Reshui River Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Reshui River Water Conservancy Scenic Area

The Reshui River Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national water conservancy scenic area.

The Reshui River Water Conservancy Scenic Area is located in Reshui Town, Rucheng County, built along the Ledong River and the Liangjiangkou Reservoir. It is a natural river-lake type water conservancy scenic area. The planned area of the scenic zone spans 134.3 square kilometers, including 16.8 square kilometers of water surface. The Ledong River, also known as the Reshui River, is 25 kilometers long with a drainage area of 125 square kilometers. Reshui Town is recognized as a Nationally Recognized Beautiful Township and is also a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction.

Hydrological Landscape

1. Rivers

The river system within Wangcheng District is well-developed, with the Xiang River running through the entire area. Its major tributaries include the Weishui River, Maqiao River, and Baqiu River.

(1) Weishui River

The Weishui River originates from Fuyu Mountain in Ningxiang County, Hunan Province, also known as the "Weishui," formerly called the "Yutan River." It is a first-level left-bank tributary of the lower Xiang River. Flowing from west to east, it passes through Ningxiang County, Shuangjiangkou, and joins the Xiang River at the border between Xinkang Township and Gaotangling Town in Wangcheng District. The Weishui River has a drainage area of 2,209 square kilometers, a river length of 144 kilometers, an average riverbed width of 180 meters, and an average gradient of 1.16‰.

(2) Baqiu River

The Baqiu River originates from Zengpiling in Yucangping Town, Yuelu District, Changsha City. It is a second-level tributary of the Xiang River and a first-level tributary of the Weishui River. It merges with the Weishui River in Shengli Village, Gaotangling Town, Wangcheng District, before flowing into the Xiang River. The drainage area of the Baqiu River within Wangcheng District is 190 square kilometers, with a river length of 40.3 kilometers.

2. Wetlands

The scenic area boasts abundant natural and artificial wetland resources. These wetlands not only help purify water quality and provide an ecological living environment for local residents but also serve as ideal leisure destinations integrating functions such as recreation, education, and tourism.

(1) Zebra Lake Wetland Park

Zebra Lake Wetland Park includes Zebra Lake Ecological Park, East Lake, Zhangjia Lake, and Maqiao River Wetland Park. Among these, Zebra Lake Ecological Park, East Lake, and Maqiao River Wetland Park have been fully completed.

Zebra Lake Ecological Park: Covering a total area of 0.27 square kilometers, including a lake surface of 0.13 square kilometers, slope greening area of 0.07 square kilometers, and hillside vegetation of 0.077 square kilometers. The park features a rich variety of tree species, with over 60 types of trees, shrubs, and aquatic plants, and more than 100,000 newly planted saplings of various sizes.

East Lake Wetland Park: With a total area of approximately 0.93 square kilometers, including nearly 0.33 square kilometers of water surface, it is divided into three sections: the Cultural Activity Zone, River Recreation Zone, and Rest & Education Wetland Zone. During construction, the park not only connected East Lake with the Xiang River and the entire Zebra Lake area to create a flowing water system but also respected the original terrain, preserving as many native trees as possible and scientifically designing ecological revetments to create a pleasant, water-friendly green space. Visitors can enjoy the original wetland scenery of green slopes, willow-lined shores, sunset skies, and egrets perched above.

3. River Confluences

The area’s rich river system results in numerous river confluence points.

Where the Baqiu River flows into the Weishui and then together into the Xiang River, the landscape features undulating terrain, expansive water surfaces, and beautiful natural scenery—highly picturesque.

(II) Geomorphic Landscape

The scenic area lies in the transitional zone between the central Hunan hills and the Dongting Lake alluvial plain, situated on the river valley terrace where the Weishui River and Xiang River converge. It belongs to the alluvial plain within the hilly region. The area contains representative geological strata such as those found at the Gaosha Ridge site, along with diverse landforms including hills, plains, beaches, and islands. The well-developed water systems and varied shoreline types create a stunning variety of water-landform landscapes, appearing almost magically crafted and full of charm.

(III) Celestial Landscape

Throughout the year, the scenic area experiences rain, fog, snow, and frost, enjoying a humid climate with distinct seasons and a long suitable visiting period. The most spectacular sights include sunset reflections on the water, fishermen singing at dusk, and shimmering scales on the water’s surface.

