Tucked away on the southeastern fringe of the Chengdu Plain, Heilongtan Reservoir taps into the pristine waters of Dujiangyan to support agricultural irrigation and urban water supply. It also serves as a bulwark against floods, fosters aquaculture, generates electricity and draws sightseers to its scenic shores. Construction began in 1970 and concluded in 1985, laying the foundation for one of Sichuan’s vital water resource hubs.

Heilongtan Reservoir [Photo by Liu Qirong]

The View of Heilongtan Irrigation District [Photo by Liu Qirong]

Spanning a designed irrigation area of 1.2093 million mu, Heilongtan Reservoir is slated to supply 360 million cubic meters of water in 2024 for domestic, industrial, and ecological uses. Covering the daily and industrial needs of over three million people in downtown Meishan, Pengshan District, Qingshen County, and the entirety of Renshou and Jingyan Counties, it is genuinely the life-giving artery of the region.

Heilongtan Scenery [Photo by Liu Qirong]

Revered as the “No. 1 Sea of Western Shu” and “Chengdu’s Back Garden,” Heilongtan Reservoir has been recognized as both a National Water Scenic Area and a National Wetland Park. A stroll along the dam reveals crystal-clear waters teeming with life, lush vegetation brimming with vitality, and a shimmering lake dotted by 85 scattered islands—some adrift like tiny rafts, others standing tall like rugged reefs. Its winding shores and verdant forests (at 67% coverage) shelter over 300 species of rare flowers and trees, as well as more than 60 species of birds, including the elegant egret and the stately grey crane. No longer content with its role in irrigation and water supply alone, Heilongtan is now a vibrant nexus for cultural and tourism development. This renowned scenic destination draws visitors from near and far, creating new livelihoods for local communities, who have embraced tourism as a flourishing trade.