Hongshan Lake

Hongshan Lake

Hongshan Lake is a national water conservancy scenic area.

In western Inner Mongolia there is “Wuliangsuhai Lake,” and in the east there is Hongshan Lake. The Hongshan Reservoir is located in the eastern part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on the middle reaches of the Laoha River — one of the main tributaries of the West Liaohe River and hailed as one of the “mother rivers of Khitan and Liao culture.” It lies at the junction of Wengniute Banner, Aohan Banner, and Songshan District in Chifeng City, about 90 kilometers from downtown Chifeng. The reservoir covers a total surface area of 214 square kilometers, with a total storage capacity of 2.56 billion cubic meters, a water surface area of 94 square kilometers, and controls a catchment area of 24,486 square kilometers, accounting for 74% of the entire Laoha River basin. It is the largest artificial lake in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and serves as a popular tourist destination for sightseeing and summer retreats.

The reservoir’s 140,000-mu water surface is vast and misty, with birds soaring and fish leaping. The dam stretches from north to south, cutting across the Laoha River, offering a sweeping view of the 500-li river stretching into the distance where sky and water meet. In summer, the lake area teems with birds and fish, its crystal-clear waters rippling gently, the sand soft and the lake calm, with wide beaches and clear water. Along the shores, tree-lined belts are lush and shady, dotted with pavilions; below the lake embankments, patches of rice fields and winding waterways host ducks and geese playing in the water, fishing boats drifting leisurely — a classic scene reminiscent of the “Jiangnan of the north.” Its natural environment fully encompasses the six essential elements of modern lakeside tourism: clear water, sandy beaches, sunshine, fresh air, greenery, and delicious food. It is an ideal natural spot for visitors to reconnect with nature, enjoy activities such as lakeside strolls, sunbathing, sand bathing, and air bathing, as well as to appreciate pastoral scenery.

After more than 30 years of development, the Hongshan Reservoir has become a popular tourist destination for sightseeing, leisure, and summer retreats. The majestic water conservancy hub, the blue sky, the clear water, the sandy beaches, and the picturesque Jiangnan-like scenery downstream form a stunning three-dimensional landscape painting that captivates visitors amidst the mountains, waters, and land of fish and rice, making them linger without wanting to leave. The tourism area has relatively complete reception facilities, hosting around 200,000 domestic and international visitors annually.

The Hongshan Reservoir tourism area features over ten natural and cultural attractions, including: “Bird’s-Eye View from the Terrace,” “Red Pavilion Gazing at the Blue,” “White Jade Diverting Water,” “Floodgate Waterfall Viewing,” “Ming Dynasty Stone Carvings,” “Beitan Park,” “Lüchun Bay Fishing,” “Scenery of the Jiangnan of the North,” “Nanyuan Scenic Area,” and “Beitan Bathing Beach.” A poem praises it:

To Beitan you come, but what do you seek? The Buddha is gone, yet scriptures on cliffs remain. Green bays blush with apricot blooms in disarray, Golden-Silver Beaches cleanse homesickness away.

Floodgates reveal rainbows in cascading spray, Bird’s-Eye View takes in the sweep of the bay. Ming stone carvings stand by the lakeside near, Red Pavilion gazes where blue waters appear.

Nanyuan fishing under moonlight’s soft gleam, Listening to birds on Wild Ferry’s dream. The engineering feat leaves thoughts hard to part, As if wandering the heavens on Hongshan Lake’s heart.

Cliff Scriptures: The Six True Words are the foremost method in Buddhism for spiritual cultivation and meditation. Even ordinary people who chant them with devotion toward the Buddha can attain the highest realm of dispelling disasters, curing illnesses, and radiating with Buddha’s light. Legend has it that during the Qianlong era, an illiterate old man in this area was wholeheartedly devoted to the Buddha, chanting the Six True Words morning and evening. His devotion was so strong that Buddha’s light appeared, causing a sensation. Monks from Gaorisu Temple sent disciples to investigate, but they returned displeased, saying the old man had chanted the scriptures incorrectly. When the high monk went himself, he saw the old man sitting upright with eyes closed, chanting devoutly, with radiant Buddha’s light above his head. But upon listening, the monk realized the words were indeed wrong — the old man had chanted “奄、嘛、呢、叭、咪、牛” instead of “唵、嘛、呢、叭、咪、吽.” When corrected, the old man struggled to pronounce them properly, and the Buddha’s light instantly vanished. The monk then realized: “True devotion to the Buddha lies in sincerity; with the Buddha in your heart, enlightenment will naturally come.” He inscribed these true words and left.

