Did you know that Shenzhen’s largest man-made lake is a vital part of the city’s water supply? Welcome to Xianquan Reservoir. This isn’t just any body of water. It’s a crucial piece of Shenzhen’s history and infrastructure.
Xianquan Reservoir wasn’t always a popular recreation spot. Built in March 1965 it initially served primarily for irrigation and providing drinking water. Imagine the sheer scale of the project. Thousands of workers toiling to create this vital resource. They built a reservoir capable of holding 45.77 million cubic meters of water. That’s enough to supply a city of three million people for seven months.
The reservoir’s construction wasn’t without challenges. Typhoon Mary in 1960 brought torrential rain. The dam was completed but the spillway wasn’t. The rising water threatened to overwhelm the dam. The army stood ready to blow up a temporary dam. This would have released the excess water. Luckily the storm eased just in time. The reservoir survived its first major test.
Today Xianquan Reservoir is more than just a water source. It is a beautiful recreational area. People come here to hike and enjoy the scenery. It borders Donghu Park and Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. The reservoir’s calm waters reflect the surrounding hills. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The reservoir discharges into Sham Chun River a natural border between Hong Kong and mainland China.
Xianquan Reservoir’s story is one of human ingenuity resilience and the vital role of water in shaping a city. It’s a testament to the past and a symbol of Shenzhen’s future. Take a moment to appreciate this beautiful and important landmark. Remember its story as you stroll along its banks. Remember the people who built it. Remember the challenges it overcame. Xianquan Reservoir is more than just a reservoir it’s a living piece of Shenzhen’s history.