“Water is life” the saying goes. But here at Heilongtan Reservoir water is so much more. This reservoir is vital to Sichuan Province. It supports irrigation and water supply. Heilongtan Reservoir also prevents floods. Aquaculture thrives here too. It even generates electricity. Now are you ready to discover Heilongtan Reservoir?
Construction of Heilongtan Reservoir began in 1970. It concluded in 1985. This established a crucial water resource hub. Heilongtan Reservoir supports local agriculture. It also supplies water to urban areas.
Did you know Heilongtan Reservoir irrigates 1.2 million mu of land? It is expected to supply 360 million cubic meters of water in 2024. This water serves domestic, industrial, and ecological purposes. Heilongtan Reservoir quenches the thirst of over three million people. These people reside in Meishan, Pengshan District, and surrounding counties. Heilongtan Reservoir truly is the lifeblood of this region.
Locals call Heilongtan Reservoir “No. 1 Sea of Western Shu”. It is also known as “Chengdu’s Back Garden”. Heilongtan Reservoir has earned recognition as a National Water Scenic Area. It is also a National Wetland Park.
Take a stroll along the dam. You will see crystal-clear waters. They teem with life. Lush vegetation brims with vitality. The shimmering lake is dotted with 85 islands. Some islands drift like tiny rafts. Others stand tall like rugged reefs.
The winding shores of Heilongtan Reservoir are verdant. Forests cover 67% of the area. They shelter over 300 species of rare flowers and trees. Over 60 species of birds call this place home. You might spot an elegant egret. Perhaps you will see a stately grey crane.
Heilongtan Reservoir is not just for irrigation anymore. It is a vibrant center for culture and tourism. People come from near and far. This creates new jobs for local communities. Tourism has become a flourishing trade.
Jinsha Island sits on the north side of Heilongtan Lake. It’s about an hour’s drive from Chengdu. Heilongtan Lake covers 23 square kilometers. Its natural shorelines and waterfront environments are diverse. This makes it the best wetland in the Chengdu Plain.
Originally, developers planned a high-end villa area on Jinsha Island. But ecological requirements changed those plans. The land remained unused. Finding a business that had economical value and respected nature proved difficult.
Researchers discovered diverse species of migratory birds here. Every autumn and winter, rare birds fly from Siberia to spend the winter here. From November to March, about 300,000 migratory birds stay here. Many are nationally protected rare birds.
Respecting the peninsula’s ecology became the priority. Natural architectural design was embraced. A Bird-watching Tower was set up. So was a Science Station. Integrating research and learning became the goal. A natural education base was created for students.
The Bird-watching Tower is a “bird cube”. Like a Rubik’s cube, each side offers a different view. The Science Station is at the base’s entrance. It was transformed from four containers. Now, it serves as a nature education classroom. Swallows even have a bird’s nest placed on a container.
Heilongtan Reservoir’s water quality remains a focus. Monitoring occurs at three sections. These are Dongfeng Canal, Longmiao, and Sixin Village. Water samples are collected. They are tested for various properties.
Studies show the water quality meets Category III standards. The overall water quality is considered clean. Heilongtan Reservoir balances water usage. It also protects the ecological environment.
So as we stand here at Heilongtan Reservoir remember its importance. It is more than just a body of water. Heilongtan Reservoir is a source of life. It is a scenic destination. It is a haven for wildlife. It is a testament to sustainable development.