Shuanghu Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Shuanghu Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Shuanghu Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national water conservancy scenic area.

Shuanghu Water Conservancy Scenic Area consists of two sister reservoirs, the Kuitun Reservoir and the Chepaizi Reservoir, hence the name “Shuanghu” (meaning “Double Lakes”). The Shuanghu Ecological Tourism Area is located over 60 kilometers from Kuytun City in Xinjiang and is a key highlight along the golden tourist route that includes Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), Devil’s City, Kanas, and Populus Euphratica Forest. Here, beautiful ornamental trees, ancient Populus euphratica forests, charming lake and mountain scenery blend seamlessly with modern leisure facilities.

The water in Shuanghu mainly comes from the melting snow and ice of the Tianshan Mountains, resulting in crystal-clear water quality. The lakes are dotted with numerous islands, and serve as habitats for over 40 species of wild animals including swans, yellow ducks, egrets, cormorants, and Mongolian gazelles. The area also features unique aquatic products such as carp, silver carp, grass carp, freshwater pomfret, hairy crabs, and Chinese mitten crabs.

The Shuanghu Ecological Tourism Area is actively developing distinctive tourism projects such as “adventure sports,” “passion tours,” “fishing,” “farmstead experiences,” “wildlife viewing,” “Golden Beach,” and “water parks.” It is set to become a top choice for leisure and vacation travel in Xinjiang, especially in the “Golden Triangle” region of northern Xinjiang.

Known as “Huerbanur” in Mongolian, meaning “Double Lake,” it is located in the river valley on the southern slope of the Qiaqiai’ate Mountain on the western shore of Xinjiang’s Kanas Lake. Oriented northwest to southeast and oval in shape, it consists of two narrow, elongated small lakes connected in series, about 300 meters apart. The lakes stretch 1,200 meters in length with varying widths, generally around 300 meters, covering a total area of 1.4 km², at an elevation of 1,498 meters. Though the lake water is colorless and transparent, it appears emerald green from afar and is clean with no pollution.

The average annual temperature in the lake area is around -4°C, with annual precipitation of approximately 800 mm. The lakes freeze over in December and thaw in May. Nestled among towering mountains, the area surrounding the lakes is densely covered with lush grasslands, spruce, Siberian pine, larch, poplar, and birch forests. The lake water is clear and emerald, reflecting the distinct layers of blue sky, white clouds, mountains, and forests, creating an unparalleled and stunning landscape. The two lakes are separated by moraine debris scattered with rugged rocks, but flowing water connects them beneath the stones.

The lakes are home to many small red fish and spotted-wing fish, while the surrounding forests often see rare wild animals such as brown bears and red deer. This area is a prime fishing and hunting ground for the Tuva hunters. Visitors can go boating and fishing on the lakes, or venture deep into the pristine forests to explore the mysteries of nature, offering a transcendent, fairy-tale-like experience. It is an excellent destination for eco-tourism.