Huangxi River Reservoir

Huangxi River Reservoir

Huangxi River Reservoir is located on the upper reaches of the Huangxi River to the southwest of Zhongtianmen, along the Tianwai Village tourist route. It has a drainage area of 2.45 square kilometers and is the highest reservoir in the Mount Tai scenic area, as well as a key hub of the mountain’s water supply system.

The Huangxi River Reservoir in Mount Tai was initially constructed in 1983, situated on the upper reaches of the Huangxi River at an altitude of 610 meters on the southern slopes of Mount Tai, southwest of Zhongtianmen. Located within the protected area of the Mount Tai Scenic Zone, the reservoir not only supplies water to scenic spots above Zhongtianmen but also provides water for irrigation and landscape purposes. Originally designed with a total storage capacity of 626,000 cubic meters and a maximum dam height of 55 meters, the project was partially completed in 1984 with a final dam height of only 22 meters due to various reasons, and has yet to fulfill its intended water supply function. A large amount of leftover construction rubble from the original work has severely impacted the visual appeal of Mount Tai and poses safety hazards.

The comprehensive renovation project of Huangxi River Reservoir in the Mount Tai Scenic Area, with a total investment of over 8 million yuan, officially commenced construction on June 18. This comprehensive renovation will reinforce and complete the reservoir while creating a water landscape feature for Mount Tai.

By incorporating small bridges, pavilions, and gravel paths, the project will provide visitors with ample opportunities for water interaction and establish a solid landscape foundation for the future closure and operation of the Tianwai Village tourist route.

The project mainly includes extending and raising the dam by 10 meters, renovating the spillway tunnel, constructing energy dissipation dam facilities, curtain grouting, building a traffic bridge on the dam crest, dredging the reservoir, managing abandoned rubble, installing viewing facilities, constructing parking lots, landscaping and beautification, building walking trails, and conducting environmental remediation, among other sub-projects.

To the north of Tianwai Village lies Longtan Lake, built by the Japanese army in 1942 during their invasion of China. With a storage capacity of about 360,000 cubic meters and a dam length of 165 meters, the site was originally a spectacular large stone flatland featuring attractions such as Sword Case Rock, Immortal Rock, and Huiwo Spring. It also includes the “Condemnation of Offensive War” chapter from Mozi, inscribed by Mr. Feng Yuxiang during his time on Mount Tai to oppose the Japanese invasion. The lake forms a serene mountain pond, where the surrounding mountain hues and lake reflections create a delightful scene. In summer and autumn, water overflows from the dam to form a waterfall, offering a refreshing experience and making it a great spot for leisure, summer retreats, and even a seasonal open-air swimming pool for both winter and summer swimming.

Beyond the reservoir lies the east-west Jiandai Bridge, built in 1964 by the Mount Tai Forest Farm with the meaning of “constructing Mount Tai.” The eastern end of the bridge is the ticket office for visitors entering the mountain.