Secondary Lake Control Dam Scenic Area

Secondary Lake Control Dam Scenic Area

Traveling 10 kilometers north from Weishan County and then turning west for about 4 kilometers past the important town of Huan Cheng, you will see a majestic dam standing proudly as if a dragon lying across the waves, cutting through the Zhaoyang Lake. This dam divides the entire Southern Four Lakes area into two levels—upper and lower—and is the renowned tourist attraction on the Southern Four Lakes—the Secondary Lake Control Dam.

Historically, the Southern Four Lakes basin was frequently ravaged by floods, causing disasters for the local people in nine out of ten years. After the liberation, in order to eliminate the threat of flooding, the government conducted scientific surveys and began constructing the Secondary Lake Control Dam in October 1958. Initially, 35,000 workers from the Jining region worked day and night. After the first phase, additional construction and renovation projects were completed in 1967, 1971, 1973, and 1986. The six powerful characters “Secondary Lake Control Dam,” inscribed by the famous calligrapher Shu Tong, are engraved on the main structure of the dam, shining brilliantly. The entire project involved over 7.35 million workdays, moved more than 8 million cubic meters of earth, used over 100,000 cubic meters of stone, 140,000 cubic meters of concrete, and received a national investment of 32.52 million yuan. This towering dam stands as an immortal monument to the people of Weishan overcoming nature and conquering the elements through collective strength.

Upon completion, the dam stretches from Changkou in the east to the Datun Power Plant in the west, consisting of a lake barrier dam, spillway dam, ship lock, Hongqi First Lock, Hongqi Second Lock, Hongqi Third Lock, Hongqi Fourth Lock, and a power station. These structures are interconnected from east to west, forming a seamless whole. The total length exceeds 7,300 meters, with a dam height of 38.5 meters and 312 sluice gates. The Secondary Lake Control Dam is the largest flood control, drainage, water storage, irrigation, and navigation hub project in Jining City and even the entire southern Shandong region. The upper lake can store 924 million cubic meters of water, and the maximum discharge capacities of the four control dams are 6,600 cubic meters per second, 3,300 cubic meters per second, 2,480 cubic meters per second, and 4,490 cubic meters per second, respectively. The highway bridge over the dam serves as a crucial transportation route connecting Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, and Anhui, with daily traffic exceeding 5,000 vehicles. The ship lock handles over 200,000 vessel passages and more than 1.5 million tons of cargo annually.

The control dam not only captivates with its grand presence but also enchants with its serene environment. The entire dam area is lush with trees and blooming flowers. The weeping willows along the lakeside dip their slender branches into the water, creating ripples. Here, one can enjoy reading a book amidst the floral fragrance, stroll hand-in-hand with a loved one, fish by the water’s edge, or capture the shimmering lake, the dam’s reflection, and beautiful moments with a camera—each experience bringing boundless joy.

When the dam releases water, the scene is spectacular. As the gates open, water gushes out like a lion breaking free, cascading down over five meters with tremendous force, surging for miles. The roaring sound of the water is deafening, audible even a kilometer away. Water sprays and splashes several meters high, creating a magnificent sight. When the ship lock operates, another lively scene unfolds: vessels gather on both sides, eagerly awaiting the opening of the gate that holds back the fleet. Once opened, boats of all sizes enter one after another. Loudspeakers broadcast pleasant music, the rushing water and rumbling machinery create a vibrant soundscape, mixed with the shouts of fishermen—all combining to form a lively atmosphere that draws visitors to stop and watch.

From atop the dam, the view resembles a floating ribbon on the water. With flowing water and moving boats, the dam appears to float and shift, offering a unique charm. Looking north, the water seems to merge with the sky, creating an endless expanse of misty blue. This view showcases the vastness of water and sky. Gazing southward, the waterways appear shallow and calm, like silver ribbons gently flowing. A few kilometers downstream, the channels widen, and the lake mirrors like glass, offering a surreal experience. In summer and autumn, the upper lake blooms with fragrant lotuses and golden reeds, dotted with geese and ducks, while barges glide slowly. The lower lake features crystal-clear water, lush wild rice, dark green reeds, white sails, and the sounds of fish leaping and birds calling. The dam, like an artist, crafts distinct landscapes and moods to the north and south of this picturesque lake.