Bangmiao Lake Reservoir in Longling County, Baoshan

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Bangmiao Lake is an artificial lake formed by the accumulation of water from the original Bangmiao Dam (蚌渺坝) after the construction of the Qiezi Mountain Reservoir (茄子山水库). It serves as the primary water source for the cascading hydropower stations in the Supo River Basin (苏泊河流域).

Overview

The Qiezi Mountain Reservoir, built in the late 20th century, holds a total capacity of 125 million cubic meters and covers an area of 4.47 square kilometers. It is the largest artificial reservoir in Southwest Yunnan (云南省西南) and features a 106.1-meter-high dam with a 10-meter-wide top. The concrete panel dam, used for the first time in China, is a remarkable engineering feat.

Geographic Location

Located in Longling County (龙陵县), Baoshan City (保山市), Yunnan Province (云南省), Bangmiao Lake is situated near the Myanmar border, making it part of the border tourism zone in West Yunnan. It lies at the foot of the Xiaohei Mountain Provincial Nature Reserve (小黑山省级自然保护区), adding to the area’s ecological value and natural beauty.

Tourism Development

In the past, the area around Bangmiao Lake was considered remote and underdeveloped, with locals facing challenges in improving their livelihoods. The region was often described as one where “watching the mountains and water brought sorrow, and talking about development caused furrowed brows.” However, in recent years, the local government has embraced a new development model, focusing on “leveraging the mountains for tourism and revitalizing the village through cultural tourism.”

With more than 500,000 RMB invested, over 20 scenic spots have been developed, and two major tourist routes have been established. As a result, tourism has flourished, attracting increasing numbers of visitors seeking relaxation, sightseeing, and nature experiences. Notably, Dr. Sophie Field, an Australian eco-tourism expert, praised Bangmiao Lake as one of the most beautiful pastoral landscapes she had ever seen.

Visitor Information

• Location: Longling County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province

• Type: Artificial lake

• Area: 4.47 square kilometers

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, ideal for nature lovers and eco-tourism enthusiasts

• Attractions: Scenic spots, cultural tourism experiences, and local hospitality