Could this serene expanse of water before us really be Shenzhen’s largest man-made lake? This is the Dagushan Reservoir. It is more than just a pretty picture. It is a vital part of the city’s water supply. The Dagushan Reservoir is a crucial element in Shenzhen’s water supply network.
Built in March 1965, the Dagushan Reservoir has served Shenzhen for decades. It was created for both irrigation and drinking water. Imagine the city before this reservoir existed. Securing a reliable water source was a major challenge.
The Dagushan Reservoir covers a large area. It spans 60.5 square kilometers. That is about 14,900 acres. It holds a massive volume of water. The Dagushan Reservoir contains 45.77 million cubic meters of water. That is over 12 billion US gallons.
The reservoir is located in the Luohu District. It is in southeastern Shenzhen. The surrounding area is a mix of urban and forested land. The reservoir’s drainage basin covers about 65 square kilometers. This includes both cityscapes and natural landscapes in Guangdong province.
The Dagushan Reservoir borders some beautiful places. It is next to Donghu Park and the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. These neighbors add to the area’s appeal. They offer even more recreational opportunities. The reservoir also drains the western slope of Mount Wutong.
The water from the Dagushan Reservoir eventually flows into the Sham Chun River. This river forms the natural border between Hong Kong and Mainland China. The Sha Tau Kok River also meets there.
Today, the Dagushan Reservoir is open to the public. You can visit from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day. It has become a popular spot for recreation. People come here for hiking and tourism.
The Shenzhen Authority sometimes discharges water from the Dagushan Reservoir. This can pose a flood risk to some areas of the New Territories. The District Office North and other departments take necessary measures. They inform local residents to ensure their safety.
To get here, you can take several buses. Numbers 3, 17, 23, 29, 211, 308, 320, and 351 all stop at the Shuiku Bus Stop. From there, it is a short walk to the Dagushan Reservoir.
Take a moment to appreciate this incredible feat of engineering. The Dagushan Reservoir not only provides water but also offers a place of peace and recreation for the city. It shows how humans and nature can coexist. It supports a thriving urban environment.