Shimantan National Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Shimantan National Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Shimantan National Water Conservancy Scenic Area is recognized as both a National Water Conservancy Scenic Area and a National Wetland Park.

Introduction: Situated in Wugang City, Henan Province, it is only 2 kilometers from downtown Wugang, 65 kilometers east of Luohe City, and 75 kilometers north of Pingdingshan City, offering excellent transportation access. Established in 1998, the area boasts verdant peaks, fragrant plants, surrounded by mountains, and water mirroring the green hills — a perfect destination for “chasing the misty waves in all seasons and admiring the rosy clouds at dawn and dusk.” With its beautiful scenery and the distinctive blend of mountains, water, forests, and city, Shimantan was approved as a National Water Conservancy Scenic Area in 2001. Shimantan Reservoir is the first large-scale reservoir built by the state in the Huai River basin after the founding of New China. In August 1975, it encountered a historically rare and extremely heavy rainstorm, which caused the dam to collapse due to being overwhelmed by floodwaters. Reconstruction began in 1993, and the current dam is the rebuilt structure. The Shimantan Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a water culture-themed attraction primarily centered around Shimantan Reservoir and the First Dam on the Huai River. The scenic area encapsulates the history of the reservoir’s construction, collapse, and reconstruction, fully showcasing the development process of Shimantan Reservoir. Key attractions include the majestic rebuilt First Dam on the Huai River, the remnants of the dam destroyed during the 1975 flood — which is also the only remaining dam in China where both the ruined and rebuilt versions coexist — serving as a solemn reminder for future generations to stay vigilant. Other highlights include the Bell of Warning and Pearl Monument, which caution against complacency; the Water Conservancy Exhibition Hall that displays the remarkable achievements of the people of the Huai River region in managing the river; the unique Stone Garden with its diverse and fascinating rock formations; the Stone Exhibition Hall featuring a variety of unusual stones; and the 30-meter-long scroll painting depicting the legendary tale of Yu the Great taming the floods in Liuzhou City.

Henan Pingdingshan