The Danjiangkou Dam (丹江口大坝), initiated in 1958, stands as a monumental achievement in Chinese engineering and management. It is a large-scale water conservancy project designed, built, and managed by China itself, primarily serving flood control while also incorporating functions such as power generation, irrigation, navigation, and aquaculture. The dam is a vital hydraulic hub with a comprehensive scenic area known as the Danjiangkou Dam Scenic Area, featuring five major landscapes: the Hydraulic Engineering Sightseeing Area, the Waterside Leisure and Fitness Area, the Hydraulic Popular Science Exhibition Area, the Water Source Ecological Experience Area, and the Tourist Resort Service Area.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Danjiangkou Dam
- Danjiangkou Reservoir
- Vlog about Danjiangkou Dam Scenic Area
- Other Attractions in Danjiangkou
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 65 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0719-5372391 |
Location and Transportation
The Danjiangkou Dam Scenic Area is located in the city of Danjiangkou, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, China, approximately 800 meters downstream from the confluence of the Han River and its tributary, the Dan River.
To get there, tourists can take bus Danjiangkou 108, 208, or the Tourist Line and get off at the Dam Scenic Area Stop (大坝景区站)
Danjiangkou Dam
Spanning a total length of 2.5 kilometers, the Danjiangkou Dam reaches a maximum height of 97 meters. With a dam top elevation of 162 meters, it houses six turbines with a total installed capacity of 900,000 kilowatts, generating an average of 3.83 billion kilowatt-hours annually. From the dam’s crest, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Danjiangkou city, characterized by a skyline of buildings, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes. Looking further, the silhouette of Wudang Mountain becomes faintly visible, while turning back reveals the majestic dam straddling the twin rivers, creating a vibrant and colorful canvas – a perfect destination for exploring contemporary grand engineering projects.
Danjiangkou Reservoir
The Danjiangkou Reservoir, encompassing a total area of 471.15 square kilometers and a water area of 154.65 square kilometers, is recognized as the largest artificial freshwater lake in Asia. It serves as a crucial water source for the South-to-North Water Diversion Middle Route Project and is designated as a National Class I Water Source Protection Zone. The reservoir receives 90% of its water from the Han River and 10% from its tributary, the Dan River.
Located in the transitional zone between the north and south climates, the Danjiangkou Reservoir region boasts a unique blend of subtropical and warm temperate features, contributing to a diverse natural landscape. The area is covered by vegetation with a rate of 48%, and it is home to 13 nationally protected animal species and 58 provincially protected animal species, showcasing the rich biodiversity of this vital water source area.
