“Why was this body of water created?” That’s the question everyone asks when they first see the Shenzhen Reservoir. This reservoir is Shenzhen’s largest man-made lake. It is vital to this region.
Shenzhen Reservoir sits in Luohu District. It is in southeastern Shenzhen in southern China. The reservoir is a crucial part of Shenzhen’s water supply network. It belongs to the first grade water source protection area.
Shenzhen Reservoir’s drainage basin spans about 65 square kilometers. This area includes urban and forested land in Guangdong province. You can see how the reservoir merges with the landscape. It borders Donghu Park and Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. The reservoir also drains the western slope of Mount Wutong.
Interestingly, the reservoir discharges into the Sham Chun River. This river forms the natural border between Hong Kong and Mainland China. It joins with the Sha Tau Kok River.
Let’s jump back in time. Shenzhen Reservoir was built in March 1965. Its primary purposes were irrigation and drinking water. This was a significant development for the region.
The reservoir has a large capacity. Its water volume reaches 45,770,000 cubic meters. The surface area covers 60.5 square kilometers.
Shenzhen Reservoir is open to the public from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm daily. It is a popular spot for recreation. People enjoy hiking and tourism here. Nearby attractions add to its appeal. These include Donghu Park and Fairy Lake Botanical Garden.
However, there are some things to consider. The Shenzhen Authority sometimes discharges water from the reservoir. This can pose a flooding risk to parts of the New Territories. In 2023, Hong Kong was notified of a discharge. This notice came just before midnight. The government quickly informed various departments. They took necessary measures to alert residents.
The Shenzhen Emergency Management Bureau announced a water discharge. It began at 12.15 am at 70 to 80 cubic meters per second. This increased to 120 cubic meters per second at 3.15 am.
Despite these occasional concerns, Shenzhen Reservoir remains a vital resource. It supports Shenzhen’s water needs. It provides a beautiful space for recreation. It is a testament to human engineering and its impact on the environment. Next time you see this reservoir, remember its vital role and history.