A shimmering expanse under the Sichuan sun. This is Sanbai Reservoir. Its calm waters reflect the surrounding hills a testament to human ingenuity and nature’s beauty.
Sanbai Reservoir wasn’t always a tranquil lake. It’s a man-made marvel. Construction began in March 1975. It was completed in February 1977. The Sichuan Survey and Design Institute for Water Resources and Electric Power designed it. The Jianyang County government implemented the project.
Before the dam. This area was a transition zone. It lay between the Longyuan Mountains and hilly terrain. The rocks were relatively hard. The soil was terra rossa. This area represents an inland lake sedimentary phase from the Upper Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The reservoir’s creation transformed the landscape. It now irrigates 39700 hectares of farmland.
Sanbai Reservoir isn’t just about irrigation. It’s a recreational haven. People come to fish. Tourists visit for its scenic beauty. The reservoir’s water and air quality meet the highest national standards. This is a significant tourist destination in western Sichuan Basin.
The reservoir’s size is impressive. Its surface area covers 27 square kilometers. It holds 0.2235 cubic kilometers of water. The maximum depth is 32.5 meters. The average depth is 8.2 meters. The shoreline stretches 240 kilometers.
The reservoir has three main islands Hua Yueling and Niao. Only one outflowing channel exists. It’s called the Dongfeng Channel. The climate here is mild. The average annual temperature is 17.1 degrees Celsius. Rainfall totals 830 millimeters annually. The reservoir never freezes.
Fish farming is a key activity at Sanbai Reservoir. In 1988 alone 250 metric tons of fish were harvested. Another 15 metric tons of other aquatic products were also collected. Over 200000 visitors flocked here in 1988. This showcases its growing popularity.
Sanbai Reservoir is more than just a body of water. It’s a testament to human endeavor and a symbol of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. A place of beauty tranquility and abundant life. A place you won’t soon forget.