Shimenzi Reservoir Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Shimenzi Reservoir Water Conservancy Scenic Area

The Shimenzi Reservoir Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national water conservancy scenic area.

The Shimenzi Reservoir Water Conservancy Scenic Area is located in Manas County, Changji Prefecture, Xinjiang. Built around the Shimenzi Reservoir, which features the first 100-meter-level roller-compacted concrete arch dam in northwestern China, it is a reservoir-type water conservancy scenic area. Known for its Jurassic gravel rock strata and danxia landforms, the scenic area has well-preserved ecology and serves as a habitat for numerous wild animals and a natural treasure trove of rare plants. It is renowned for its unique Jurassic gravel rock formations and danxia landscapes.

The ancient Taxi River carries beautiful and mystical legends. It is said that long ago, a vicious dragon caused havoc in the Taxi River valley, bringing disaster to the local people. On the ancient pagoda upstream of Shimenzi lived a virtuous Taoist priest who, following the will of heaven, subdued the dragon through enlightenment. Filled with remorse, the dragon transformed itself into a river to atone for its sins, winding gently through the valley. Since the river was created by the priest’s act of saving the dragon, people naturally named it the Taxi River, and that is how the name came to be.

The legendary tale reflects people’s longing for a better life. After the founding of New China, under the guidance, support, and care of the higher-level Party committees and governments, the construction and management of the Taxi River main canal entered a preliminary institutionalized management phase. Under the unique natural conditions of Shimenzi, building a “treasure basin” had been the dream of generations. In 1997, the winds of harmony blew into this magical “strategic pass,” and with the tireless efforts of leaders at all levels, the construction of the Taxi River Shimenzi Reservoir finally commenced. After ten years of planning and development, the reservoir now has a storage capacity of 50.14 million cubic meters, with a 109-meter-high roller-compacted concrete arch dam, a 5-meter-wide dam crest, and a maximum thickness of 30 meters at the center of the lower part of the arch. It is currently the only high-altitude, cold-region roller-compacted concrete arch dam in China with advanced technological features. A comprehensive flagship water conservancy hub project, primarily for irrigation while also serving flood control, power generation, tourism, and aquaculture, has now taken shape. A member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Autonomous Region Party Committee, after inspecting the site, proudly inscribed the words: “Building water conservancy benefits the present and future generations.”

To continuously improve the tourism environment and elevate the experience at Shimenzi Reservoir, in 2006 we invested nearly one million yuan to build an ancient teahouse atop the dam. As you look up at the teahouse, you’ll notice its dignified and majestic presence. Upon entering, you’ll be immersed in its classic elegance and timeless charm. Brewing a pot of fragrant tea, the aroma is captivating and the taste unforgettable. The soft melodies of ancient guqin music blend harmoniously with the ambiance, creating a serene unity of mind, tea, and music that transports you to a realm of poetic tranquility. Standing on the teahouse and gazing into the distance, you’ll see lush green mountains and forests filling your vision, their vibrancy soothing the soul. Below, the lake waters shimmer crystal clear, with fish playfully darting about. The gentle interplay of forest, green hills, and lake offers you a true sense of “overlooking all mountains from a height.”

No mountain lacks grandeur, no water lacks vitality, no tree lacks lushness. If you visit Shimenzi Reservoir, you’ll personally experience another natural wonder characterized by majestic mountains, vibrant waters, and lush trees—the “Great Leader Mountain.” From afar, on the left bank of the Shimenzi Reservoir dam, lies the serene figure of the great leader “Mao Zedong.” With a peaceful expression, his head resting on the peak of the eastern hill, his body lying across the dam slope, and his feet touching the center of the reservoir, this entirely natural phenomenon adds an even more mysterious allure to the reservoir’s scenery.

The magnificent sight of “taming the floodwaters of the Taxi River and creating a serene lake on the highland” is now unveiled to the world. The reputation of Xinjiang’s “Western Heavenly Lake” will spread far and wide along with the growth of tourism here. Visiting this place feels truly worthwhile, leaving one reluctant to leave. Nearby the Shimenzi Reservoir, there are also multiple natural tourist attractions such as Huoshao Mountain, Populus Euphratica Forest, Golden Camel Mountain, Sanquanzi, Laobawan, Honggou, and Birch Forest, where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty bestowed by nature.