Heji Reservoir

　　Heji Reservoir is a well-known tourist destination in Zhanjiang, situated in Lianjiang City, 75 kilometers to the northwest of Zhanjiang. Completed in 1959, it spans four counties—Lianjiang and Huazhou in Guangdong Province, as well as Luchuan and Bobai in Guangxi. With a catchment area of 1,440 square kilometers, the reservoir covers a water surface of 122.6 square kilometers and has a total storage capacity of 1.15 billion cubic meters. Its average annual water supply reaches 1.55 billion cubic meters, making it the largest "man-made sea" in the province and the second-largest reservoir in Guangdong.

　　The reservoir’s dam system consists of 33 main and auxiliary dikes. At the hilltop of the canal head stands the "Youth Pavilion," its plaque inscribed by Guo Moruo. From the pavilion, visitors can gaze over the vast expanse where the water meets the sky, resembling an endless misty sea. Former hills have been divided and surrounded by water, transforming into countless “islets,” scattered like pearls and creating a breathtaking scene.

　　There are over 100 small islands in the reservoir. These islands were originally small hills that became encircled by water. Though not large and mostly round, they are covered in dense forests that remain green all year round, offering a tranquil and elegant environment perfect for swimmers to relax after a dip or for boaters to pause. The reservoir area also includes the Honghu Farm, which cultivates large areas of oranges, while the expansive cage fish farming is also a notable sight.

　　The reservoir has given rise to the renowned Leizhou Youth Canal, which is famous nationwide. Gazing into the distance, the boundless water and sky form the picturesque scene known as "Mist and Rain over Heron Lake," with emerald-green mountains on both banks and azure lake waters. Dozens of uniquely shaped hills resemble pearls scattered by fairies.

　　These "pearls" dot Heron Lake, adding vibrant beauty to the scenery. The reservoir dam is a nationally acclaimed earthen hydraulic engineering project, featuring a unique and majestic structure. Many great figures have visited and left behind enduring inscriptions, including the authentic handwriting of [a leader] inscribing “Leizhou Youth Canal,” poetic verses by [another], and the plaque “Youth Pavilion” calligraphed by the literary master Guo Moruo. Additionally, there are spruce trees planted personally by Marshal Chen Yi and his wife—the "Marshal’s Cypresses." Upstream of the reservoir, two grand bridges span the riverbanks like twin rainbows emerging from the sea, while the famous Sanhe Hot Springs are located in the central part of the reservoir area.

　　Ascending to the Youth Pavilion at the canal head of the reservoir and looking into the distance, one sees the endless union of water and sky—a view famously known as "Mist and Rain over Heron Lake." The former hills, now divided and enveloped by water, form numerous islets scattered like fallen pearls, presenting a magnificent and ever-changing scene. Along the path to the pavilion, pine trees, eucalyptus, and other foliage are planted, remaining lush and green all year. The pavilion is surrounded by dense green pines, and when the breeze rustles through the leaves, the sound is like music or poetry.

　　When visiting Heji, one must try its “fish feast,” especially the “Silver Lake Fish Head Soup.” With its milky-white broth and rich, delicious flavor, it is truly a treat for the taste buds. Near the reservoir area, there is also the Honghu Farm, which grows extensive fields of Hongjiang oranges. The Shijiao Town at the Guangdong-Guangxi border is also famed for its fruit and tea plantations, just a 20-kilometer trip away. During fruit harvest season, visitors can enjoy a healthy, affordable, and delicious feast of fresh fruits.

　　Originally a famous scenic spot in Zhanjiang and a key tourism destination in Guangdong Province, Heji Reservoir saw relatively slow development in its tourism industry for many years. Recently, following its renaming to the Silver Lake Scenic Area, efforts have intensified to develop tourism around the dam. New cruise launches, the Silver Lake Hotel, a group of crane sculptures at the canal head, a reservoir history exhibition hall, and the inauguration of the Heji Reservoir Police Station mark five major additions, further enhancing the functionality of the scenic area.