But on his way back to the temple, seeing the flat terrain, and thinking of how the Laoha River flooded in summer, inundating the grasslands and endangering both people and livestock, he wondered what could be done. With no solution in sight, he fell into despair. In a dream, the Buddha revealed: “Move a ridge from the southwest hills to block the waters.” So, a family surnamed Liang from BaluoheShuo Wangjia Land in the southwest was relocated and placed between the grasslands and the Laoha River, and from then on, there were no more floods. The Liang family still lives there today, but in accordance with ancestral instructions, when their sons marry or daughters wed, they return to the farming region.

Ming Dynasty Stone Carvings: Prosperity, peace, and happiness are the wishes of the people and also the duty of local officials. The Ming Dynasty stone carvings are historical records of prayers to the heavens and the Buddha for blessings upon the people. In 1961, during the construction of the Hongshan Reservoir, after blasting, inscriptions were discovered on the rock face, comprising a total of 64 characters: “In the 32nd year of the Wanli era of the Great Ming, in the cyclical year of Jiachen, Dodo Wei Commander Dabuhai, out of compassion for the people, sincerely created these Buddha statues, with heartfelt incantations that will last a thousand years, unchanging for ten thousand years, bringing merit to countless people.”

Carved by the Hundred Stonemasons of Jieling, Shi Zhi, on the 10th day of the 11th month.

At that time, the area along the West Liaohe and Laoha Rivers was inhabited by the Wuliyanghai branch of the Mongols in the east. When Altan Khan ruled the Mongols, in order to end the century-long war and hostility with the Ming, he requested peaceful trade and tribute with the Ming over 100 times. In 1570, peace was finally achieved, and he was granted the title “Prince of Shunyi” by the Ming court. The “Doyan Wei” mentioned in this text refers to the Doyan Wei branch of the Mongols living here. “Duyingzhi” was the official title for managing this region, and “Dabuhai” was the name of the official at the time. From this, it can be inferred that the stone-carved Buddha statue was created between 1603–1604 during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty. A folk rhyme says: “Touch the Buddha’s feet, stay forever young; touch the Buddha’s waist, rise steadily in rank; touch the Buddha’s head, wealth flows like a stream.”

Bird Island Listening to Melodies: Bird Island is submerged in summer and autumn when water levels rise, and emerges when water levels fall in winter and spring. As the environment of Hongshan Lake improves, migratory birds such as cranes and geese increasingly make it their resting place. Common species include over ten types protected by the state, such as white cranes, grey cranes, bar-headed geese, and wild geese. Especially in spring when ice melts and snow thaws, the shores and waters are blanketed with flocks of geese, calling to each other with songs that echo for miles.

Golden-Silver Beaches: The sand here is clean and uniform in size. Under the daytime sun, it sparkles like gold; taking a sand bath here can relieve rheumatism, strengthen bones and muscles, and is as precious as gold. Under the moonlight, the sand shines like silver or snow, the beach and lake waters kiss the shore, inspiring flights of fancy.

Nanyuan Fishing: Nanyuan is located at the southern end of the dam. Aside from enjoying flowers at the Welcome Building, it is also a great spot for fishing. The lake bay curves like a crescent moon; with a rod in hand, you can fish freely. Carp, crucian carp, silver carp, and bighead carp come as if by appointment. Far from the noise, sitting peacefully by the water, tranquil and detached, whether using a traditional rod or casting reel, every spot offers excitement. Whether practicing traditional fishing or suspended bait fishing, all methods shine. Surrounded by green hills, slopes, flowers, and birdsong, with a mind free of distractions, adjusting the float and bait, watching bubbles rise as fish approach, the rod bending like a bow, playing the fish, scooping it up with a net… emotions surge, the fun intensifies, the joy lingers, and the pleasures are endless.

Floodgate Waterfall Viewing: The floodgate is one of the reservoir’s main facilities. In summer, when floods arrive, the gates are opened to release water. Even before approaching, the thunderous sound excites the earth, and a waterfall cascades down from the sky — truly “raging waves split the banks, churning up snow-like spray.” Approaching the waterfall, you see snow-white spray and mist soaking your clothes. Under the sunlight, a rainbow bridge arches overhead.