Xingtai Dongchukou Reservoir

Xingtai Dongchukou Reservoir

The Dongchukou Reservoir in Xingtai City is located on the upper reaches of the Qili River in Xingtai, with the dam site situated to the east of Dongchukou Village in Xingtai County, about 23 kilometers from downtown Xingtai. It controls a drainage area of 84 square kilometers, has 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 44,000 acres of farmland.

By the lakeside of Dongchukou Reservoir lies the Sword Gorge, where the cliffs are as if cleaved by a blade, layered with verdant peaks, and meandering paths lead to secluded nooks. Visitors here, moved by the scenery, can't help but recall the famous lines of the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu: “Amid the mountains, unsure which path to take, willows dark and flowers bright, another village appears.” Legend has it that the Sword Gorge was formed when Yu the Great split the mountain with his sword while taming the floods, hence its name. About 2 kilometers long and around 100 meters deep, the gorge twists and turns with five waterfalls and twelve pools. In normal times, streams babble through staggered ponds and pools; in summer, the roaring waters cascade like pouring jade. The solitary rocks on both 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, right by the water’s edge, a peak that strikingly resembles a man and woman embracing and kissing—thus named Lover’s Pool. With a depth of 6 meters and an area of about 500 square meters, the pool reflects the cool, tranquil green hues of the valley. Sunlight dances on the surface above and below, accompanied by the chirping of birds and playful fish, offering a unique rustic charm. Around a bend in the gorge stands a stone bridge spanning Eagle Pool. On the opposite bank of the bridge is a mountain peak shaped just like an eagle, its reflection mirrored in the pool—hence the name Eagle Pool. As you walk across the bridge, your reflection mingles with that of the soaring eagle in the water, creating a delightful sight.

The narrowest part of the gorge is only 5 meters wide, where trees on both cliffs intertwine to form a green archway. Walking beneath it, with clouds drifting overhead and the stream playing like a zither, cicadas and birds singing, squirrels dancing along—you’re entranced by the serene beauty of the gorge, feeling as if you’ve drifted into a fairyland. Suddenly, the booming sound of rushing water jolts you awake, revealing the startling sight of Black Dragon Pool. The waterfall here is 35 meters high and 5 meters wide, with cascading waters splashing like jade into the Black Dragon Pool, then flowing quietly onward through the Sword Peak. In winter, it transforms into a spectacular icefall and icicle pillar, a marvel even master sculptors would marvel at.

Further along the gorge lies Seven Stars Pool, where the stream winds left and right through the valley, forming five waterfalls and seven pools. The larger and smaller pools vary in shape. Lush green grass edges the pools, and crimson cliffs frame the waterfalls. The entire gorge features winding paths through secluded beauty, blooming flowers, and fragrant grass, offering a truly refreshing experience.

Transportation Guide

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

Public Transport: In Xingtai City, take Bus No. 7 and get off at the Dongchukou stop.

Self-Drive: From any city, drive to Xingtai, then follow the North Outer Ring Road and West Outer Ring Road to Xinghe Highway (the road toward Heshun, Shanxi), and continue west for 23 kilometers to reach the reservoir.