Wei Yuan Lake

　　    Wei Yuan Lake (also known as Liudu Zhai Reservoir) is situated in the central part of Longhui County. The reservoir was created by constructing a dam on the middle reaches of the Chen River and is located 34 kilometers from the county town. It is the county’s first large-scale reservoir, with a controlled catchment area of 338 square kilometers. The reservoir produces an annual water yield of 285 million cubic meters and has a water surface stretching 21 kilometers in length. Its lower end connects to the former residence of Wei Yuan, a modern Chinese thinker, hence the name “Wei Yuan Lake.” The reservoir features calm waters, vast expanses, and is surrounded by mountains. The slopes are covered with dense forests of bamboo and pine. Small motorboats and fishing boats navigate its waters, making it an ideal leisure and recreational destination for both locals and visitors from surrounding areas. Just one kilometer downstream from the dam site lies Liudu Zhai, the second-largest industrial town in Longhui County, which enjoys convenient transportation.

　　

　　Wei Yuan (1794~1857)　　    Wei Yuan (April 23, 1794 – March 26, 1857) was an Enlightenment thinker, statesman, and literary figure of the Qing Dynasty. He was a progressive thinker, historian, and patriotic scholar who firmly opposed foreign aggression. Like Lin Zexu, Wei Yuan was one of the most visionary figures of the Opium War period who sought to “open China’s eyes to the world.” He was resolute in resisting invasion while also emphasizing the importance of understanding and learning from Western science and technology as a key strategy for dealing with foreign threats. Wei Yuan was highly erudite and prolific, with major works including Book of Ancient Meanings (Shu Gu Wei), Poetic Ancient Meanings (Shi Gu Wei), Silent Memorabilia (Mo Gu), The Original Meaning of Laozi (Lao Zi Ben Yi), Records of Sacred Martial Deeds (Sheng Wu Ji), New Compilation of Yuan History (Yuan Shi Xin Bian), and Illustrated Gazetteer of Maritime Countries (Hai Guo Tu Zhi), among others. ...... Details+