Shangguan Lake Tourist Area | Shangguan Reservoir

Shangguan Lake Tourist Area | Shangguan Reservoir

Shangguan Lake Tourist Area | Shangguan Reservoir is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

Originally named Shangguan Reservoir, Shangguan Lake is located in Shangguan Village, Malanyu Town, Zunhua City, approximately 24 kilometers from downtown Zunhua. It lies to the north of the Great Wall, east of Tangquan, and west of the Eastern Qing Tombs.

The foundation of the dam at Shangguan Lake was originally a strategic fortress of the Great Wall — the Niuyu Pass. Also known as Niuyu Stone or Niuyu Stone Pass, the pass derived its name from a large water pit about two acres in size situated to the south of the pass, called Niuyu Pool. In the pool there is a huge black rock over 10 meters long and more than 7 meters high, one end larger than the other, resembling a lying catfish — hence the name. This pass is relatively close to the Eastern Qing Tombs and is counted as one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of the Eastern Qing Tombs,” namely “Niuyu Comes to Swim.” The city wall was built during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, with a military camp covering an area of about 1,500 square meters, of which some ruins still remain.

Legend has it that this place is also associated with the tale of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, who “commanded the river waters to seep underground and flow away to make way for his army,” known as “Wei Jin Han Chu Lou Tang He” (Wei enters, Han exits, leaking Tang River). In the second year of the Chongzhen era (1629), the Later Jin emperor, Hong Taiji, led his army through this pass into China. When Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty accompanied his grandmother, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, to Tangquan for medical treatment, he set up a temporary palace below the pass and climbed it on multiple occasions. According to the Zunhua Prefecture Records, in the autumn of the 17th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1678), the emperor visited here and improvised a quatrain: “Waterfall on the cliff hangs above the stream, trees cold and misty veil the blue sky; the people beyond the pass have deep-rooted customs, steeped in benevolence and virtue for many years.” The patriotic general Qi Jiguang of the Ming Dynasty also visited, composing poetry and enjoying the scenery of the pass.

In October 1974, the Zunhua County Committee and County Government built a dam on Niuyu Pass, stretching 652 meters in length and over 100 meters in width, creating a reservoir area of 3,650 mu, with a depth of over 20 meters and a water storage capacity of more than 2.3 million cubic meters. It was completed in December 1979, initially called “Shangguan Reservoir” and later renamed “Shangguan Lake.”

The scenic area features verdant mountains, rippling blue waters, rugged rocks, and a unique landscape. Within the lake lies a small island of 30,000 square meters. On the island stands Jiguan Mountain, which resembles a rooster crowing, together with Shuangru Mountain, named after two large white rocks, and Heishuiyu with its clear flowing waters, forming a natural landscape. Other picturesque spots such as the lifelike Shen’ao Island, Turtle Emerging from Cave, Sky-Supporting Rock, Lake Heart Island, Male-Female Duel, Tienshu Mountain, Fairy Mirror, and others are delightful to the eye.

Here you’ll find lush green mountains, glistening blue waters, oddly shaped rocks, and a uniquely enchanting landscape. The river-blocking dam, boat docks, shallow swimming areas, and fishing spots offer enjoyment for every visitor. Rowing a small boat, taking a motorboat, or paddling across the lake, you might spot white doves flying from Eagle-Pigeon Peak. Lifelike sights such as Shen’ao Island, Shuangru Mountain, Golden Toad Playing with the Sun, Turtle Emerging from Cave, Sky-Supporting Rock, Male-Female Duel, Tienshu Mountain, Fairy Mirror, and Turtle Island Fishing will delight your eyes. The area is rich in dense forests, fruit fragrances, fresh air, and colorful wildflowers. Activities like hiking, boating, fishing, composing poetry, painting, or even ice-skating and enjoying the snow will surely refresh your mind and spirit.

Address: Niuyuchi Village, Tangquan Township, Zunhua City, Tangshan

Ticket: 15 RMB

Type: Lake

Grade: AA

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