Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area

The Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area is a large-scale eco-tourism zone formed by the Xiaolangdi Water Control Project, the second largest water conservancy project of China, integrating sightseeing, leisure and a holiday resort. This scenic area spans across three cities, i.e., Luoyang, Sanmenxia and Jiyuan, 175 km long, with an area of 1,262 sq km. It contains 113 scenic spots, 13 scenic areas and four major parts — Xiaolangdi Dam, Jingzi Mountain, Bali Gorge and Sanmenxia Gorge. In the scenic zone, tourists can appreciate the unique charm of the Yellow River, and the magnificent scene when the sluices on the dam are open to release floods. The Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam Project has become a dominating feature of this stretch of the mighty river and the three gorges to be found here are a major attraction.

Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam Project

The Dam Project is an eye catching feature of the whole scenic area. In total the cost of the project has been RMB 42 billion and it is not only a milestone in the history of the continuing effort to tame the Yellow River, but it is also a masterpiece in the history of world hydro-engineering. It creates three firsts in the world and six firsts in China. This vast record breaking construction is 1667 meters (about 1823 yards) long with a height of 154 meters (about 500 feet). Following the completion of the project a vast reservoir covering 272 square kilometers (about 105 square miles) has been formed above the dam. The views across this vast shimmering man-made lake surrounded by towering mountains are amazing.

The Three Gorges of Yellow River

The Three Gorges are the essence of this scenic area on the Yellow River. Situated on the upper reaches of Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam, the gorges cover 40 square kilometers (about 15 square miles). Each gorge has its own characteristics. Bali Gorge forms the narrowest part of these reaches of the river and the water gushes between the sheer cliffs on either side. Gushan Gorge is extraordinary as if it were cut out by some supernatural beings while the Dragon and Phoenix Gorge winds snake-like between steep sides. All in all the Three Georges of the Yellow River present uniquely beautiful water and mountain scenery in northern region of China.

Some 16 km from the Xiaolangdi Water Control Project, the Xixiayuan Project possesses four hydraulic turbine generating units with a combined installed capacity of 140,000 kw. The Xixiayuan Reservoir Dam is 3,122 m long, being the longest dam on the Yellow River. The Xixiayuan Reservoir is adjacent to the western part of the Yellow River Wetland Waterfowl Nature Reservoir. Together with the wetland reserve, the reservoir has played an important role in improving the local ecological environment and providing an ideal tourist destination and a leisure and entertainment center on water for tourists.

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