Liuxihe Dam, dam in Conghua, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
Liuxihe Dam is a concrete arch structure that stretches across the Liuxi River, rising about 78 meters high and extending over 250 meters wide with a curved design that distributes water pressure evenly. The dam holds back a large reservoir that supplies water for irrigation and powers four turbines for electricity generation while managing flood risks for the surrounding region.
Construction began in 1956 and was completed in 1958 when the first generator was connected to the power grid. The dam marks a period of infrastructure development in Guangzhou during the 1950s, representing the region's efforts to harness water for electricity and irrigation purposes.
The name Liuxi translates to "mother river" of Guangzhou, reflecting the deep connection locals feel to this waterway. People in the area regularly visit the reservoir to walk along the shores and take photographs, enjoying the calm water and surrounding mountains as part of their daily rhythm.
The best way to explore the dam is to walk along the structure itself or nearby paths to see the water management system up close and enjoy the surrounding landscape. Access is generally straightforward, but check local conditions and any restrictions since the site is sometimes controlled for safety reasons.
The four turbines inside the structure were upgraded over time to improve energy efficiency without changing the original dam design. This shows how the older facility continues to serve modern power needs through careful technical improvements rather than complete replacement.
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