Wenxia Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Wenxia Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Wenxia Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national water conservancy scenic area.

The construction of the Xiakou Reservoir began in 1966 and was largely completed and put into use in 1970. The reservoir has a catchment area of 595 square kilometers and a total storage capacity of 520 million cubic meters. The water surface area within its jurisdiction is 2,730 hectares. It is a large (Type II) water conservancy project primarily for flood control and irrigation, with comprehensive functions including power generation and tourism. The beautiful Xiakou Reservoir, which has benefited the surrounding region, was rated as a “National Water Conservancy Scenic Area” by the Ministry of Water Resources in 2006 for its stunning scenery.

A dam locks the gorge, taming dragons and serpents; a jade-like expanse forms an artificial lake. From afar, the Xiakou Reservoir features a dam standing 111 meters high, with an expansive view before its 450-meter structure. Four bold, vigorous characters in Mao-style calligraphy—“Wenxia Reservoir”—are inscribed on the dam, radiating grandeur. The entire artificial lake is like a huge, gleaming mirror embedded amid towering mountains and ranges.

Wenxia Lake boasts abundant natural resources. With the reservoir at its core, it offers a variety of landscapes including mountains, water bodies, forests, and islands. The reservoir area is surrounded by mountains covered in lush vegetation, featuring a harmonious blend of water and hills, interlaced bays, and over thirty islands scattered across the waters like scattered gems—graceful, lush, and picturesque.