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The Longhekou Reservoir was built at the mouth of the Longhe River, upstream of the Hangbu River, a tributary of the Chaohu Lake system, in Shucheng County, Anhui Province. The reservoir covers an area of 1,111 square kilometers, accounting for 56.4% of the 1,970 square kilometers of the Hangbu River basin above Datan Bay. It has a total storage capacity of 820 million cubic meters, with a bottom reservoir capacity of 53 million cubic meters. Construction began in November 1958, initially primarily managed by the county. Construction was halted in April 1961, resumed in October 1965, and completed in October 1969. The reservoir dam, considered the world's first man-made earth-rock dam, was praised by Mr. Lanci, former Chairman of the United Nations Commission on Dams, as a "remarkable project."
The Hekou Reservoir serves as the water source and headworks for the Hangbu River Irrigation District. It protects 530,000 mu (approximately 16,000 acres) of floodwaters. Its construction has significantly reduced the flood burden on the Hangbu River and irrigates 1.55 million mu (approximately 1.55 million acres) of farmland in Shucheng, Lujiang, and Lu'an counties.
The Longhekou Reservoir area is a key component of the Dabie Mountains Geopark in China. In the early 21st century, Wanfohu Town, Shucheng County, where the reservoir is located, began developing a tourism project utilizing its natural resources, naming it "Wanfo Lake." It has been designated a national 4A-level tourist area and one of the key attractions promoted at the Anhui World Expo. In 2016, it was successfully designated a national 5A-level scenic spot, becoming the eleventh such area in Anhui Province.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Longhekou Reservoir is an important part of the Pishihang Irrigation District and China Dabie Mountains Geopark, and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Damei Mountain, Tuba, Wanfo Island, and Xitangchi;
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
80-120 yuan/person (including boat ticket)
08:00-17:30
Longhekou Reservoir is an important water resource in Anhui Province, contributing to local irrigation, water supply, and flood control. The reservoir has become a popular tourist destination due to its serene environment and natural beauty, attracting visitors for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking.
Longhekou Reservoir is located in the southern part of Anhui Province, near the city of Xuancheng. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car from Xuancheng, which is approximately 30 minutes away. There may also be bus services available from the city center, though they might require transfers.
The reservoir is open year-round. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the scenery is most beautiful. Summer can be hot, while winter may bring cold weather and fewer visitors.
There is no entrance fee to visit Longhekou Reservoir itself. However, boat rides and certain activities may incur a small fee. Tickets for these activities can be purchased on-site, and it is recommended to bring cash for smaller transactions.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for general visits to the reservoir. However, if you plan on taking a boat ride or joining a guided tour, it’s recommended to book a day ahead, especially during peak seasons.
You can explore Longhekou Reservoir in about 2 to 3 hours, which includes a boat ride, walking around the trails, and enjoying the surrounding nature. If you wish to fish or visit nearby villages, you may want to allocate more time.
Guided tours are available, but most are conducted in Chinese. For non-Chinese speakers, it is advisable to book a private guide or bring a translator if necessary.
Start your visit with a boat ride to explore the reservoir from the water. Then, take a hike on the scenic trails to enjoy the views and take photos. If you have time, visit the nearby villages to experience the local culture.
There are no light shows or special tours available at night. However, visiting during the late afternoon or evening can offer peaceful views of the sunset over the reservoir.
The reservoir can get busy on weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays or during the off-season (spring and autumn).
The reservoir has basic facilities, including public toilets and rest areas. Food and drink are available at local eateries near the reservoir, but there are no large shops on-site, so it's best to bring water and snacks if needed.
The reservoir is generally accessible for elderly visitors, children, and those with disabilities, though some of the walking trails may have uneven surfaces. It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear for walking.
Cash is widely accepted, but cards and mobile payments may be accepted at larger facilities or for boat rides. It's advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions, particularly in the more rural areas.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants, but vegan or halal food may be more difficult to find. It's recommended to inquire with the restaurant or bring your own food if needed.
Souvenir shops are limited around the reservoir, but you can find local handicrafts such as pottery, tea, and Anhui specialties in nearby towns.
After visiting the reservoir, you can take a taxi or bus to Xuancheng, where you can access public transportation for further travel by train or bus to other parts of Anhui or nearby cities.
