Shimen Scenic Area (Kundulun Reservoir)

Shimen Scenic Area (Kundulun Reservoir)

Shimen Scenic Area (Kundulun Reservoir) is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a national water conservancy scenic area.

Shimen Scenic Area (Kundulun Reservoir) is situated in the valley of the northern Yin Mountains in Baotou City and is under the administration of the Baotou Reservoir Management Office. It is named after the Kundulun River, which was historically known as "Shimen Water." Covering an area of 16 square kilometers, it is recognized as a national AAA-level scenic spot, a national water conservancy scenic area, an autonomous region forest park, a youth civilization site in the regional tourism system, and an outstanding tourist destination in Baotou City. The area is home to various Class I and II protected animals such as swans, geese, ducks, and foxes, as well as dozens of plant species including pine, cypress, fir, birch, and thorny rose. The scenic area combines natural, engineering, recreational, and cultural landscapes. With its picturesque lakes and mountains, it serves as an ideal destination for sightseeing, entertainment, leisure, vacationing, and escaping the summer heat.

The surrounding mountains are lush and undulating, featuring wonders such as the "Tortoise Gazing at the Moon" and "Camel Peaks" at Redline Mountain, exuding a mystical aura as if naturally crafted. The southern hills boast dense, verdant forests that shade the land and create enchanting scenery. To the west, the landscape includes emerald-green peaks interspersed with loess deserts, where deep within the peaks one can find lush trees, birds chirping in the branches, and eagles soaring in the sky.

At the heart of the scenic area lies a magnificent reservoir dam that creates the spectacular sight of a "high gorge with a calm lake." The lake surface is mirror-like, with vast misty waters blending sky and water into one boundless expanse of blue. Wild geese play on the water, ducks paddle about, waterfowl skim the waves, and fish dart playfully. Below the dam, crystal-clear springs flow silently, so clear you can see your reflection and drink directly from them. The water shapes the mountains, and the mountains enhance the beauty of the water. The reflections of green hills complement each other, creating a blend of reality and illusion that is overwhelmingly beautiful.

Strolling through the scenic area, every step reveals a new view, each infused with emotion. Walking along ancient paths offers delightful scenery. Taking a cruise allows you to admire the landscape with a stirring heart; riding a scenic rail car brings thrilling excitement; gliding across a high-altitude zip line is a heart-pounding experience; walking across a steel cable suspension bridge feels like strolling mid-air...

The area also features rich cultural attractions, such as "King Wuling of Zhao in Hu-style Hunting Attire," "Qin Meng Tian Building the Great Wall in the North," "Emperor Wu of Han's Northern Tour to the Chanyu Platform," and "Zhaojun's Departure for the Frontier." Legend has it that Zhaojun left Xianyang, passed through Jiuyuan Commandery, traversed the Shimen Gorge, and reached the northern deserts, her journey filled with sorrowful songs and a poignant spirit. The Shimen Gorge mentioned here is today’s Kundulun River Valley.

In recent years, the Baotou Reservoir Management Office has embraced the philosophy of developing tourism to revitalize water resources, significantly expanding the tourism industry. It has carefully built its brand, constructing a dedicated road from National Highway 110 to the scenic area and paving walking trails within the site. A leisure plaza has been built below the dam, while the Yanqi Lake area features silt-protected embankments. Near the water, a combination of pavilions, fishing corridors, and a small garden have been added south of Yanqi Lake. Through methods such as attracting investment and staff fundraising, developments like Lunquan Villa, West Lake Villas, and Kunlun International Ski Resort have been established. Recreational facilities including painted pleasure boats, yachts, slides, go-karts, off-road vehicles, space capsules, zip lines, and grass sledding have also been introduced.

Management has been strengthened with a focus on quality service. Comprehensive regulations have been established, along with quality standards for all products and services. Tourism pricing has been improved, with transparent pricing for all offerings and strict crackdowns on price fraud, eliminating arbitrary price hikes and unauthorized fees. A complaint hotline has been published, with dedicated personnel handling grievances. Routine inspections are carried out, and any issues are addressed promptly without leniency, achieving virtually zero accidents and zero complaints. This has enhanced the scenic area’s image and reputation.

The area’s accessibility and scenic appeal have increased visitor enjoyment, extended their stays, and made them reluctant to leave. As the saying goes: “In Deer City, what I remember most is Shimen—watching waterfowl by Yanqi Lake, observing the tides from the dam. When shall we visit again?” The ancient roads of the Han and Tang dynasties meet the landscapes of Shimen. Shimen Scenic Area is a destination for sightseeing, vacationing, and leisure, as well as an ideal place for science education and cultural enrichment.