1. Sunset Glow

The highlight of each day is undoubtedly sunrise and sunset. At sunrise, a brilliant beam of sunlight pierces the sky, rising slowly from the far end of the river, stirring the entire waterway with excitement. The river surges forth from its source with fiery passion, carrying the glow of dawn. At sunset, the sun’s light turns gentle, casting golden, tender radiance upon the river’s mouth, shimmering on every drop of water and immersing visitors in a wondrous reverie.

2. Rain Scene

Walking in the wind and rain, one sees scattered raindrops gradually forming streams and lines. Ripples on the nearby lake surface transform into blooming water flowers, while rain mist drifts like smoke, blending with the sky. As the drizzle builds, accompanied by distant spring thunder, the rain pours down in sheets, briefly turning the world into a vast white water realm. Gradually, the mist clears, the lake returns to calm vastness, and the sky turns deep blue again—only everything appears greener, fresher, and bluer. In this landscape of green mountains and clear waters, every glance brings joy and delight.

3. Snow Scene

Whenever winter arrives and all things hibernate in anticipation of spring, there is always one place that seems untouched by the season, remaining vibrant and lush with greenery — the banks of the Weishui River. The densely planted Oriental arborvitae are always full of vitality, stubbornly clinging to their green coats even when the bitter cold sets in. When winter snow falls and clothes them in silver, they resemble the Snow White of spring, their stunning beauty enviable and breathtaking.

4. Misty Scenery

During spring and summer, the scenic area is often shrouded in mist, creating an elusive and mysterious atmosphere. After the rain clears, pale mists drift ethereally across vast expanses, as if boundless white fog flows slowly through countless valleys and ravines like a mighty tide. Boating on the river feels like wandering through a celestial palace, with scenes appearing and disappearing amid the vast, hazy waters.

(IV) Biological Landscapes

The scenic area enjoys a mild and moist climate, with abundant forests, water bodies, and grasslands. This favorable ecological environment supports rich biodiversity, facilitates plant growth, and provides suitable conditions for the survival and reproduction of wildlife. It contributes to regional ecological restoration, offers an eco-friendly living environment for residents, and promotes ecological education among local communities and visitors.

1. Plant Landscapes

The vegetation in the area is dominated by subtropical evergreen broadleaf and coniferous forests, with rich tree species resources. There are 70 families and 274 species of naturally grown and introduced cultivated trees, along with 7 types of bamboo. Major tree species include fir, pine, camphor, tung, citrus, and nan bamboo. Nationally first-class protected species include the dawn redwood. Key protected wild tree species include kalopanax, beech, oak, hovenia, and Chinese kiwi, all of which are sparsely distributed. In the 1980s, the Yulan magnolia, discovered at the foot of Bahe Mountain in Bairepu, was the first of its kind seen in the Changsha area. It is a deciduous tree that blooms before leafing out, producing large, jade-white flowers in early spring. It has since been cultivated as an ornamental garden tree.

2. Animal Landscapes

The scenic area teems with life — birds sing in the woods, snakes dwell in caves, and fish leap in rivers and lakes, showcasing a remarkably rich variety of species. There are 216 types of wild animals in the region. Among those under key protection in Hunan are: Mammals: hedgehogs, southern hare (wild rabbit), etc.; Birds: egrets, Chinese pond herons, cattle egrets, ruddy shelducks (wild ducks), etc.; Reptiles: Chinese softshell turtle (locally called “foot fish,” “turtle,” “soft-shelled turtle,” or “water turtle”), turtles, skinks (locally called “four-legged snakes”), and Chinese water snakes; Amphibians: oriental fire-bellied newt (locally called “drought golden dragon”), Chinese toad, black-spined toad, spiny-breasted frog, and tiger frog. Additionally, the rivers and lakes in the scenic area host 89 species of fish.

(V) Engineering Landscapes

The scenic area is distinguished by its “representative water conservancy projects,” featuring a comprehensive and diverse range of engineering types. These include:

1. Flood Control Engineering Landscapes

The scenic area has constructed a series of flood control projects to support the regional water environment, water safety, and water resource management. These include:

(1) Weishui Sluice

The Weishui Sluice is located at the mouth of the Weishui River, a first-level tributary on the left bank of the lower Xiangjiang River. Completed in late 2014, it mainly consists of the sluice and a traffic bridge. The sluice has 12 bays with a total net width of 144 meters and a total water-retaining front length of 178.0 meters. A traffic bridge with a total width of 13.25 meters has been built atop the sluice. Upon completion, the traffic bridge connects to the northern extension of Xiaoxiang Avenue, a planned urban road, linking the north and south sections of the western part of Wangcheng District. This effectively resolves the traffic bottleneck between the Dazhongyuan area and the urban district, playing a significant role in driving the development of riverside resources in Wangcheng District.

