the reservoir their new home becoming the first generation of “new residents.” In addition to the 1.5 million stocked silver carp and bream, the reservoir is also home to many wild species such as black carp, white amur, and perch. A nature reserve filled with birdsong and blooming flowers will soon emerge here.

The Tangpu Reservoir in Shaoxing City, also known as the Xiaoshun River Reservoir Project, commenced construction in December 1997. The upstream dam site controls a drainage area of 460 square kilometers, with a total storage capacity of 235 million cubic meters, a water surface area of 14 square kilometers, and a designed daily water supply capacity of 1 million tons. It is classified as a large (Type II) reservoir in China. It is a key construction project in Zhejiang Province and also serves as a “people’s livelihood project” and “virtuous governance project” of the Shaoxing Municipal Party Committee and Government. The first phase of the Xiaoshun River Project ranked first among the top ten most popular projects among citizens in Shaoxing City (1998–2002).

Currently, the water quality of the Tangpu Reservoir has remained consistently at the national Class I standard for an extended period. This has not only improved the quality of domestic and industrial water supply for 1.7 million people in the Yushao Plain but has also enhanced the river network environment, promoting the development of high-tech industries and the construction of a harmonious Shaoxing. The strong water storage and supply capacity of the Tangpu Reservoir, along with its excellent water quality, has had a profound impact on the overall environment and sustainable socioeconomic development of Shaoxing City.

As the dedicated regional water supply source for the Yushao Plain, the Tangpu Reservoir has firmly adhered to the quality policy of “regarding water quality as life and prioritizing safety” since its completion and operation. It has invested substantial human and material resources to implement a series of effective measures: soil and water conservation projects to reduce soil erosion; reservoir area clean-up to ensure clean water; construction of upstream environmental protection projects to eliminate anthropogenic pollution; afforestation and the creation of green barriers; stocking of filter-feeding fish species and technological research to curb eutrophication; and in-depth public education to raise environmental awareness.

The completion of the Xiaoshun River Project resolved the previous “water shortage” issue and significantly improved water quality. Currently, the Tangpu Reservoir supplies water to nearly 2 million people. The Songliuling Water Purification Plant provides an annual water supply of 146 million cubic meters, with the centralized water supply rate in the Xiaoshun River area exceeding 90%, and the rate of one-tap-one-household tap water connections surpassing 90%. The water flowing out of the Songliuling Water Plant is now the best tap water in Zhejiang Province.