Nanmenxia Reservoir

Nanmenxia Reservoir

Nanmenxia Reservoir is a national water conservancy scenic area.

Nanmenxia Reservoir

Nanmenxia Reservoir is located 15 kilometers north of Weiyuan Town in Huzhu County and 55 kilometers from Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. The reservoir was constructed starting in 1973 and completed in 1985, with a water storage capacity of 18 million cubic meters. The surrounding area boasts beautiful scenery, with steep cliffs rising thousands of feet on both the eastern and western mountains. In the height of summer, pleasure boats shuttle across the reservoir, water birds gather in flocks, and fish leap out of the water. Visitors flock here for vacation and sightseeing.

Major attractions include the Stone Heavenly Gate, Erlang’s Horse-Tethering Post, the Iron Chain Trough of the Howling Celestial Dog, the Cauldron Stone of Erlang God, and Erlang’s Armor, each with a beautiful legend. It is said that the Stone Heavenly Gate was formed when Erlang God shot an arrow at a demon dragon, and the arrow pierced through the peak of the eastern mountain. Inside, there is a stone pillar known as Erlang’s Horse-Tethering Post. The Iron Chain Trough was created when the Howling Celestial Dog, while chasing the wounded demon dragon, was pulled along by the iron chain around its neck, leaving a deep groove. The Cauldron Stone marks the spot where Erlang God and the Seven Brothers of Meishan set up camp and cooked outdoors. Nearby, there is a rock face with a crevice, which is said to be where Erlang God stored his armor after subduing the demon — now called “Erlang’s Armor.” All these beautiful legends are vivid and captivating, sparking the imagination and making visitors linger in delight. It is an excellent destination for summer retreats and spring outings.