Shengzhong Lake Scenic Area

Shengzhong Lake Scenic Area

Shengzhong Lake Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a national water conservancy scenic area, and a national wetland park.

The Shengzhong Scenic Area is situated in the northwest of Nanbu County, southern Sichuan, at geographical coordinates of 105°44′ east longitude and 31°31′ north latitude. The area encompasses fourteen towns and townships in Nanbu County, including Shengzhong, Shengshui, Zaojiao, Baocheng, Shuangfeng, Tiebian, Shenba, Daping, Tongping, Dianya, Taixia, Xihé, Qiuya, and Guangzhong, with a total jurisdictional area of 517 square kilometers.

Shengzhong Reservoir is the largest water conservancy project in Southwest China. Primarily built for irrigation, it also serves multiple purposes such as flood control, power generation, and aquaculture. With a total reservoir capacity of 1.339 billion cubic meters, the lake surface spans over 80,000 acres. The reservoir project affects and irrigates ten counties (districts and cities)—Nanbu, Xichong, Langzhong, Peng’an, Gaoping, Shunqing, Jialing, Wusheng, and Jiange—across three prefecture-level cities: Nanchong, Guangyuan, and Guang’an. It covers a vast area of 5,500 square kilometers and sustains 2.08 million mu (approximately 138,667 hectares) of arable land, accounting for 70% of the total 2.968 million mu of irrigated farmland in the region. This project was created by damming the Xihé River basin, forming a high gorge and flat lake landscape. The area is characterized by being home to the largest lake in Southwest China—Shengzhong Reservoir. The dam is massive and spectacular, while the expansive water surface resembles the vibrant energy of the sea. The area features dense forests and lush greenery that provide ample shade. The lake surface is vast, dotted with unique islands. There are numerous historical anecdotes, scenic spots, peculiar mountains, and oddly-shaped rocks scattered throughout. The environment is serene, with a pleasant climate, fresh air, free from noise and pollution. In terms of terrain, landform, elevation, flora and fauna diversity, forested areas, water bodies, and transportation, this region is one of the most unique and unparalleled in northern Sichuan. In February 1996, the Nanchong Municipal People’s Government approved the Shengzhong Scenic Area as a municipal-level scenic spot.

The terrain of the Shengzhong Scenic Area is mainly composed of deep hills, with the highest elevation (at Longwei Mountain) at 826 meters.

The lowest elevation is 490 meters, resulting in a relative elevation difference of 336 meters.

The area is adjacent to National Highway 212. Shengzhong Reservoir originates from the southern foothills of Wuzi Mountain in Jiangyou County, Sichuan. It gathers waters from many tributaries and flows southward through Jiange and Langzhong, eventually joining the Jialing River to the east of Wangjiachang in Nanbu County, covering a total length of 303 kilometers. The Xihé River basin is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast. The river flows gently and gracefully, meandering southeastward like a tranquil maiden taking delicate steps. In the middle and upper reaches of the Xihé River, the bends are winding. Along the way, the river passes through shallow mountains and deep hills, dense forests, and sparsely populated towns. The environment is elegant and free from water pollution sources. The river water remains clear and green year-round. Even during summer floods, the water stays clean and drinkable—a true rarity in Bashu (Sichuan region). The Shengzhong Reservoir dam is majestic, standing tall and cutting across the Xihé River. It resembles a rainbow drinking from the valley or a giant python lying on the waves. The dam is constructed as an earth-core rock-fill dam with a clay core wall, ensuring both solid structure and graceful form. The maximum dam height is 79 meters, the maximum base width is 528.15 meters, the top width is 9.8 meters, and the length along the top is 420 meters. At nightfall, when the lights illuminate the dam, they shine brilliantly alongside the scattered fishing lights on the lake, together with the twinkling lights of farmhouses on the surrounding hills and valleys—creating a spectacle reminiscent of the magnificent night view of Chongqing. On the right side of the dam, facing the mountain, there is a classic Chinese-style observation pavilion with traditional upturned eaves. Standing atop the pavilion and looking out, under the deep blue sky, the water is a clear, mirror-like expanse. Distant mountains and nearby trees are mirrored on the surface, creating a picturesque view of mountain hues and lake light—a beautiful scene resembling a traditional Chinese landscape painting. It truly captures the poetic sentiment of “a lone wild duck flies with the sunset clouds; the boundless autumn water blends with the endless sky.” Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake. With the breeze gently blowing and the fragrance of nature wafting through the air, playing chess and singing become activities that bring peace and delight, making it hard to leave. Alternatively, one can paddle a small boat across the vast green expanse, playing with fish and accompanying water birds, offering another kind of pleasure. There are scenes of wild ducks chasing each other, birds soaring through the sky, sailboats crisscrossing, layers of ripples, cranes spreading their wings, and fish frolicking—yet another magnificent sight. The surrounding mountains and valleys by the lake are covered with lush green trees, and red-brick, green-tiled farmhouses are nestled within the embrace of the hills, arranged in a pleasant and harmonious layout.

Around the dam, there are imposing spillway roads, emptying tunnels, inlet gates for left and right main canals, as well as a power station. When water is released, the scene is as powerful as a thousand horses galloping or a group of jets taking off—sending up massive white mushroom clouds of water vapor. Mist spreads and dissipates intermittently, resembling a fairy mountain scene, utterly breathtaking. To the right side of the dam lies a park with towering cedar and cypress trees, abundant blooming flowers, and a refreshing fragrance—an ideal place for people to chat and rest.