Qinghu Scenic Area

Qinghu Scenic Area

I. The Evolution of the Reservoir’s Name

Qinghu is located in the northwest of Shangyi County. It is one of the six major reservoirs in Zhangjiakou City, following Guanting Reservoir, Huliu River Reservoir, Shandian River Reservoir, Huanggainao Reservoir, and Yunzhou Reservoir. Over time, the reservoir has gone through several name changes. These shifts in nomenclature also offer a glimpse into the broader societal developments.

The reservoir was originally named “Leap Forward Reservoir” because it was built in 1958. In that grand and fervent era, the name of the reservoir inevitably bore the imprint of the times. After the conclusion of that revolutionary period, the call for economic development outweighed the emphasis on political slogans, and Leap Forward Reservoir gradually shed its strong political connotation, being renamed “Daqinggou Reservoir.” This location-based designation perhaps better reflected its true nature.

In the early 1990s, another strong wave swept across the nation, which had already embraced reform and opening up. Alongside the rapid development of economic zones, tourism also emerged as a new force. The once isolated and underdeveloped Shangyi County opened its arms to embrace these new external influences. To align with the demands of the times, Daqinggou Reservoir was renamed “Qinghu.” At the same time, some visionary individuals built European-style villas, Mongolian yurts, beaches, and bathing areas by the lake. Coupled with the surrounding forests and grasslands, the area naturally came to be known as the “Qinghu Resort.”

II. The Scenery of the Reservoir Area

Qinghu is like a brilliant pearl embedded in the beautiful Bashang Grassland. On the dam, the five three-meter-tall Chinese characters “Daqinggou Reservoir” appear even more bold and solemn under the warm, gentle summer sunlight, while also highlighting the majestic presence of the river-blocking dam. The twin tower sluice buildings reflected on the water resemble a pair of inseparable twins, swaying gently with the wind. Visitors who climb to the top of the towers can open their hearts and gaze into the distance, taking in the vast expanse of Qinghu’s waters and the surrounding scenery. The reservoir area is surrounded by trees, filled with birdsong and floral fragrance, offering an elegant and picturesque environment. On sunny days, the 100,000-square-meter water surface shimmers with ripples, clouds rise in the sky, and gentle waves create a serene and enchanting landscape—a truly tranquil and peaceful scene.

Poetry lovers may take a boat out on the lake, composing verse and painting, drinking wine and singing—like Su Dongpo cruising on the Red Cliff or Li Bai drunkenly admiring West Lake. During holidays, many literati and poets gather here to enjoy the beautiful scenery together.

Fishing enthusiasts may fish alone, finding peace and cultivating their spirit. Sometimes, after half a day without catching a single fish, they simply savor the experience reminiscent of Jiang Ziya’s legendary angling. Thus, for anglers, it’s not about the “fish,” but the act of “fishing.” This is indeed a wonderful state of life.

Swimming enthusiasts can shed their clothes and shoes, dive naked into the lake, and boldly embrace Qinghu, fully enjoying the caress of the water. Whether floating on their backs, swimming on their sides, diving, or bobbing on the surface, they can frolic with the waves and embrace life to the fullest. As Mao Zedong once said, “Strike the water in the middle stream; brave the waves and ride the currents. Confident in living two hundred years, I’ll surely swim three thousand li.”

III. The Green Grassland

“Blue sky with white clouds drifting, beneath the clouds horses running free.” Whenever you hear this melodious and familiar song, you naturally think of the vast, beautiful grassland under the wide-open sky. Friends, do you want to witness the charm of the grassland? Then come and take a look at the grasslands in the Qinghu Scenic Area.

On the northern slope of Qinghu lies the irrigation area of the Daqinggou Reservoir. There, visitors can admire tens of thousands of acres of grassland. The scenery is beautiful, the air fragrant, the grass lush and green, and flowers bloom everywhere, filling the air with sweet scents. Stepping into the waist-high grassland feels like entering a fairy-tale world. As you venture deeper into the grass, the endless sea of green greets you, lifting your spirits, dispelling fatigue, and making all worldly concerns fade away. Above, the white clouds are as soft as cotton or brocade; below, the green grass is dreamlike and surreal. Truly: the scenery is pure and breathtaking, and immersing yourself here makes you forget the passage of time.

The grassland, set against the backdrop of the over 40 red-brick irrigation channels, creates a delightful contrast of red and green, adding a natural touch of creativity for visitors’ photos. To the south of the irrigation area are representative Bashang crops on display for all to see: oats, yams, and flax arranged in neat rows; blue, white, and purple flowers blooming vibrantly. Visitors can learn about the origins of oat flour, starch, and sesame oil, while also admiring the proud stance of Bashang crops. These simple and honest crops seem like the warm and hospitable people of Bashang, who, unafraid of hard work, welcome guests from afar under the blazing sun.

Friends, come on over—Qinghu Scenic Area welcomes you！