
The Baiguishan Reservoir Scenic Area is located in the Baiguishan Reservoir, about 6 kilometers southwest of the downtown area of Pingdingshan City, Henan Province. It is a vast artificial lake with blue waves. It has both the beauty of a lake and the grandeur of the sea. It is named "Pingxi Lake" and is a place for people to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Construction began in 1958. The reservoir stretches 15.5 kilometers from east to west and 4.2 kilometers from north to south, covering nearly 70 square kilometers. Dotted among the rippling waters are dozens of sandbars, appearing and disappearing, sometimes sinking and sometimes floating, shimmering with silver light, forming the famous White Turtle Sandbar. Nestled among the greenery on the north bank is the Workers' Sanatorium, built along the lakeside. The diverse buildings, nestled against the hillside and facing the water, evoke a distinct sense of the waterside village.
Songzhai Village on the south bank is the hometown of Li Luyuan, a Qing Dynasty writer and author of "The Lamp at the Crossroads." Yuling Mountain, located near the village, contains over 70 tombs of varying sizes dating back to the Warring States and Western Han dynasties. Northwest of the reservoir, Fuyang (including the reservoir area) was the ancient capital of the Ying State. Fuyang Ridge, outside the city's west gate, is the cemetery for Ying nobles from the Western Zhou Dynasty.
temperate monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours
free
All day
Baiguishan Reservoir is an important water conservation and flood control project in Pingdingshan. It also serves as a local recreational area and ecological preserve, contributing to tourism and environmental protection.
Located in Pingdingshan, Henan Province. Accessible by taxi, private car, or local buses from the city center. Walking is suitable for nearby accommodations.
Open daily, generally from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for sightseeing and photography.
Entrance is usually free. Some activities like boating may require a small fee, payable on site.
Advance booking is not required for general visits. For boating or organized tours, booking a day in advance is recommended.
2–4 hours, depending on whether you plan to hike, boat, or picnic.
Guided tours are limited and mostly in Chinese. Audio guides are generally not available.
Start at the main entrance, walk along the reservoir trail, visit the dam area, enjoy a picnic or rest at viewpoints, and end at the nature trails or boating area.
Night visits are generally not permitted. Special eco-tours or seasonal events may be arranged with prior notice.
Usually not crowded on weekdays. Weekends and holidays may be busier, especially in spring and autumn.
Basic facilities include toilets, rest areas, and a few small food vendors. Bring water and snacks for longer visits.
Mostly accessible with paved paths near the main reservoir. Some trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is useful for small purchases or boating fees. Some vendors may accept mobile payments, but card acceptance is limited.
Local restaurants and small eateries near the reservoir serve Chinese cuisine. Few cafes are available, mainly in nearby towns.
Vegetarian options are available. Vegan and halal options are limited; check local restaurants in advance.
Several mid-range hotels and guesthouses in Pingdingshan city or nearby towns provide convenient access to the reservoir.
Souvenir options are limited. Local handicrafts, small mementos, or postcards can be found at nearby vendors.
Taxi, ride-hailing services, or private car are recommended for reaching nearby attractions or returning to Pingdingshan city center.