Secondary Lake Control Lock Scenic Area?

　　Traveling 10 kilometers north from Weishan County and then turning westward for about 4 kilometers after passing through the key town of Huan Cheng, you’ll see a majestic dam standing proudly as if a dragon lying across the waves, cutting through Zhaoyang Lake. Serving as a boundary, it divides the entire South Four Lakes section into upper and lower levels. This is the renowned tourist attraction on the South Four Lakes—the Secondary Lake Control Lock.

　　　　Historically, the South Four Lakes basin was frequently ravaged by floods, bringing disaster to local residents, with floods occurring in nine out of ten years. After the liberation, in order to eliminate the water hazard, the state conducted scientific surveys and began constructing the Secondary Lake Control Lock in October 1958. Initially, 35,000 workers from Jining region worked day and night. After the first phase, follow-up construction and renovation projects were completed in 1967, 1971, 1973, and 1986. The six powerful characters “Secondary Lake Control Lock,” personally inscribed by the famous calligrapher Shu Tong, are engraved on the main structure of the dam, shining brilliantly. The entire project involved over 7.35 million labor-days, moved more than 8 million cubic meters of earthwork, used over 100,000 cubic meters of stone, 140,000 cubic meters of concrete, and cost a total of 32.52 million yuan from the state. This grand dam stands as an immortal monument to the people of Weishan who transformed nature and conquered the elements through collective strength.

　　　　Upon completion, the dam stretches from Changkou in the east to Datun Power Plant in the west, consisting of a lake barrier dam, spillway dam, ship lock, Hongqi Lock No. 1, Hongqi Lock No. 2, Hongqi Lock No. 3, Hongqi Lock No. 4, and a power station. These dams and locks are interconnected from east to west, forming a seamless whole. The total length exceeds 7,300 meters, with a dam height of 38.5 meters and 312 openings. The Secondary Lake Control Lock is the largest flood control, drainage, water storage, irrigation, and shipping hub project in Jining City and even the entire southern Shandong region. The upper lake can store 924 million cubic meters of water, and the maximum discharge capacities of the four control locks are 6,600 cubic meters per second, 3,300 cubic meters per second, 2,480 cubic meters per second, and 4,490 cubic meters per second, respectively. The highway bridge over the lock serves as a critical transportation passage for Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, and Anhui, with daily traffic exceeding 5,000 vehicles. The ship lock handles over 200,000 vessel passages and more than 1.5 million tons of cargo annually.

　　　　The control lock not only captivates with its towering grandeur but also enchants with its serene environment. The entire lock area is lush with trees and blooming flowers. The weeping willows along the lake sway their slender branches into the water, creating ripples. Here, one could sit by the water under the willows, reading amid floral fragrances; stroll hand-in-hand with a loved one; cast a fishing rod by the lakeside; or capture the shimmering lake, the lock’s reflection, and cherished moments with a camera—indulging in pure delight.

　　　　When the lock releases water, the scene is truly spectacular. Each time the gate opens, water gushes forth like a lion breaking free, cascading down over five meters with tremendous force, surging for miles. The roaring sound of the current is deafening, audible even over a kilometer away. Water sprays and splashes several meters high above the gate, presenting a magnificent sight. If the ship lock is in operation, another lively scene unfolds: vessels gather on both sides of the lock, eagerly awaiting the opening of the gate that holds back the fleet. Once opened, boats of all sizes enter in single file. At this moment, the pleasant melodies from loudspeakers, the rushing water inside the lock, the rumble of machinery, and the excited shouts of fishermen create a vibrant symphony. Passersby can’t help but pause to witness the spectacle.

　　　　Ascending to the top of the lock and looking down, the dam resembles a floating ribbon on the water. With flowing water and moving boats, the lock seems to float and shift, offering a unique charm. Gazing northward, one sees water blending with the sky and the sky reflected in the water, with vast misty waves extending to the horizon—truly showcasing the grandeur of water and sky. Looking southward, the waterways appear shallow and calm, like a silver ribbon gently winding its way. A few kilometers downstream, the waterways widen, the lake becomes as smooth as a mirror, creating a feeling of discovering a hidden paradise. In summer and autumn, the upper lake bursts with fragrant lotus blooms and golden reeds, while geese and ducks dot the waters and boats glide along like snakes. The lower lake, in contrast, features crystal-clear water, lush wild rice, dark green reeds, scattered white sails, leaping fish, and chirping birds. The lock acts as a master craftsman, framing the distinct landscapes and styles of the northern and southern sections of the lake.