Danjiangkou Shuiku, body of water
Danjiangkou Shuiku is a large reservoir in central China created by damming a river to hold water for distribution across the country. The facility supplies water through canal systems to cities, farms, and industrial areas in regions where freshwater is scarce.
The dam was built in the 1970s and has been reinforced several times since then. The largest expansion occurred between 2005 and 2013, when its height was raised by more than 14 meters to store additional water for a nationwide distribution system.
The site sits in a mountainous, largely rural area, so good footwear and stamina are useful when exploring the terrain. The best time to visit is during the dry season when water levels are stable and pathways remain accessible.
The structure is part of a massive water transfer project that costs more than many infrastructure projects in developed nations and ranks among the largest water diversion systems globally. Visitors can observe from surrounding hills how the calm water mirrors the sky above like a reflecting surface.
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