The Zipingpu Reservoir, a vast expanse of water held back by the towering Zipingpu Dam, is a sight that will make your jaw drop. It was created in 2006, its purpose multifold: to control floods, to supply water to the surrounding areas, and to generate electricity. This is no ordinary reservoir, though. It boasts a capacity of 1.12 billion cubic meters of water, enough to fill over 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools! The reservoir is also a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Chinese, for the site had already been developed for irrigation systems almost 2000 years ago. Standing here, you might not realize that this tranquil body of water faced a terrifying ordeal in 2008. The devastating Wenchuan earthquake, measuring a staggering 7.9 on the Richter scale, ripped through the earth, leaving a trail of destruction. And the earthquake’s epicenter was a mere 17 kilometers away from the dam. Imagine the sheer force that shook the very foundation of this gigantic structure! Thankfully, the dam withstood the colossal shockwave, despite cracking and fissuring. It became the first dam in the world, taller than 100 meters, to survive a magnitude-8 earthquake. Today, the scars of the earthquake are barely visible, but they serve as a reminder of the resilience of human engineering and the power of nature. Zipingpu Reservoir may be a testament to man’s ability to harness nature, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s untamed power. It’s a place that evokes a sense of awe, respect, and quiet reflection on the human spirit’s ability to face challenges head-on.
Zipingpu Reservoir
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
Exploring Zipingpu Reservoir in Chengdu is just the beginning. With Explory’s Chengdu guide, every walk becomes a discovery. The intuitive Chengdu city guide links stories with locations, turning your visit into a personalized Chengdu city tour that brings the city closer to you.
Explory helps you see Chengdu differently. The Chengdu guide introduces you to culture, history, and hidden details. Using the Chengdu audio guide, you can listen to stories that bring the atmosphere alive. Beyond the highlights, Explory points you to Chengdu hidden gems that reveal the city’s true character.
With the Chengdu city guide, you enjoy freedom and insights combined. Each curated Chengdu city tour is designed for authentic Chengdu exploration, allowing you to connect with the city on a deeper level. By emphasizing Chengdu hidden gems and immersive Chengdu exploration, Explory ensures your experience is unique.
Download the Explory App now and explore more than 300 cities and 500,000 POIs and stories worldwide. Whether you’re searching for a reliable Chengdu guide, an inspiring Chengdu audio guide, or a flexible Chengdu city tour, Explory gives you the perfect way to travel.