Xiaolangdi Scenic Area

Xiaolangdi Scenic Area

The Xiaolangdi Water Control Project is a key initiative in the governance and development of the Yellow River, classified as a major national project under the Eighth Five-Year Plan. The construction was completed with a river closure in 1997 and the entire project was finalized at the end of 2001. Xiaolangdi is located on the main course of the Yellow River, 40 kilometers north of Luoyang, Henan Province—130 kilometers upstream from the Sanmenxia Reservoir and 115 kilometers downstream from Huayuankou in Zhengzhou. It is the only control project on the Yellow River downstream of Sanmenxia capable of achieving significant water storage capacity.

The Xiaolangdi Reservoir lies within the Shanxi–Henan section of the Yellow River Valley, flanked by the Zhongtiao Mountains and Wangwu Mountains. The reservoir stretches 130 kilometers in length and covers a total area of 278 square kilometers. After the damming of the river, the dramatic gorges of Shanxi and Henan along with over 20 scenic spots such as Baiyashan, Hongyashan, and Huanglushan, plus the majestic dam itself, create a breathtaking tableau of lake reflections, mountain vistas, and a "high gorges holding a tranquil lake" landscape. This has established Xiaolangdi Reservoir as a large-scale tourist destination that combines natural scenery with hydraulic engineering. The reservoir features numerous peninsulas, isolated islands, and rugged peaks, offering both intimate meandering river bends nearby and expansive misty waters in the distance. Visitors can take boat rides from the docks, navigate through the high gorges and tranquil lakes, enjoy the surrounding landscapes, and fully experience the magnificence of the Mother River. With its beauty, serenity, wonder, uniqueness, and cultural significance, the area fulfills people's aspirations for refined enjoyment and a return to nature. Its style harmonizes the rustic elegance of pastoral charm with the grandeur of modern luxury.

The Yellow River Three Gorges are the essence nurtured by Xiaolangdi and the Wangwu Mountains. Located 20 kilometers upstream from the Xiaolangdi Dam, this area spans 40 square kilometers and represents the highlight of the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area. Balihutong, situated at the narrowest point of the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, features steep cliffs on both sides and surging river waters in between. The three gorges each possess their own distinctive charm: Gushan Gorge, with its precipitous cliffs and awe-inspiring rock formations; Longfeng Gorge, twisting and turning like a coiled dragon or serpent; and Dayu Gorge, broad and open with majestic views. Notably, Jiudeng Lotus Plank Path—named for its nine ascending levels resembling a blooming lotus or a water lily rising from the water—boasts the legendary title “Gunshan Yu Fu” (the Axe of Gun and Yu). In addition, there are rich cultural sites such as ancient plank roads from the Sui and Tang dynasties and the Chenxie Army’s Yellow River crossing. With over 60 natural and cultural attractions, this is one of the few exceptional mountain-water landscapes in North China, rivaling the Yangtze River Three Gorges in splendor.

Since the damming of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir, the area has attracted a large number of visitors eager to witness its majestic beauty. Many have praised the spectacular scenery, dubbing Xiaolangdi the “Little Thousand Island Lake,” believing it combines the perilous grandeur of the Three Gorges with the delicate charm of the Li River, and predicting it will become an emerging top-tier tourist destination.

Travelers can access Xiaolangdi from either Shanxi or Henan. The reservoir area spans 278 square kilometers and involves three counties in Shanxi: Yuanqu, Xia County, and Pinglu. Among them, Yuanqu County lies in the middle section of the reservoir’s backwater area, where water surface accounts for 60% of the total reservoir area. Visitors can take boats from Gucheng Town in Yuanqu County to explore the vast and stunning landscapes of the reservoir.

Source: Local Chronicles Compilation Committee of Yuncheng City