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The Heshui Reservoir Scenic Area is a renowned tourist destination, listed in the "Dictionary of Famous Chinese Scenic Spots." It is located at the intersection of the Meilong Railway Central Station and the Xing (Xingning) and Ping (Pingyuan) highways. After the reservoir's completion, Marshals He Long, Nie Rongzhen, and Ye Jianying, as well as Tao Zhu, Luo Ruiqing, and Qin Mu, all visited Heshui and expressed their utmost praise for the area.
Surrounding the scenic area of the reservoir are rolling green hills and verdant peaks. The reservoir is shimmering with emerald waters, creating a picturesque scene. Small islands are scattered, and boats dot the landscape. A pavilion nestles in the middle of the lake, boasting an antique charm. With its four sides open to the elements and a refreshing breeze, it's a truly refreshing place to fish and enjoy the scenery. In the center of the reservoir lies a small monkey island, home to over 50 monkeys. Take a boat ride aboard and witness the captivating macaques in all their capacities, enjoying their leisurely pace.
tropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for 2 to 3 hours
free
All day
Xingning Heshui Reservoir is an important water resource in Guangdong Province, providing irrigation, flood control, and drinking water to the surrounding areas. It is also a popular spot for recreation and nature tourism.
The reservoir is located in Xingning, Guangdong, about 20 kilometers from the city center. You can reach it by taxi or bus, with a few scenic routes ideal for walking or cycling around the reservoir.
The reservoir is open year-round, with no specific opening hours, but it is best visited during daylight hours. The ideal times are early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday heat and to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
There is no entrance fee to visit the reservoir; it's open to the public for free. Some activities, like boating, may have a small fee.
Booking is not necessary for general visits, but it is recommended for special activities like boat rides or guided tours, which can be booked a few days in advance.
A visit to the reservoir typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, allowing time to walk around, take in the views, and relax by the water.
Guided tours may be available on-site, often in Chinese. Audio guides are not commonly offered, but some private tour operators may provide them for English-speaking visitors.
The best viewpoints are along the walking trails surrounding the reservoir, with the best shots typically taken at sunrise or sunset when the light is softer and more atmospheric.
Start your visit by walking around the reservoir to enjoy the panoramic views, then take a boat ride (if available) to see the area from the water. Finish your visit with a relaxing stop by the water to enjoy a peaceful moment.
Night visits are not typically recommended due to limited lighting. There are no light shows, but special tours might be available upon request.
The reservoir is generally not very crowded, but it can see more visitors on weekends and public holidays. Early mornings or weekdays are the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets and small rest areas. There are no large shops or restaurants, but you can bring your own food and have a picnic by the reservoir.
The reservoir area is mostly accessible, with walking paths and some flat terrain suitable for elderly and disabled visitors. However, the trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cash is rarely needed as most activities are free. For paid activities (like boating), cash or mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted.
There are no major restaurants inside the reservoir area, but nearby towns offer local Guangdong cuisine, including seafood and traditional dishes. You can also bring your own food for a picnic.
Vegetarian options are available in nearby restaurants, but vegan or halal food options may be limited in the area. It is advisable to check with local eateries in advance.
There are no dedicated souvenir shops in the area, but nearby towns have small shops selling local crafts, including traditional Guangdong goods and handmade items.
From the reservoir, you can take a taxi or use a local bus to explore nearby attractions or head back to Xingning city. For longer trips, Meizhou is a convenient transportation hub with bus and rail connections.
