Jiaohe Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Jiaohe Water Conservancy Scenic Area

The Jiaohe Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national water conservancy scenic area.

The Gaocheng City Jiaohe Water Conservancy Scenic Area is located in the beautiful and fertile eastern part of Fengcheng, built along the Jiaohe River channel and its surrounding landscapes. The Jiaohe River flows into Gaocheng from Kōngchōngshuǐ Village, south of Baicheng Town, Gaocheng City, Shandong Province, passing through Baicheng Town, Chaoyang Subdistrict, Xiazhuang Town, and the Jiaohe Port Logistics Area, before joining the Jiaolai River at Dongfeng Village. Within Gaocheng City, the river is 62.5 kilometers long, with a drainage area of 202.4 square kilometers.

I. Historical Background and Scenic Resources

The Jiaohe River has been renowned since ancient times as the “Nine-Bend Jiaohe” due to its winding course. The famous statesman Yan Ying of the Qi Kingdom, a celebrated historical figure, came from the banks of the Jiaohe River. The eminent historian Sima Qian once praised him, saying: “If Yanzi were still alive, I would gladly serve as his groom just to be near him.” To this day, the “Yan Tomb and Dome Stele” remains preserved along the riverbanks. On the eastern bank of the Jiaohe lies the renowned Baiyang Mountain scenic spot. The Qing Dynasty’s *Gaocheng County Annals* described it as “formed by layered sands” and “shaped like a white sheep.” At dawn, the morning light drapes over it like a maiden’s veil, while sunrise glistens on the ripples. Lush trees on the mountain greet visitors with evergreen vitality, while the clear waters below invite leisurely boating. Traveling downstream to “Jinxiazhuang,” orchards and vegetable fields stretch along both riverbanks. Further along lies the hometown of contemporary literary master Mo Yan—the Jiaohe Port Logistics Area—home to vast peach orchards bursting with color, fragrant blossoms, and birdsong.

Historical records from the *Ming History – Treatise on the Five Elements* state: In the seventh year of the Hongwu era, the Jiaohe River flooded, damaging crops. In the summer of 1999, a once-in-a-century catastrophic flood gave us a harsh lesson in the Jiaohe’s temperament. The Lijiaying Bridge was washed away, water inundated Baicheng Dicun Village, sections of the river at Xiazhuang and Heya burst their banks, over 1.2 million mu of farmland were submerged, more than 240 villages flooded, and 280,000 residents suffered severe losses. Faced with such a devastating natural disaster, the municipal Party committee and government made a firm resolution: to harness the Jiaohe River.

II. Development, Utilization, and Supporting Resources

From 2000 to the present, Gaocheng City has invested a total of 150 million yuan to implement the first, second, and third phases of the comprehensive management project for the Jiaohe River. Following a 20-year flood prevention standard, the project focused on the river section from Baicheng Bridge to Wangdang Bridge, undertaking comprehensive measures including river dredging, channel widening, stone revetment construction, sluice installation for water storage, and afforestation along both embankments. These efforts not only enhanced the Jiaohe’s flood control and disaster mitigation capabilities but also enabled the retention of 8 million cubic meters of surface water, bringing the total water storage capacity of the river to 27 million cubic meters—equivalent to constructing a medium-sized reservoir. Moreover, the comprehensive management transformed the Jiaohe into a scenic corridor integrating flood control, water supply replenishment, ecological regulation, and tourism, offering residents a prime spot for water recreation, boating, and leisure.

The Cultural and Sports Park, with a total investment of 495 million yuan, is situated on the beautiful western bank of the Jiaohe River. It includes a sports school, stadium, gymnasium, museum, library, science and technology cultural center, and an exhibition hall for urban planning achievements, creating a modern, multifunctional hub for sports, culture, research, exhibitions, leisure, and entertainment. It has significantly elevated the city’s functionality and charm. The park, together with the development of over 2,400 residential units in the Shuian Dongfang community east of the bridge, the distinctive Shuian Mansion, Shuian Villas, and garden-style residences, complement the Jiaohe Scenic Area, forming a stunning landscape.

Nestled among lush green trees, rows of villas stand along the riverbank. The annual Baiyang Mountain “Cultural and Art Festival” is held here, featuring performances by art troupes, Mohou opera shows, and calligraphers and painters showcasing their skills, all highlighting Gaocheng’s rich cultural heritage.

The “Jindu Ecological Garden,” built along the eastern bank of the Jiaohe, cultivates hundreds of plant species from southern China and is a renowned botanical eco-garden and dining destination within the scenic area. Many domestic and international tourists visiting the Jiaohe often dine here to savor Gaocheng’s unique delicacies. Not far ahead lies the famous “Moon Bay” scenic spot. Embraced by clear waters and surrounded by verdant foliage, it offers another perfect spot for fishing and relaxation. Connected to and blending seamlessly with the Jiaohe River, the Butterfly Spring Park is a unique attraction with a water area of over 30 mu. Its shape resembles a butterfly in flight, hence its name. Surrounded by shady trees, the park is both interconnected with the Jiaohe and forms its own secluded paradise. It’s an ideal place for leisure activities such as fishing and swimming.

III. Management, Operation, and Supporting Systems

Since the establishment of the scenic area, Gaocheng City has set up a dedicated Jiaohe Water Conservancy Scenic Management Office, along with supporting institutions and personnel. A comprehensive set of management systems and plans tailored to the scenic area’s development has been implemented to regulate and prevent actions that could damage or impact the safety of water conservancy infrastructure. Proactive measures have been taken to effectively protect the aquatic ecological environment, ensuring standardized, orderly, and well-functioning scenic area management.