Yuanming Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Yuanming Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Yuanming Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a national water conservancy scenic area.

The Yuanming Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area in Yifeng County is located within Yifeng County, Yichun City. It is built around Fengchan Reservoir and is classified as a reservoir-type water conservancy scenic area, covering a planned area of 65.18 square kilometers.

The scenic area is named for its location near the hometown of Tao Yuanming. It includes three parts: Fengchan Reservoir, the hometown of Tao Yuanming, and Dongshan Scenic Area. The area boasts magnificent engineering structures, enchanting natural landscapes, abundant scenic resources, a superior ecological environment, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is also known for its profound cultural heritage and has long been praised as a place of "abundant natural beauty and outstanding people" and "pleasant climate, rich resources, and prosperous people." The Yifeng County government, committed to the sustainable development of the scenic area, has established the principles of prioritizing protection, scientific planning, and moderate development. By fully tapping into the historical and cultural significance of the area and through continuous investment and standardized management in recent years, the site now features relatively complete supporting facilities. The development and construction of the scenic area have taken initial shape, demonstrating significant potential for further growth.

Yuanming Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area (named after Fengchan Reservoir, a national medium-sized reservoir located in the hometown of Tao Yuanming) is situated in Gouxiavillage, Chengtang Town, Yifeng County, approximately 17.5 kilometers from the county seat and 16 kilometers from the Yifeng exit of the Da-Guang Expressway. The reservoir dam was constructed in September 1958 by tens of thousands of workers who, with the spirit of “the Foolish Old Man Who Removed the Mountains,” toiled day and night, carrying materials on their shoulders, pushing with their hands, and using rudimentary machinery. The dam serves the irrigation needs of farmlands in two downstream towns. The core scenic area of Yuanming Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area (Fengchan Reservoir) spans 47.5 square kilometers, with a water surface area of 2.4 square kilometers. In November 2011, it was approved as a national-level water conservancy scenic area by the Ministry of Water Resources.

Major attractions include:

① Engineering Landscapes

The reservoir dam was built in September 1958 by tens of thousands of workers who, with the spirit of “the Foolish Old Man Who Removed the Mountains,” toiled day and night, carrying materials on their shoulders, pushing with their hands, and using rudimentary machinery. It serves the irrigation needs of farmlands in two downstream towns. The dam was reconstructed and reinforced in 1979 as a key water conservancy project in Jiangxi Province. In recent years, with an investment of 30 million yuan from national, provincial, municipal, and county governments, the dam has been reinforced and renovated, resulting in a 222-meter-long structure with a crest elevation of 99.3 meters, making it an impressive dam engineering landscape. Downstream of the dam lies a large elevated aqueduct about 500 meters in length, which is also a unique aerial feature. Four observation decks offer visitors stunning views of the reservoir scenery.

The newly built management office covers an area of 15,000 square meters, with a construction area of 3,300 square meters.

It provides services such as food, accommodation, conference hosting, and tourism consultation.

② Hydrological Landscapes

The core reservoir of the Yuanming Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a medium-sized comprehensive reservoir that integrates multiple functions including irrigation, flood control, drainage, and power generation. The reservoir controls a catchment area of 47.5 square kilometers, with a total storage capacity of 19.00 million cubic meters and a normal water level of 94 meters. It has abundant surface water resources, supplying 40 million cubic meters of water annually to downstream areas for industrial, agricultural, domestic, and ecological purposes. The water quality is excellent, unpolluted, and classified as Class II national water quality.

The vast water surface is refreshing to the senses, creating a majestic expanse that undergoes distinct dry and wet seasons, forming a unique wetland environment within the scenic area and providing ideal conditions for the development of a wetland ecological tourism destination. The water is suitable not only for recreational boating but also for activities such as dragon boat races, kayak competitions, and flood control drills. Moreover, every winter, migratory birds such as white cranes visit, offering visitors a heavenly sight akin to cranes and immortals when viewed from the dam or the water surface. The shallow waters around the reservoir also provide excellent fishing spots, adding to the scenic charm.

③ Celestial Landscapes

The scenery within the scenic area is delightful. In spring, birds sing among fragrant flowers, with clouds and mist swirling, creating a subtle, elegant, and serene ink-wash landscape painting. In summer, the skies are clear and breezes are cool. Autumn brings rosy clouds that enhance the area’s charm, while winter offers leisurely clouds, white cranes, and a world draped in silvery white, clean as crystal.

④ Ecological and Biological Landscapes

Thanks to effective ecological conservation, the scenic area boasts dense vegetation and a beautiful natural environment. Lush green mountains abound, with wild ducks in spring, cormorants in summer, pheasants in autumn, and mandarin ducks and egrets among other migratory birds in winter. Aquatic products mainly include carp, crucian carp, silver carp, grass carp, loach, eel, and snails. The abundance of various aquatic plants makes the area a delight for visitors.

⑤ New Attractions

In line with the principles of scientific development and the trends of modern water conservancy and tourism, efforts are being made to brand the water conservancy tourism products and establish Yuanming Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area as the “Water Leisure and Resort Destination of Western Jiangxi.” The core area is focusing on the development of seven key zones: the Reservoir Dam Zone, Tea Field Eco-Farm Zone, Water Tourist Zone, Flower Harbor Fish-Watching Zone, One Manor and Three Gardens (including the manor, peach orchard, tea garden, and orange garden), Resort Village Zone, and Peach Blossom Spring Zone (Yuanming Fishing).

Gouxia Village: Gouxia Village…… Detailed information on Gouxia Village++