Guanting Shuiku, body of water
Guanting Shuiku is a large reservoir in China located at the border between Beijing's Yanqing District and Hebei's Huailai County. The water stretches across hundreds of square kilometers surrounded by hills and fields, with pathways along the shores connecting to docks and small boat landings.
Guanting Shuiku was the first major water storage project built after the founding of the People's Republic of China, with construction from October 1951 to May 1954. It supplied drinking water to Beijing and surrounding areas for decades until withdrawn from regular use in 1997 due to water quality concerns, then restored after treatment as a backup source from 2007 onward.
Guanting Shuiku holds deep meaning for the local community as a place where residents gather for daily activities and relaxation. People regularly visit the shores to walk, fish, and enjoy fresh air in the mornings, making it a central hub of local life and tradition.
Visit in the early morning hours when locals use the pathways and the air is fresh, particularly during warmer months. Access is via simple walking trails that are easy to follow, with small docks and landing areas available for those wishing to use boats.
Guanting Shuiku was China's first major water storage project after 1949 and symbolized progress and national development at the time. The rounded shape of the water inspired locals to call the reservoir a pearl, a name that still reflects its importance in the region today.
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