(2) Golden Waterway

The Golden Waterway starts from the Hetang Flood Diversion Channel on the west bank of the Xiangjiang River, flows through Lianheyuan and Tongfuyuan, and joins the Weishui River at Gaosajiao in Shengliyuan. It forms a complete river-lake system with major water bodies such as Daze Lake, Zhangjia Lake, Maqiao River, Banma Lake, and Donghu Lake as its backbone.

The construction of the Golden Waterway not only interconnects the water systems of Wangcheng’s Waterfront New Town and increases the area for rainwater storage in the region, but also allows Xiangjiang water to flow naturally into the Golden Waterway and then into the Weishui River. With the terrain sloping from high to low, rainwater can drain naturally, saving substantial operational costs. Moreover, the long, narrow waterway and expansive water surfaces create a unique aquatic landscape for Wangcheng’s Waterfront New Town, enhancing the region’s urban charm. This fully reflects the water ecology and landscape features of the Golden Waterway, bringing the “water” element to life.

(3) Urban Flood Control Projects

These include the Gaoyuyuan Urban Flood Control Project and the Shengliyuan Urban Flood Control Project. The Gaoyuyuan project is located on the right bank of the Baju River, stretching 1.93 km from Gaowu Avenue in the north to Baima Lane in the south. The construction reinforced the 1.93 km embankment on the right bank of the Baju River to a century-flood standard, including ecological slope protection and renovation of sluice gates along the line. The project was fully completed in 2013.

The Shengliyuan Urban Project is situated along the right banks of the Weishui River and Baju River, and the left bank of the Xiangjiang River, spanning 9.25 km. Its construction involved reinforcing the embankment from Baima Lane, through the Weishui Sluice Bridge and Weishui Sluice, to the Changsha Comprehensive Hub of the Xiangjiang River, all to a century-flood standard. It also included slope revetment, sluice gate construction, and more. The project was completed in 2014. Together with the Xiangjiang River Dyke, the Gaoyuyuan and Shengliyuan Urban Flood Control Projects form a seamless, century-flood-standard closed protective ring around Wangcheng’s main urban area, ensuring regional flood security.

2. Ecological Restoration Engineering Landscapes

The scenic area adheres to the principles of ecological and scientific water management, promoting regional economic development with a sustainable approach.

The Wangcheng District Wastewater Treatment Plant began construction in April 2012, commenced trial operation on January 5, 2013, passed the environmental protection completion acceptance inspection by the Changsha Environmental Monitoring Center Station from March 5–7, 2013, received official environmental protection completion approval in August 2013, and completed supporting infrastructure such as roads, walls, and landscaping in October 2013. Facilities such as a rainwater lift pump room, hydrocyclone desanding tank, MSBR bioreactor tank, ultraviolet disinfection tank, blower room, and power distribution room were also built. The treatment plant operates under a BOT model, using the MSBR process as its core technology, with treated effluent meeting China’s Class I-B discharge standards.

The construction of the wastewater treatment plant effectively treats domestic sewage and industrial wastewater, preventing pollutants from directly entering water bodies and causing pollution. Its establishment is of great significance for improving the ecological environment, enhancing urban quality, and promoting economic development.

3. Greening Engineering Landscapes

Based on flood control projects and embankment construction, the scenic area has developed an accompanying water conservancy scenic belt.

The scenic belt within the area mainly consists of the “Two Rivers and Two Embankments” scenic zone. Built as an auxiliary landscape project on the embankments of the Baju River and Weishui River, it centers around these two rivers, featuring leisure corridors and sculptures as focal points, complemented by various small squares, landscape ornaments, lighting, and other facilities. A mix of multiple tree and shrub species is planted to highlight the unique scenery reflected on both sides of the river.

The entire scenic belt fully showcases Wangcheng’s natural beauty and pleasant environment, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing and rest, as well as a great place for residents to exercise in the morning and evening.

