Imagine 45.77 million cubic meters of water. This is the capacity of Shenzhen Reservoir. Today we explore its story.
Shenzhen Reservoir is not just a body of water. It is the largest man-made lake in Shenzhen. It plays a vital role in the region’s water supply.
This reservoir sits in Luohu District. It is in southeastern Shenzhen. The reservoir is part of Guangdong province. Its drainage basin spans 65 square kilometers. This includes urban and forested areas.
Shenzhen Reservoir borders Donghu Park. It also borders Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. The reservoir drains the western slope of Mount Wutong. It discharges into the Sham Chun River. This river forms the border between Hong Kong and Mainland China.
Shenzhen Reservoir was built in March 1965. It was created for irrigation. It was also created to provide drinking water.
Shenzhen Reservoir is open to the public. You can visit from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm daily. It is a popular spot for recreation. People come here for hiking and tourism. Nearby attractions include Donghu Park. Another attraction is Fairy Lake Botanical Garden.
To get here take bus No. 3. You can also take 17, 23, 29, 211, 308, 320, or 351. Get off at Shuiku Bus Stop.
In November 1959 Guangdong authorities invited guests from Hong Kong. They attended the opening ceremony for Shum Chun Reservoir. This is now known as Shenzhen Reservoir. The project was approved in August 1959. Work began immediately. Cao Ruoming managed the project.
The reservoir was planned to supply water to Hong Kong. It could supply a city of three million people. This supply would last for seven months.
At the time China struggled with famine. Water conservation was a priority. The decision was made to construct ten major reservoirs. Shenzhen Reservoir was among them.
Premier Zhou Enlai followed the project closely. He helped secure key materials. The intent was to irrigate farmland. It would also generate electricity. It would supply residents of the Po On district. There was always a desire to supply water to Hong Kong.
The area for the reservoir is 3.8km north of Hong Kong. It has a catchment of 60.5 hectares. The structure is made from compacted earth. It is 30m high and nearly 1000m long. A second dam was constructed on the west side.
The reservoir’s storage capacity is significant. It is twice that of Tai Lam Chung.
To prevent water overtopping a spillway was constructed. This ensured the dam would not be eroded.
Villages within the valley were relocated. In January 1960 Guangdong officials offered to supply water to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong officials faced a dilemma. The territory was short of water. Governor Black did not want to depend on Mainland supply. He agreed to negotiate while developing local water sources.
To minimize political risks the Hong Kong Government took measures. They sought a formal agreement. They set competitive supply rates. The agreement was not signed by high-ranking officials. It recognized the need was only in times of need.
Construction began in earnest. More than 10,000 migrant workers used simple tools. The workforce increased to 40,000. They worked long hours with limited rations.
By February 1960 the dam was more than 20m high. It was completed in March. It became known as the “100 days dam”.
In June 1960 Typhoon Mary brought heavy rain. The storm filled the reservoir overnight. The army was ready to blow up a temporary dam. This would release water to protect the main dam. The storm eased and the water levels subsided.
A pipeline had to be built to the Hong Kong boundary. The Waterworks Office built a pumping station. The first water from Shenzhen Reservoir arrived on December 5, 1960.
The Guangdong authorities formally signed an agreement on November 15, 1960. The agreement provided for the supply of water.
The story of Shenzhen Reservoir is one of ambition. It is one of necessity. It is one of cooperation. It highlights the intricate relationship between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. It shows how shared resources shape shared destinies.