Xingtai Dongchukou Reservoir

Xingtai Dongchukou Reservoir

The Dongchukou Reservoir in Xingtai City is located on the upper reaches of the Qili River in Xingtai. The dam site is situated east of Dongchukou Village in Xingtai County, approximately 23 kilometers from downtown Xingtai. It controls a catchment area of 84 square kilometers, with a total storage capacity of 7.78 million cubic meters and an effective storage capacity of 3.02 million cubic meters. Primarily used for irrigation and flood control, it irrigates farmland covering an area of 44,000 mu.

By the lakeside of Dongchukou Reservoir lies the Sword Gorge, where sheer cliffs rise like they were cleaved by a blade, surrounded by layered green peaks and winding paths that lead to serene seclusion. Visitors often find themselves moved by the scenery, involuntarily recalling the famous line by the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu: “Amid mountains and rivers that seem to block all paths, a village appears bright with willows and flowers.” Legend has it that the Sword Gorge was formed when the ancient legendary figure Yu the Great split the rocks with his sword while taming the floods, hence the name. Stretching about 2 kilometers in length and around 100 meters deep, the gorge twists and turns through five waterfalls and twelve pools. In normal times, the stream babbles gently, with pools and basins interconnected; in summer, the roar of water and cascading waterfalls create a breathtaking scene. The solitary rocks along the cliffs resemble birds and beasts, and the wondrous craftsmanship of nature leaves visitors in awe.

Stepping into the first pool of the Sword Gorge, you’ll find a peak nearby that strikingly resembles a couple embracing and kissing, hence the name Lover’s Pool. The pool is about 6 meters deep, covering an area of approximately 500 square meters. The reflection in the valley is cool and tranquil, with clear green hues above and below. Fish swim joyfully and birds sing, offering a unique wild charm. At a bend in the gorge stands a stone bridge that spans Eagle Pool. On the opposite bank of the bridge stands a mountain peak that looks just like an eagle. Its reflection in the pool gives the pool its name. As people walk across the bridge, their reflections dance with the eagle’s in the water—a charming sight.

The narrowest part of the gorge is only 5 meters wide, where trees from both cliffs interlace to form a green archway. Walking beneath it, with clouds drifting overhead, the sound of flowing water playing like a zither, cicadas and birds chirping, and squirrels dancing along, the serene beauty of the gorge intoxicates the senses, making one feel as though they are floating among the immortals. Suddenly, the roaring sound of water jolts you awake—revealing the breathtaking sight of Black Dragon Pool. The Black Dragon Pool Waterfall is 35 meters high and 5 meters wide, with cascading water splashing like jade into the pool, then flowing quietly through the Sword Peak. In winter, it transforms into a spectacular ice waterfall and icicle pillars, presenting another magical world that even master sculptors would marvel at.

Continuing along the gorge leads to Seven Star Pools, where the stream winds left and right through the valley, forming five waterfalls and seven pools. The large and small pools come in various shapes. Lush green grass borders the pools, while crimson cliffs frame the waterfalls. The entire gorge features winding paths, blooming flowers, and fragrant grass, creating a refreshing and delightful atmosphere.

Transportation Guide

Location: Dongchukou Village, Xihuang Town, Xingtai County, Hebei Province

Public Transport: Within Xingtai City, take bus No. 7 and get off at Dongchukou Station.

Self-driving Route: From various cities, enter Xingtai via the North Ring Road and West Ring Road, then follow the Xinghe Highway (heading towards Heshun in Shanxi Province), and drive west for 23 kilometers to reach the destination.