Beimiao Lake Reservoir in Longyang District, Baoshan

Bei Miao Lake is located in Bei Miao Village (北庙村), Banqiao Town (板桥镇), Longyang District (隆阳区), Baoshan City (保山市), Yunnan Province (云南省). The lake was formed after the construction of the Bei Miao Reservoir (北庙水库), which was completed in 1962. The reservoir serves multiple functions, including irrigation, flood control, and water supply. With a total storage capacity of 73.5 million cubic meters and a surface area of 3.01 square kilometers at normal water levels, the lake is one of the most important water projects in the region.

Overview

Bei Miao Lake is an integrated water management system that includes irrigation, flood control, and water supply functions. The total storage capacity of the lake is 73.5 million cubic meters, and it controls a watershed area of 119 square kilometers. The lake's surface area at normal water levels spans 3.01 square kilometers, and its average annual runoff is 68 million cubic meters.

The surrounding environment is rich in biodiversity, with Yunnan Pine (云南松) and Simao Pine (思茅松) as the primary native trees, along with a variety of tea gardens, orchards, and nearly 100 species of ornamental flowers. The area forms an ecological tourism system where visitors can enjoy activities like flower viewing in spring, cooling off in summer, and fruit picking in autumn.

The lake area is a designated National Water Conservancy Scenic Area and an AA-level tourist attraction. The site is equipped with facilities such as a boat dock and cultural square. Visitors can climb the 73-meter-high granite dam to enjoy panoramic views of the Baoshan Basin.

Historical Background

The lake's predecessor, the Bei Miao Reservoir, was built in 1958 as the first high dam in Baoshan after the founding of the People's Republic of China. The project involved over 100,000 workers and took four years to complete. The dam's construction reached a height of 73 meters, and although the project faced challenges, including illness and difficult working conditions, resulting in 604 workers losing their lives, it was completed in 1962.

After undergoing safety upgrades in 2003, the reservoir was fortified to withstand a 1,000-year flood. In 2024, it was incorporated into Baoshan City's Green and Beautiful River and Lake Construction Plan, with plans for 18,000 square meters of new landscaping.

Geographic Features

The reservoir is located in the upper reaches of the East River (东河), with an elevation range between 1705 to 1912 meters. The Hangrui Expressway (杭瑞高速) divides the lake into two sections, east and west. The main structure includes a 280-meter-long main dam, a secondary dam, and five levels of terraced landscaping. The "Bei Miao Reservoir" inscription can still be found on the top of the dam.

The area's climate is characterized by a subtropical plateau monsoon climate, with an annual average temperature of 15.7°C and an annual rainfall of 1067 millimeters.

Main Functions

1. Urban Water Supply: The lake supplies over 39 million cubic meters of water annually to the 400,000 residents of Baoshan's central urban area.

2. Agricultural Irrigation: It provides water for more than 60,000 acres of farmland in the Baoshan Basin.

3. Flood Control: The lake helps protect 50,000 acres of farmland from flooding threats.

4. Hydropower Generation: The associated power station generates 500-700 kWh of electricity annually.

Ecological Landscape

The reservoir's surrounding area has an impressive 85.6% vegetation coverage, with native forests dominated by Yunnan Pine and Simao Pine. There are also several man-made forests, including tea gardens, vineyards, and flower nurseries. Along Deshengguan Road (德胜关路), you’ll find a 4.6-kilometer-long landscape corridor planted with native species like winter cherry blossoms and red acacia.

Key scenic attractions include:

• Water-based Sightseeing Area: Equipped with speedboats and sightseeing boats for visitors to enjoy the lake.

• Dam Observation Deck: Offering sweeping views of Taibao Mountain (太保山) and Ailao Mountain (哀牢山).

• Four Seasons Flower Sea: Home to 98 species of ornamental plants, including camellias, azaleas, and lotus flowers.

Tourism Development

As one of the Top Ten Tourist Destinations in Longyang District (隆阳区), the lake area is well-equipped with facilities for visitors:

• Ecological Parking Lot: Spanning 20,000 square meters.

• 500-meter-long Waterside Walking Path: Perfect for strolling along the lake.

• Water Entertainment Center: Includes a swimming pool and beach area for leisure activities.

• Food Street: A vibrant area with over 20 local food stalls offering regional delicacies.

Cultural Significance

The reservoir area holds cultural importance with several historical and commemorative features:

• 1958 Construction Monument: Marking the beginning of the reservoir project.

• Memorial Wall: Honoring the workers who contributed to its construction.

• "Siyuan" Red Exhibition Hall: Opened in 2023, showcasing historical tools and photographs related to the construction of the dam.

• 500-step Memorial Staircase: A symbol of the arduous effort the builders underwent, representing the hardships faced by the construction workers.

Each year, the site hosts "Red Memory" micro-lessons on the history of the Bei Miao Reservoir, welcoming 30,000 visitors annually.

The name Bei Miao (北庙) is rooted in a legend from the Three Kingdoms Period (三国时期). It is said that during the southern campaign of the famous general Liao Hua (廖化) of the Shu Han kingdom, the local people built a temple in his honor. Over time, the name of the temple evolved into Bei Miao Village (北庙村) due to regional dialect misinterpretations.

Visitor Information

• Location: Bei Miao Village, Banqiao Town, Longyang District, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province

• Attractions: Scenic lake views, cultural sites, water-based recreation, flower displays

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with peak beauty in spring and autumn