Gem Lake

Gem Lake

Gem Lake is the largest artificial lake in eastern Sichuan, also known as Gem Reservoir. It is located on the Baiyan River, a tributary of the Mingyue River in Kaijiang County, approximately 18 kilometers from the county seat. It connects to Renshi in the south, extends to Xinning in the west, borders Renhe in the northeast, and adjoins Kai County of Chongqing Municipality in the southeast, enjoying convenient transportation. It is a medium-sized artificial reservoir that was initially built in 1958 and completed in 1971. The dam stands 26.8 meters high and stretches 203 meters in length. The lake covers an area of over 4,000 mu (approximately 266.7 hectares), with a catchment area of 162 km², encompassing the drainage basins of five rivers and streams: Mayigou, Qiaoxigou, Sun’ergou, Yong’an River, and Baiyan River. The total storage capacity reaches 103 million cubic meters. It can control a catchment area of 162 square kilometers, with the combined length of main and branch canals totaling 91.2 kilometers, 53 tunnels spanning a total of 13.47 kilometers, and 24 aqueducts stretching 5.967 kilometers in total.

Surrounded by mountains and embraced by water, Gem Lake presents a picturesque scene where the sky and water mirror each other, exuding grace and charm in countless forms. With its long, winding, and serene shape, encircled by rolling hills and reflected landscapes, the lake enjoys a mild climate—free from bitter winter cold and intense summer heat. In spring, peach and pear blossoms bloom along the shores, while wild ducks skim the water, egrets spread their wings, kingfishers dart after fish, and red carp and silver carp shimmer with scales. In autumn, the forests are painted in layers of color, and the mist dissipates into a clear, light sky.

Gem Lake is primarily an irrigation reservoir but also serves multiple purposes including urban production and domestic water supply, power generation, fish farming, shipping, and tourism. The lake features numerous channels, inlets, bays, and islets, surrounded by low mountains and hills, offering beautiful natural scenery. Currently, some islets and peninsulas have been planted with fruit trees such as peach and citrus, as well as cypress. In spring, Peach Blossom Island turns a vibrant red; in autumn, the islands glow with oranges, creating a captivating scene of green water and red land. Boats shuttle back and forth across the lake, rippling the surface with thousands of tiny waves; wild ducks and egrets fly overhead or dive into the water to feed, creating a lively and delightful atmosphere.