Cao Gang Dangerous Works

Cao Gang Dangerous Works

In accordance with the 2003 Engineering Management Guidelines from the Henan River Affairs Bureau, the Fengqiu County River Affairs Bureau planned the Yellow River Cao Gang scenic area. The site consists of three parts: the Chenqiao Post Station, Cao Gang Dangerous Works, and Qinglong Lake, all connected by the Yellow River embankment, naturally forming a "0-Line" layout. The Yellow River is China's second-largest river and the cradle and symbol of the Chinese nation. Due to its high sediment content, the current riverbed of the Yellow River is generally 3–10 meters higher than the land behind the embankment, which is why it is called a "hanging river" or "heavenly river."

Cao Gang Dangerous Works is the only historic, riverside dangerous works site on the north bank of the river section from Zhengzhou Iron Bridge to Dongbatou. It was first built in the 18th year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1753). At this location, the river surges directly toward the embankment, making it one of the most perilous—and spectacular—spots along the entire river. It represents the pinnacle of such sites. The area serves to introduce the natural geography and cultural value of the Yellow River, showcasing the historical relationship of coexistence and struggle between humans and the river. It can also function as a base for patriotic education and science popularization among young people. Currently, at the Kaifeng Yellow River Bridge embankment section, landscape features such as the Cao Gang Dangerous Works Introduction Monument, Tianlan Pavilion, Yu the Great Sculpture, Coiled Dragon Stone, scenic trees, and evergreen lawns have been established.

Visiting Cao Gang Dangerous Works firsthand offers the feeling of "escaping the cage after long confinement and returning to nature," bringing immense delight. The spectacle of the hanging river is world-renowned; a bridge soars overhead, creating a beautiful harmony; dense woods and reeds form a natural park. A Cao Gang scenic area centered around the Yellow River, with an emphasis on eco-tourism and natural landscapes, has begun to take shape.