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Baisha Reservoir, the first large-scale reservoir built in Henan Province after the Liberation of the People's Republic of China (1949-54), was constructed in 1951. It is a major water conservancy project primarily for flood control and also for water conservancy development. Located at the northwest border of Yuzhou City, Henan Province, and Dengfeng City, it is named after the dam's proximity to Baisha Village in Yuzhou City. It is the earliest large-scale reservoir constructed in post-Liberation China and is a Type II large reservoir located in the upper reaches of the Ying River within the Shaying River system of the Huaihe River basin.
Baisha Lake is located 30 kilometers northwest of Yuzhou and 60 kilometers from Zhengzhou City, adjacent to the Xuzhou-Luoyang Highway. It is a natural scenic spot that combines sightseeing, conferences, vacations, and entertainment. The Baisha Reservoir stretches 1,316 meters from Erlong Mountain in the east to Xiaoyaoling in the west, with a catchment area of 985 square kilometers and a water area of 19.43 square kilometers.
In 1951, under Chairman Mao Zedong's call to "immediately manage the Huai River," the Henan Provincial People's Government, with state investment and the provincial government taking the lead, organized over 100,000 laborers from 14 counties, including Yuxian, Yexian, Lushan, Dengfeng, and Mixian, to build the Baisha Reservoir. Construction began in March 1951 and lasted over two years. The reservoir began intercepting floodwaters and storing water in August 1953. Further expansion and renovations were carried out in 1956, bringing the reservoir to its current size.
Boasting a temperate monsoon climate, the scenic area boasts sheer cliffs, carved stone shrines, secluded stone paths, cascading waterfalls, a small island in the middle of the lake, yachts and sailboats, ancient trees and young forests, painted walls and eaves, shimmering blue waters, and soft sandy beaches. The scenery changes with each passing day, year-round, through sunny, rainy, and snowy days, and from dawn to dusk. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for a visit.
Baisha Reservoir Water Park is a recreational facility built on the lake. The Baisha Reservoir is crystal clear, surrounded by verdant mountains and lush cypresses. At night, you can listen to the sound of pine waves, watch the sunrise over Songshan Mountain in the morning, and admire the sunset glow over the lake in the evening. Luxury cruise ships, speedboats, and various smaller boats are available for boat tours. You can pray for peace at the Tianye Temple and barbecue and play on Turtle Island. Upstream, along the cliffside, you can explore Guiguzi Cave and Jiang Ziya Fishing Terrace, view the stone carvings near Shiyang Pass, climb the Zushi Temple, and explore Yuwang Cave at the entrance of Mayu River.
Baisha Reservoir Forest Park is a comprehensive forest park combining conservation and scenic beauty. Developed in 2001, it covers over 200,000 square meters. Within the park are bamboo gardens, ginkgo trees, palm trees, pomegranate trees, marigold trees, and locust trees. The vast forest serves as a natural oxygen bar for the reservoir. Swings, stone tables, chairs, and benches are available for visitors to relax, and small farmyards offer opportunities for visitors to visit.
Guiyuan, located in the Baisha Reservoir area, is a garden complex named after the osmanthus tree. Built in the 1950s, it covers approximately 6,000 square meters, with a building area of over 800 square meters. It is a quadrangle courtyard. The walls are built of stone, and the roof is tiled and wood. The garden boasts over ten osmanthus trees, each with a trunk diameter exceeding 20 centimeters. Every August, the fragrance of the osmanthus flowers fills the air, refreshing the senses. Hence the name "Guiyuan."
Diaoyutai, a natural rock formation jutting out from the water, lies at the foot of Yucui Mountain, upstream of Baisha Reservoir. The flat, three-square-meter rock earned its name from the legend that Jiang Ziya once fished there. Atop the platform stands a white marble statue of Jiang Ziya, approximately two meters tall, seated, wearing a bamboo hat and leisurely fishing. A plank road at the foot of Yucui Mountain connects Diaoyutai to Guiguzi Cave. The valley here is narrow and steep, with sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls and clear springs.
Tianye Temple, dedicated to the Jade Emperor, is located within the Baisha Reservoir Scenic Area. While its construction date is unknown, it has undergone renovations throughout the ages. Before 1958, Taoist priests resided within the temple. The temple boasts three main halls, housing statues of the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother of the West. The entire structure is majestic, elegant, and simple. Surrounded by the vast reservoir, shrouded in mist, lush bamboo forests, and flocks of white pigeons.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
Baisha Reservoir is an important water reservoir in Xuchang, Henan, supporting local agriculture, water supply, and flood control. It also serves as a recreational and ecological site for the region.
Located in Xuchang, Henan. Visitors can reach Baisha Reservoir by taxi or private car. Local buses may drop visitors at nearby roads, followed by a short walk to the reservoir area.
The reservoir is generally accessible during daylight hours, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn offer the best weather and scenic views.
Access to the reservoir area is usually free. Certain boating or fishing activities may require a small fee, payable on-site.
Advance booking is generally not required unless participating in organized activities like boating or group tours.
1–3 hours depending on whether you walk around, relax, or engage in recreational activities.
Guided tours are rare; most visitors explore independently. Local guides may be arranged in Chinese if requested.
Start at the main entrance, walk along the shoreline, visit any scenic viewpoints or picnic areas, and return via hiking trails or pathways for a circular route.
Night visits are not recommended due to safety. No light shows or special tours are typically offered.
Weekdays are less crowded. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most tranquil experience.
Basic facilities include rest areas, benches, and some public toilets. Small vendors may sell snacks and drinks.
Flat walking areas are accessible, but some trails or embankments may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is generally sufficient; mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at small vendors.
Local restaurants near the reservoir offer simple Henan cuisine. No major cafes are inside the reservoir area.
Vegetarian options are available at local eateries. Halal and vegan options are limited.
Several mid-range hotels and guesthouses in Xuchang city are within a 20–30 minute drive from the reservoir.
Souvenir options are limited. Some vendors sell local handicrafts, snacks, or small fishing-related items.
Taxi, ride-hailing apps, or private car are the most convenient ways to reach Xuchang city center or other nearby attractions.