(VI) Cultural Landscapes

The scenic area boasts profound cultural heritage, representing a perfect blend of historical achievements and modern benefits, as well as a seamless integration of natural landscapes and cultural attractions.

1. Gaoxajii Shang-Zhou Ruins

The Gaoxajii Shang-Zhou Ruins are located beside the dike in Shengli Village, Gaotangling Town, Wangcheng District, on the western bank of the Xiang River. Artifacts unearthed here are featured in a special exhibition at the provincial museum. From 1996 to 1997, the Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology conducted excavations here. Among the findings, five tombs where bronze ware was the primary burial object represent significant discoveries in Hunan’s Shang-Zhou archaeology in recent years. Unearthed items such as bronze ding (tripods), bronze zun (wine vessels), bronze knives, and bronze ge (dagger-axes) exhibit both Central Plains characteristics and local features, reflecting the unique essence of the bronze culture in the Hunan region.

2. Notable Figures

The scenic area has a rich cultural legacy of notable figures, the most widely known being Lei Feng and Guo Liang.

(1) Lei Feng

Lei Feng, originally named Lei Zhengxing, was a comrade who wholeheartedly served the people, a soldier of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and a great communist fighter.

The Lei Feng Spirit, named after him and fundamentally rooted in his ethos, is a revolutionary spirit that has continuously evolved through practice. Its essence and core lie in wholeheartedly serving the people and making selfless contributions to the public cause. It has become synonymous with the spiritual civilization of our era and a symbol of advanced culture. Premier Zhou Enlai comprehensively and incisively summarized the Lei Feng Spirit as “a clear-cut class stand, the revolutionary spirit of matching words with deeds, the communist style of placing public interest above personal gain, and the proletarian fighting spirit of fearless sacrifice.”

The “Lei Feng Spirit” has inspired generations to learn from his example. Since the founding of New China, it has ceaselessly influenced and motivated generations of Chinese people. It embodies the great national spirit centered on patriotism — unity, peace-loving, diligence, bravery, and unyielding self-improvement. The realization of the Chinese Dream requires the Lei Feng Spirit to make its defining mark at the two centenary goals.

(2) Guo Liang

Guo Liang, an alternate member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Secretary of the Hunan Provincial Committee, and leader of the labor movement, was hailed by Mao Zedong as a “famous organizer of workers.” The Central Committee’s theoretical journal, Bolshevik, published an article calling him “the pioneer of the Hunan labor movement. Whether it was Anyuan in Jiangxi, Shuikoushan in Hunan, Changsha, or the Yuehan and Zhuping railway lines spanning the three provinces of Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi — the workers and other industrial professionals in these areas were organized and mobilized under his direct or indirect guidance.”

3. Religion

The scenic area is rich in religious culture, contributing significantly to the dissemination of regional religious traditions.

The Wangcheng Christian Church is situated in the picturesque Tuanshan Park. With a strong religious ambiance, every day devout worshippers come to pray, their heartfelt chants mingling with birdsong, creating a serene, harmonious, and uplifting atmosphere.

4. Traditional Opera

The scenic area has a long-standing tradition of opera culture, with Xin Kang Township being the most renowned, often referred to as the “Romantic Opera Village.”

Xin Kang is bordered by the mighty Xiang River to the east and once had the Weishui River, Baku River, and numerous smaller tributaries crisscrossing the area to the south. With its intricate water system and dense network of canals, along with its flat terrain and abundance of lakes and ponds, the area exhibits distinctly charming Jiangnan (southern Yangtze River) water town characteristics.

Locals here love Flower Drum Opera, with everyone able to hum a few lines of opera tunes. The melodies of Flower Drum Opera can be heard everywhere, making it a unique cultural phenomenon and legacy of Xin Kang. This distinctive culture has made life in Xin Kang carefree, romantic, vibrant, and rich — something the surrounding communities deeply admire and yearn for.

Xin Kang is widely celebrated across China, with its opera piece “Hong Languig Jiu” (Hong Langui Buying Wine) being known to all, young and old. The story of this opera takes place in Xin Kang; its language originates from Xin Kang; and its main characters lived in Xin Kang.

Transportation

The scenic area is adjacent to Xiangjiang New Area, the first national-level new district in central China, and is centrally located within the urban core of Wangcheng District, right next to the Wangcheng District Government. It enjoys uniquely advantageous geographical and locational positioning.