Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of a venue where athleticism met history. That place is right here at Shisanling Reservoir. Shisanling Reservoir is more than just a body of water. It is a testament to human ingenuity and a stage for world-class competition.
The Shisanling Reservoir lies in the Changping District of northern Beijing. It is named for the nearby Ming tombs. This reservoir is the lower basin of the Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station. Its earth-fill embankment dam stretches 627 metres. It stands 29 metres high.
Imagine hundreds of thousands of workers. They labored day and night. They built the Shisanling Reservoir in only four months. This feat attracted artists and writers. They captured its development in various art forms. Photography, music, literature, and film immortalized the reservoir’s creation. Even French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson documented the construction in color.
The Shisanling Reservoir can hold 59 million cubic metres of water. It features a controlled chute spillway. The reservoir serves as a vital component of the Shisanling Pumped Storage Power Station. This station plays a crucial role in Beijing’s power grid.
In 2008, the Shisanling Reservoir stepped into the global spotlight. It became one of the nine temporary venues for the Beijing Olympics. The reservoir hosted the triathlon events. During the games, it was known as the Triathlon Venue. Athletes swam in its waters. They cycled and ran along its banks.
The Shisanling Dam helps create the power station’s lower reservoir. It can store 59 million cubic metres of water. From here, water is pumped to the upper reservoir. The upper reservoir is artificial. It was built into the Mang mountain. It has a storage capacity of 51 million cubic metres. When power is needed, water rushes down to the underground power station. This water passes through four turbines. Each turbine has a 200 MW capacity.
As you gaze upon the Shisanling Reservoir, consider its dual role. It provides essential water storage. It also generates power for Beijing. The Shisanling Reservoir embodies China’s blend of progress and heritage. It stands as a symbol of human achievement. It reflects nature’s enduring beauty.