Da’an Qinglong Lake

Da’an Qinglong Lake

Qinglong Lake is situated between Shengli Town and Tuanjie Township in Da’an District. It was originally constructed as the Qinglong Reservoir in 1954, covering an area of 4 square kilometers, with a catchment area of over 10 square kilometers, a water surface area of more than 600 mu, and a water storage capacity of 2.06 million cubic meters. Thanks to the presence of over 80 mountain ponds and several stone weirs within the irrigation zone, it not only irrigates tens of thousands of acres of farmland in the surrounding countryside but also, by following the contours of the hills, creates meandering calm waters that resemble a bright mirror set amid the hills.

Due to its proximity to the Dinosaur Park and Dinosaur Museum at Dashanpu, it has been developed into a new tourist area. In recent years, it has attracted many visitors who come to enjoy the pastoral scenery and the charm of the mountains and forests. Newly built fish restaurants by the reservoir and fragrant tea houses by the lake offer visitors a place to rest and relax.

The entire Qinglong Lake area forms a “U” shape along the “0 Two Lines.” The so-called “0” refers to the area with Qinglong Lake at its center, extending north to Liyushi and south to Wujia Weir. The “two lines” refer to the Yangliu River and the Wujia Weir River, which converge at Qinglong Tan, forming a lake that is broad in area, large in water storage, nestled against the mountains and trees, home to fish and ducks, and perfect for boating.

Over 50 acres of contiguous camphor trees on Qinglong Tan exude a refreshing fragrance that invigorates the senses. These camphor trees have weathered more than 20 winters, with the tallest reaching over 10 meters and the largest trunks measuring over 20 centimeters in diameter. Winding paths crisscross the woods and climb along the hillsides, with tea gardens, fish restaurants, small shops, photography spots, and bookstalls scattered throughout. Visitors can sit on stone benches, gather around stone tables, rest or chat, sip a cup of tea, listen to music, take photos, or play a game of chess—truly a unique and delightful experience.

From Qinglong Lake, visitors can ride a “water bicycle” northward along the lake. With each pedal stroke, the bike moves forward, urged on by the splashes of waves, cutting straight through the S-shaped Yangliu River. When the boat reaches the middle of the lake and you look back at Qinglong Tan, it resembles a circular green carpet spread out on the ground. As you continue, a gentle breeze brushes your face, and the lake ripples slightly, its surface swaying like a piece of green silk. When you dip your hand into the water, its clarity is pleasing to the eye, yet its depth is awe-inspiring. It is said that the average depth of the lake is over 10 meters, with the deepest parts reaching more than 20 meters. As the boat passes Turtle Back, looking into the distance, you can see Chaotian Temple, standing like a majestic lion guarding the northeastern gateway of the Salt Capital.

Continuing onward, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Liyushi. Liyushi truly resembles a giant carp lying quietly along the lakeshore, with its back above the water and its belly submerged, unmoved by the rocking of boats or the lapping of waves. From Liyushi, you can return to Qinglong Tan and then take a motorized flower boat to Wujia Weir, gliding along the zigzagging Wujia Weir River while enjoying the scenic views along the lake.

As the boat passes Swallow Cave, you can see a group of dark gray wild ducks in the lake about 10 meters to the right, occasionally surfacing and diving, living leisurely and unbothered by the presence of people. Along the lakeshore, you can also often spot schools of small fish swimming. Qinglong Lake has a perennial fish farming area of 200 mu, home to a “big family” of fish species originating from Japan, the foothills of Tianshan Mountain, other regions, and even native to Zigong City. These fish supply the Qinglong Lake fish restaurants and also provide fresh fish to the market.

After passing Hubbentong, the lush green fields on both banks unfold into a picturesque pastoral scene. Lush mulberry trees, verdant woods, and especially swaying clusters of bamboo line the lake, with many farmhouses peeking through. After about 40 minutes, the “Wu Yi Bridge,” which spans the lake, comes into view. This stone arch bridge, completed in 1970, has a span of over 50 meters and features an architectural style rich in ethnic character. Victory Town Primary School is located near one side of the stone bridge. After crossing the “Wu Yi Bridge,” you reach Wujia Weir, the end point of Qinglong Lake. On the return trip from Wujia Weir, the distant lake and mountain scenery is intoxicating, while the sight of numerous boats vying for passage up close is uplifting, offering a fulfilling aesthetic experience immersed in life and nature.