Wanjiazhai Reservoir

Introducing Wanjiazhai Reservoir

The Wanjiazhai Reservoir on the Yellow River is located in the canyon between Togtoh and Longkou in the upper reaches of the northern main stream of the Yellow River. Its left bank is Pianguan County, Shanxi Province, and its right bank is Jungar Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is the first of eight planned cascade development projects in the middle reaches of the Yellow River.

The Wanjiazhai Reservoir on the Yellow River is a national first-class large-scale water conservancy project that mainly provides water supply and peak-shaving power generation, while also having comprehensive benefits such as flood control and ice prevention. It has a total storage capacity of 896 million cubic meters and a total installed capacity of 1.08 million kW.

The Wanjiazhai Reservoir controls a drainage area of ​​394,800 square kilometers, with an average annual runoff of 24.8 billion cubic meters, an average annual flow of 790 cubic meters per second, and an average annual sediment transport of 149 million tons.

The annual water supply is 1.4 billion cubic meters, of which 200 million cubic meters is supplied to Zhungeer Banner of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 560 million cubic meters is supplied to Pingshuo and Datong of Shanxi Province, and 640 million cubic meters is supplied to Taiyuan.

After the hub generates electricity, the power is connected to the Shanxi and Western Inner Mongolia power grids respectively.

Climate and best time to travel

Temperate continental climate, July to September

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

long time

Tickets

35 yuan

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Wanjiazhai Reservoir

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Wanjiazhai Reservoir is a man-made lake in Inner Mongolia, serving both as a water supply and a recreational area. It plays an important role in local irrigation and flood control while offering scenic beauty for visitors.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The reservoir is located in the outskirts of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. It can be reached by taxi or private car, as public transport options are limited.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The reservoir is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant and the area is not crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is generally free or minimal. Specific activities like boat rides or fishing may incur extra charges. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through local travel agencies.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not typically required, unless you plan to engage in specific activities like boat tours or group events. It’s recommended during weekends or holidays.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore the reservoir and enjoy its natural surroundings, you will need about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the activities you choose to do.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include the peaceful water views, the surrounding nature trails, and the serene areas perfect for relaxing and picnicking. The boat rides on the reservoir are also highly recommended.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available for some activities, but English language services are limited.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints include the area near the boat dock, where you can capture the reflection of the mountains in the water. Another good spot is along the walking trails around the reservoir.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with a walk around the reservoir, followed by a boat ride or fishing activity. Finish your visit with a relaxed picnic or a coffee at a local café by the water.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not available, and there are no regular light shows. However, special events might be organized occasionally, such as cultural performances or festivals in the surrounding area.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The reservoir can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings and off-peak seasons, such as early spring and late autumn.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and food vendors are available. There are small shops selling snacks and souvenirs, though options may be limited compared to more commercialized tourist spots.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The reservoir is mostly accessible for elderly and children, with easy walking paths and rest areas. However, some trails may be more challenging for those with mobility issues, so assistance may be needed.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted in most areas, though cash is still recommended for small transactions or at more remote locations.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few local restaurants near the reservoir, offering simple Mongolian and Chinese cuisine. For more options, Hohhot city has a wide range of dining establishments.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are limited at the reservoir, but Hohhot offers a variety of restaurants with vegetarian and halal food choices.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodation options are available in Hohhot, including budget hotels and more luxurious options. Some hotels offer shuttle services to popular tourist sites like the reservoir.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Inner Mongolia Museum, the Zhaojun Tomb, and Genghis Khan Park. These can easily be visited in a day trip along with the Wanjiazhai Reservoir.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir shops around the reservoir selling Mongolian-themed items like traditional clothing, handicrafts, and local snacks such as jerky and milk tea.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the reservoir, taxis or private car hires are the most convenient way to continue your trip. Public transport options are limited in the area.