Heiquan Reservoir

Heiquan Reservoir

Heiquan Reservoir is a national water conservancy scenic area.

Heiquan Reservoir is located on the Baoku River. It is a large-scale comprehensive water conservancy hub project primarily for agricultural irrigation, with additional benefits in flood control, power generation, and environmental protection. The reservoir has a total capacity of 182 million cubic meters. "A calm lake emerges from towering gorges" is the true portrayal of Heiquan Reservoir. Its 5.34-square-kilometer water surface perfectly reflects the green mountains and valleys on both banks. When you take a boat upstream, you will find that the snow-capped peaks of the Qilian Mountains in the distance and the gentle curves of the nearby scenery complement each other, creating an exceptionally bright and beautiful scene.

Water-Splashing Buddha — On the east side of the dam at Heiquan Reservoir, beside the road, there is

a huge rock cliff jutting out prominently. It is said that on the smooth cliff face, there is a statue of a Buddha sitting cross-legged among lotus flowers with a smiling, serene, and lifelike expression. However, this Buddha usually does not reveal itself. Only when devout worshippers or tourists wash their hands, burn incense, and then splash clean spring water on it does the image appear, with every detail of the Buddha’s crown and the lotus pedestal clearly visible. Hence, it is called the "Water-Splashing Buddha."

Hot Springs — At the foot of the majestic and steep Moon Mountain on the upper reaches of the Baoku River, there are five hot springs. The temperature remains around 48°C year-round. The spring water is crystal clear, sweet, and can be consumed directly. It is also said to have therapeutic effects for various ailments.

Huapingshan (Painted Screen Mountain) — The main peak of Huapingshan is located in Wujianfang Village, Baoku Township. It stretches from Chengguan in the south to Ganliang in the north, with undulating mountain ridges. In the transition between spring and summer, birds sing among fragrant flowers, and the sky is high with light clouds, forming a natural painting. One of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Datong, "Autumn Clarity of Painted Screen," refers to this mountain. In the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, Liao Xisu once wrote a poem praising it: "The mountain unfolds like a painted screen, six graceful curves tailored just so; the west wind brings endless autumn. The crimson leaves fall by dawn on mountain paths, frost-covered leaves pile up. This realm is free from the dust, untouched by moss. The peaks’ reflections fall into towers and terraces, sweeping away all floating light — a small paradise rivaling Penglai." "Foogou (Buddha Valley) – Immortal’s Bridge" — Although not deep, Foogou in the Baoku Gorge Scenic Area features relatively steep terrain, with somewhat sparse thickets of mixed trees. What truly dominates the area are the rugged and cold rocks. Among these rocks, the most famous is the steep cliff known as the "Immortal’s Bridge," which juts out halfway over the mountaintop. Legend has it that in ancient times, an immortal attempted to build a bridge to connect the western and northern mountains, so that—. But the heavens did not allow it, because the true path—does not have shortcuts, and building a heavenly bridge was seen as a shortcut. As a result, the stone bridge was never completed, but the "Immortal’s Bridge" was left behind, sparking much imagination among later generations.