Xiaolangdi Scenic Area

　　The Xiaolangdi Water Control Project is a key initiative in the harnessing and development of the Yellow River, and was a major project under China’s Eighth Five-Year Plan. The project began interception in 1997 and was completed in late 2001. Located on the main stream of the Yellow River, 40 kilometers north of Luoyang, Henan Province, Xiaolangdi lies 130 kilometers upstream from the Sanmenxia Reservoir and 115 kilometers downstream from Huayuankou in Zhengzhou. It is the only control project along the main channel of the Yellow River below Sanmenxia capable of achieving significant water storage capacity.

　　The Xiaolangdi Reservoir is situated within the Shanxi-Henan section of the Yellow River Gorge, which cuts through the Zhongtiao Mountains and Wangwu Mountains. The reservoir stretches 130 kilometers in length and covers a total area of 278 square kilometers. After the dam was closed, the rugged beauty of the Shanxi-Henan Yellow River Gorge blends with over 20 scenic spots around the reservoir — such as Baiyashan, Hongyashan, and Huanglushan — along with the majestic dam itself to create a breathtaking landscape of shimmering lakes nestled among mountain ranges, scattered islands, and the dramatic vision of a “high gorge holding a serene lake.” This makes the Xiaolangdi Reservoir not just a massive water conservancy project, but also a large-scale tourism destination where natural scenery and engineered wonders come together. Within the reservoir, numerous peninsulas, isolated islands, and towering peaks create a landscape where close views feature winding river bends, and distant views offer mist-covered, expansive waters. Boarding a boat at the dock and navigating through the waves allows visitors to explore the high gorges and tranquil lakes, take in the surrounding mountain-water vistas, and fully appreciate the grandeur of the Mother River. With its combination of stunning beauty, tranquility, wonder, excellence, and cultural significance, the area offers refined enjoyment and a chance to reconnect with nature. Stylistically, it combines the rustic elegance of pastoral charm with the bold luxury of modern aesthetics.

　　The Yellow River Three Gorges are the crown jewel shaped by both Xiaolangdi and the Wangwu Mountains, located 20 kilometers upstream from the Xiaolangdi Dam. Covering a total area of 40 square kilometers, they represent the essence of the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area. Bali Hutong, situated in the narrowest section of the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, features sheer cliffs on either side with the river surging between them. The three gorges each have their own unique character: Gushan Gorge, with its steep cliffs as if carved by the gods; Longfeng Gorge, twisting and turning like a coiling dragon or snake; and Dayu Gorge, vast and open with ever-changing scenery. Notably, Jiudeng Lotus Stack consists of nine ascending stone steps resembling a blooming lotus or a water lily rising from the river, earning it the name “Gǔn Mountain’s Yu’s Axe.” In addition, there are numerous cultural heritage sites such as ancient plank roads from the Sui and Tang dynasties and the crossing point used by Chen Xie’s army during the Yellow River campaign. With over 60 natural and cultural attractions in total, this is a rare example of mountain-water scenery in North China that can rival the Yangtze River Three Gorges.

　　Since the Xiaolangdi Reservoir was impounded, it has attracted a large number of tourists who come specifically to admire its magnificent and beautiful scenery. Visitors have praised it as the “Little Thousand Island Lake,” noting that it combines the grandeur of the Three Gorges with the elegance of the Li River, and predicting that it will become an emerging travel destination.

　　To visit Xiaolangdi, you can enter the scenic area from either Shanxi or Henan. The Xiaolangdi Reservoir area spans a total of 278 square kilometers, covering parts of Yuanqu, Xia County, and Pinglu counties in Shanxi Province. Among these, Yuanqu County is located in the middle section of the reservoir’s backwater area, accounting for 60% of the total reservoir water surface. Tourists can take a boat from Gucheng Town in Yuanqu County to explore the expansive landscapes of the reservoir.

　　Source: Editorial Committee of the Local Chronicles of Yuncheng City