Wenyu River Reservoir

Wenyu River Reservoir

The Wenyu River Reservoir Leisure & Cultural Tourism Area is located northwest of Beiyukou Village in Wenshui County, at the junction between the mountainous upper reaches and the mid-lower plain sections of the Wenyu River. It sits at the river’s exit from the valley and is one of the province’s six major reservoirs. It is currently the only unpolluted river in Shanxi Province, with water quality reaching Class II standards, a storage capacity of 113 million cubic meters, and a water surface area of about 4K?. The reservoir is 2.5? from the Kaizha exit of the Tai-Fen Expressway, 68? from the provincial capital Taiyuan, and over 40? from two major tourist attractions—the Ancient City of Pingyao and the Qiao Family Compound. Its geographical coordinates are 37°31'N, 112°00'E. The reservoir is S-shaped, nestled among the valleys, with crystal-clear water. The surrounding mountains are continuous, with peaks covered in lush greenery, offering a pristine natural environment. It is a medium-sized artificial lake embraced by mountains and water, featuring beautiful scenery and great potential for tourism development.

Currently, the Wenyu River Reservoir has 137 buildings with nearly 4,000? available for tourism development, as well as 114 mu of land within the reservoir area suitable for such use, including about 100 mu of land in front of the dam (including ponds).

Natural Resources

(1) Autumn Winds at the Valley Mouth

The reservoir is nestled among the valleys, with both banks situated at elevations between 850–1,300m. The landscape features distinct hills and tablelands, with mountain peaks facing each other and verdant ridges stretching endlessly. At the valley mouth, two peaks stand opposite each other. “In late autumn, the piercing cold brushes the forest’s heart, while gusts of autumn wind rise beside the ancient land,” making it one of Wenshui’s Ten Scenic Spots—“Autumn Winds at the Valley Mouth.”

(2) Cliffside Rock Veins

The exposed rock layers around the reservoir mainly consist of sandy, limy, and bauxitic shale and limestone from the Carboniferous system. Due to later tectonic activity, the shale rock veins on the eastern bank of the reservoir vary in width, with diverse rock formations and fractures that create a fascinating texture, as if shaped by supernatural forces, presenting a majestic and spectacular sight.

(3) Terrace Waterfront

The reservoir’s water level fluctuates significantly from year to year, rising and falling with the agricultural calendar. The interaction between the lake water and the rocks has created terrace-like formations along certain parts of the shoreline. Some areas feature distinct, fine rock hollows, where rainwater collects or vegetation grows, forming a unique terrace waterfront landscape.

(4) Sunrise in the East

The continuous rolling mountains on both sides of the reservoir provide a stunning backdrop for sunrise. Each morning, a red sun slowly rises from the peaks of the eastern mountains, casting rays of light across the water. The golden glow dyes the lake surface, creating a magnificent scene of shimmering orange light and sparkling ripples, as if the fiery wheel is leaping on the water—an awe-inspiring and captivating spectacle.

(5) Moonlight on the Water

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional time for moon appreciation and family reunions in Chinese culture. The wide and tranquil water surface at the dam is bathed in moonlight, with shimmering reflections dancing on the surface and still shadows sinking into the depths. The ancient moon hangs in the sky, mirrored in the water, creating a serene and delightful setting for moon-gazing. A line from Song dynasty poet Ji Bei’s “Moon over the Water Cave” beautifully captures this scene: “There is a bright moon beneath the water, and a bright moon floats above. As the water flows, the moon does not leave; when the moon departs, the water continues to flow.”

(6) Sunset

As the sun sets, its warm rays bathe the surrounding mountains. The lake water gently ripples under the oars, while fishing boats return with the setting sun. As the sun quietly dips behind the mountains, it creates a picturesque highlight within the Zetian Lake Leisure & Cultural Tourism Area.

Biological Landscape

The Wenyu River Reservoir enjoys a healthy ecological environment, home to economically valuable fish species such as carp, silver carp, and grass carp. In the evening, as the sunset glows, villagers return from fishing with full nets, presenting a vivid scene reminiscent of the traditional painting: “The flute’s tune fades along the red smartweed shore, while the oar’s sound brings out a nest of colorful fish.”

Cultural Significance

The Wenyu River Reservoir is located near the Wu Zetian Memorial Hall. Leveraging the allure of the Empress Wu, it is possible to design and develop relevant architecture and various cultural tourism products centered around the imperial culture of Wenshui.

The reservoir area currently has several rural settlements that can serve as a base, incorporating local folklore activities unique to Wenshui to showcase a rich rural culture.