Northern Water City Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Northern Water City Water Conservancy Scenic Area

The Northern Water City Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a national water conservancy scenic area.

The Northern Water City Water Conservancy Scenic Area refers to an ecological development project in Qinxian County, Shanxi Province, which leverages the area’s natural scenery to develop its ecological resources. "Northern Water City" is one such initiative. In November 2007, Qinxian launched a large-scale public discussion themed “Pooling Public Wisdom, Seeking Breakthroughs, Identifying Advantages, and Planning Development.” By consulting experts, the county formulated a development strategy for building the “Northern Water City · China Qinzhou.” The entire project was carried out in three phased stages: Phase I (2008–2010), Phase II (2011–2013), and Phase III (2014–2016). Phase I (2008–2010) focused on completing the renovation of West Lake and the Zhang River channel management project, initiating the construction of Slim West Lake, East Lake, and South Lake. This created a layout in the county seat where four lakes—East Lake, Beihai (North Lake), Slim West Lake, and South Lake—surround West Lake as the centerpiece. Phase II (2011–2013) aimed to complete the urban water system, rehabilitating and dredging the Zhang River, Xiaquyu River, Xiao River, Yingchun River, and implementing the Gelu River (Lake) water diversion project to connect Beihai and West Lake, thus forming an initial convergence of five water bodies in the county seat. Phase III (2014–2016) involved planning and constructing the county’s river and water system network, connecting all major rivers, lakes, and ponds within the county seat that could be linked. Those not integrable into the overall system were modified accordingly. The goal was to achieve water presence throughout the county, with flowing blue waters, forming a green, distinctive landscape of mountain-and-water beauty integrated with commerce, trade, science, education, and tourism. With picturesque lakes and mountains, pleasant living conditions, and a charm blending southern elegance and northern character, it aspires to become Shanxi’s premier tourist destination and a renowned commercial hub.