Before you stands a testament to ingenuity. It bridges not land but water. It is the \u4e1c\u6c5f\u8f93\u6c34\u96a7\u6d1e\u4e2d\u6865. This may not be your typical scenic bridge. However, its story reflects Shenzhen’s lifeline. It is a story of water. It’s a story of survival. It’s a story of connection.
The \u4e1c\u6c5f\u8f93\u6c34\u96a7\u6d1e\u4e2d\u6865 is part of the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Project. This ambitious project ensures a stable freshwater supply. It serves about 24 million people in Dongguan. It also serves Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The Dongjiang River begins in Jiangxi province. It flows to the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong. This water is crucial for the region’s daily life and production.
In 1963, Hong Kong faced a severe drought. It was unseen in a century. Water supply was drastically controlled. Residents received water only once every four days. Each time it was for only four hours. The lives of millions were at stake. Help came from Guangdong province. Zhou Enlai approved funds for the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Project.
The project launched on February 20, 1964. It aimed to bring Dongjiang River water to Hong Kong. This involved a challenging plan. Water had to be channeled through the Shima River. The Shima River flowed in the opposite direction. Levels needed to be lifted 46 meters. The diverted water would then flow 86 kilometers to the Shenzhen Reservoir.
Construction was intense. Over 20000 workers toiled during peak periods. They faced floods and severe weather. Despite hardships, the project was completed in about a year. This solved Hong Kong’s water scarcity. The \u4e1c\u6c5f\u8f93\u6c34\u96a7\u6d1e\u4e2d\u6865 played its role in the process.
The Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Project has been upgraded four times since the 1970s. Its annual capacity increased from 68 million to over 2.4 billion cubic meters. In 2000, a major transformation occurred. Natural riverways were replaced with enclosed pipelines. This isolated the water supply from natural elements. The \u4e1c\u6c5f\u8f93\u6c34\u96a7\u6d1e\u4e2d\u6865 stood as a key element in this upgraded system.
Guangdong has enacted laws to protect water quality. The Shenzhen Reservoir’s water quality is now consistently high. Currently the Pearl River Delta Water Resources Allocation Project is underway. This will further enhance water security. It will supply 1.7 billion cubic meters of water annually. The \u4e1c\u6c5f\u8f93\u6c34\u96a7\u6d1e\u4e2d\u6865 stands as silent guardian.
The \u4e1c\u6c5f\u8f93\u6c34\u96a7\u6d1e\u4e2d\u6865 is more than concrete and steel. It is an important structure. It symbolizes resilience. It highlights the cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Next time you turn on the tap remember its story. Remember the journey of water. It flows through the \u4e1c\u6c5f\u8f93\u6c34\u96a7\u6d1e\u4e2d\u6865. This water connects us all.