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Visit Dongpu Reservoir for scenic walks along the water, enjoy bird watching, and take boat rides to explore the reservoir from different angles. The area is ideal for outdoor activities like picnicking, fishing, and photography. It's also a great spot for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
Dongpu Reservoir is located in the northwestern suburbs of Hefei City, Anhui Province, only 7 kilometers away from the city center, on the upper reaches of the Nanfei River, a tributary of Chaohu Lake. The dam is located next to the Second Ring Road. It is a large reservoir mainly used for flood control in Hefei City, combined with urban water supply, suburban agricultural and vegetable irrigation, and aquaculture development.
The Dongpu Reservoir has a catchment area of 207.5 square kilometers. When it was built in 1956, its designed total storage capacity was 173 million cubic meters. After heightening and reinforcement in 1978, this capacity was increased to 242 million cubic meters.
Hefei Dongpu Reservoir Management Office is located at No. 131 Huanhu East Road, Hefei. It was established on April 1, 2001.
The Dongpu Reservoir's unique storage and regulation capabilities ensure a robust water purification capacity. Years of monitoring have shown that its water quality meets the second-level standard of the national "Surface Water Environmental Quality Standards." To strictly control reservoir water quality, the Hefei Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee enacted and implemented the "Hefei Dongpu Reservoir Water Source Quality Protection Measures" in 1987, and the "Hefei Urban Drinking Water Source Protection Regulations" in 2004, further legislating the protection of reservoir water quality. Furthermore, during periods of extreme drought, the reservoir provides timely access to high-quality water from the upstream Pishihang River. Over the past 40 years, nearly 500 million cubic meters of water have been diverted from the upstream Pishihang River via the Chuhe River Main Canal nearly 20 times, ensuring the healthy drinking water needs of the people of Hefei, improving their quality of life, and enhancing the suburban ecological environment, playing an irreplaceable role.
The Dongpu Reservoir Management Office, while paying attention to project management, also pays attention to the greening and beautification of the local environment. Over the years, the reservoir has planted 8,236 trees, 527 shrubs, 995 meters of hedges, and 3,800 flowers. The green coverage rate has reached 58.7% and the green space rate is 51.2%. A park has also been built. Due to its beautiful ecological environment, it has been repeatedly commended by relevant provincial and municipal departments and has now become one of the leisure and tourism places in our city.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Dongpu Reservoir is a large reservoir mainly used for flood control in Hefei city, combined with urban water supply, suburban agricultural and vegetable irrigation and aquaculture development, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
free
All day
Dongpu Reservoir is an important water resource for Hefei, providing water for irrigation and domestic use. It is also a popular recreational spot for locals and visitors alike, known for its tranquil environment and beautiful natural surroundings.
Dongpu Reservoir is located in the southern part of Hefei, Anhui Province. You can reach it by taxi or bus from the city center. Public buses and taxis are the most convenient options, though the park is also accessible by private car. Walking from nearby bus stops is possible.
The reservoir is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings and late afternoons when the weather is cooler and the area is less crowded.
There is no entrance fee for general access to the Dongpu Reservoir area. However, some specific activities like boating or fishing may require a ticket, which can typically be bought on-site.
No advance booking is required for general entry. For special activities like boat rentals, it is recommended to book in advance during peak seasons to ensure availability.
A visit to Dongpu Reservoir can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether you plan to hike, take a boat ride, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
The main highlights of Dongpu Reservoir include the tranquil waters, lush green parks, and walking trails around the reservoir. Don’t miss the boat ride area and the observation points for panoramic views of the reservoir.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and can be arranged on-site. Audio guides are not typically available, but there are local guides who provide informative tours for visitors in Chinese.
The best photography spots are the elevated viewpoints along the walking trails, especially near the boat rental areas. Early morning or late afternoon light makes for stunning photos of the reservoir’s reflections and surrounding greenery.
Start at the main entrance and take a leisurely walk along the reservoir’s edge, stopping at the observation points for photos. If you're interested in boating, head to the boat rental area and enjoy the calm waters. You can also explore the surrounding park area for a relaxing experience.
Night visits are not common at Dongpu Reservoir, as the park closes in the evening. There are no light shows or special nighttime tours available at this time.
Dongpu Reservoir can get crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially during the summer months. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays or early mornings on weekends.
Basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water stations, and rest areas are available. There are also small food stalls offering snacks and refreshments. Larger meals are available at nearby restaurants, but there are no major shopping facilities inside the park.
The park is mostly accessible for elderly visitors and children, with smooth walking paths and some rest areas. However, parts of the walking trails may be challenging for those with mobility impairments.
Cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted for activities like boat rentals and food purchases. Cash is not necessary but may still be accepted in some smaller food stalls.
While there are a few small cafés and snack bars inside the park, the nearby city center offers a wider range of dining options, including local Anhui cuisine and international eateries.
Vegetarian and vegan options can be found at some nearby restaurants in the city. However, options inside the park are more limited, typically offering snacks and light meals.
There are several hotels near the reservoir, including budget options and mid-range hotels in Hefei city center. Popular accommodations include chain hotels and local guesthouses that are a short drive from the park.
Nearby attractions include the Hefei Botanical Garden, Swan Lake, and the Anhui Provincial Museum. These sites are all within a short drive from Dongpu Reservoir, making it easy to combine them in a single day trip.
Souvenir shops are limited in the park, but you can find small items like postcards and local crafts. Larger souvenir shops can be found in Hefei’s city center, offering a wider range of Anhui-themed gifts.
After visiting the Dongpu Reservoir, taxis, buses, or private cars are the best options to continue your trip. You can easily access other nearby attractions, including the Hefei city center or other natural parks.
