Longshan Lake Scenic Area in Guangshan County

Longshan Lake Scenic Area in Guangshan County

Longshan Lake Scenic Area is a national water conservancy scenic area and also a national wetland park.

A national-level water conservancy scenic area. Located on Longshan Hill by the Huanghe River, 7 kilometers southwest of Guangshan County in Henan Province. Accessible by train via the Xining Railway or via National Highway 312. It is 92 kilometers from Jiugong Mountain Scenic Area and 230 kilometers from Wuhan, Hubei. The Longshan Lake Scenic Area has been developed into a comprehensive tourism destination integrating the appreciation of natural scenery, visits to famous mountains and ancient temples.

Longshan Lake is an artificial lake built for flood control, irrigation, urban water supply, power generation, and tourism development. Construction of the Longshan Lake project began in the late 1970s and was completed in 1988. The lake features broad, flat waters with a surface area of over 20,000 mu, a maximum width of two kilometers, and an upstream extension of up to nine kilometers. The dam is built between two mountain peaks. With Nanshan Mountain at the dam's head, Zhushan Mountain in the middle, and Beilong Mountain to the north, it is poetically referred to as “two dragons playing with a pearl,” which gives the lake its name. To the northwest of the lake lies a fully equipped, elegantly designed tourist hotel, tennis courts, the Broken Bridge, log cabins, and a floral ecological park. Strolling through the area feels like entering a heavenly paradise.

Longshan Lake Scenic Area is located in southern Henan Province, part of the Xiaohuanghe River system within the Huai River basin. It lies in the transitional zone from subtropical to warm temperate climates, with an average annual temperature of 15.3°C, a frost-free period of 227 days, and average temperatures of 28°C in the hottest month (July) and 2°C in the coldest month (January). The annual average rainfall is 1100.2 mm. The seasons are distinct with minimal day-night temperature variation, offering a pleasant climate. The scenic area is fed by three rivers (Yanhe, Pohe, and Tashahe), surrounded by lush peaks and forests, integrating mountains, water, and rocks. Boats glide smoothly along the shores flanked by green hills, with dozens of small islands and peninsulas dotting the landscape. The lake is deep and clear with excellent water quality, serving as the main water source for the county. The lake contains numerous inlets and sandbars, which are rarely visited and thus serve as havens for birds. In recent years, through tourism and economic development, it has become a key breeding base for freshwater shrimp in Henan Province. “Longshan Green Shrimp” are delicious, nutritious, and distinctive for their rich flavor, vibrant color, large size, high protein content, and low fat. There are thousand-acre fishing areas on both sides of the lake, where wild species such as carp, crucian carp, Wuchang fish, and grass carp can be caught. To the south of the lake lie Fisherman’s Village, Zhuangshan Temple, Ruitai Mountain, Dangshan Temple, and Shimenkan. The center of the lake features attractions such as Nanshan Mountain, Beilong Mountain, Tiger Mountain, Longshan Pool, and a natural bathing area.

Adjacent to Guangshan County, Longshan Lake Scenic Area enjoys convenient transportation. It boasts not only beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage but is also an ideal destination for tourism, entertainment, and fishing.