Haishao Reservior and Haishao Fish in Binchuan County, Dali

The Haishao Reservoir (海稍水库) is primarily used for flood control, water storage, and flow regulation, serving multiple functions. As of now, Dali Prefecture (大理州) has a total of 714 reservoirs, which not only guarantee water supply for the daily needs of the local population but also promote economic and social development throughout the region. These reservoirs play crucial roles in peak shaving, flood protection, water irrigation, and more. Let's explore the most notable reservoirs in Dali Prefecture!

The Most Productive – Haishao Reservoir

Annual Water Supply: 46.4212 million cubic meters

The Haishao Reservoir is located in Haishao Village (海稍村), Qiaodian Town (乔甸镇), Binchuan County (宾川县), part of the Jinsha River (金沙江) system. The catchment area covers 591.80 square kilometers. The dam is made of clay weathered materials, standing 33.80 meters high with a total storage capacity of 52.31 million cubic meters. Designed for an annual water supply of 46.4212 million cubic meters, it irrigates 66,000 acres of farmland and provides flood protection for 50,000 residents in the state capital and downstream areas. Construction began in 1957, and the reservoir was put into operation in 1963, with fortification works completed in 2002. Currently, it is the largest reservoir in Dali Prefecture, undergoing expansion.

The Oldest – Youfengba Reservoir

Established: 1455

Youfengba Reservoir (游丰坝水库) is located in the mountainous area of Cun’de Village (存德村), Xiangcheng Town (祥城镇), Xiangyun County (祥云县), part of the Honghe River (红河) system. Originally built in the sixth year of the Ming Dynasty (1455), it was renovated several times, including major repairs in 1730 and 1736. After being abandoned due to heavy rains in 1939, it was redesigned and completed in 1965. The dam stands 18.61 meters high with a total capacity of 1.748 million cubic meters, primarily for irrigation purposes while also providing water supply to towns.

The Largest Capacity – Cibi Lake Reservoir

Total Capacity: 91.6 million cubic meters

Cibi Lake Reservoir (茈碧湖水库) is located 3 kilometers northeast of Eryuan County (洱源县) at an altitude of 2057.5 meters. Built in 1955, the artificial dam spans 6325.8 meters. Over the years, the reservoir's capacity has reached 91.6 million cubic meters, with a flood control capacity of 17.8 million cubic meters and an annual water supply of 25 million cubic meters. It irrigates 98,000 acres and protects 192,900 residents, maintaining a water quality of Class II or above.

The Highest Elevation – Fengyu River Reservoir

Dam Height: 2914.5 meters

The Fengyu River Reservoir (凤羽河水库) is situated in the western part of Eryuan County, approximately 3 kilometers southeast of Luoping Mountain (罗坪山). It is a key water source project initiated during the 12th Five-Year Plan, construction starting in April 2013 and completed in June 2016. The reservoir has a total capacity of 4.022 million cubic meters, primarily for agricultural irrigation while also supporting rural drinking water and flood prevention.

The Tallest – Laojun Mountain Reservoir

Dam Height: 88 meters

Located on the upper reaches of the Misha River (弥沙河) in Jianchuan County (剑川县), the Laojun Mountain Reservoir (老君山水库) features a total capacity of 8.164 million cubic meters. The dam is constructed from clay and rock, standing 88 meters tall, with an annual water supply of 13.048 million cubic meters, primarily for agricultural irrigation.

The Most Spacious – Haixi Hai Reservoir

Utilizable Capacity: 41.94 million cubic meters

Located in Niujie Township (牛街乡) of Eryuan County, the Haixi Hai Reservoir (海西海水库) began construction in 1958 and underwent expansion from 1990 to 1995. After anti-seepage treatments in 2001-2002, its total capacity reached 61.854 million cubic meters, with a flood control capacity of 8.75 million cubic meters. The reservoir is vital for agricultural irrigation, protecting 100,000 residents and effectively irrigating 83,000 acres.

Haishao Fish

Origin: Dali Binchuan

Dali Haishao Fish (大理宾川海稍鱼) is renowned for its delicate texture and exquisite flavor, sourced from local water and primarily made with white-scaled fish (白鳞鱼). The fish is prepared using fresh ingredients to preserve its quality.

Cooking Methods

Ingredients:

• Main: 2000g white-scaled fish
• Seasonings: Dried chili peppers, salt, MSG, Sichuan pepper, black pepper, lettuce seed oil, garlic, green onions, ginger, coriander, and sugar.

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and cut the fish into pieces.
2. Prepare the dipping sauce with ground dried chili, garlic, and sesame.
3. For sour and spicy fish: Heat oil, fry half of the fish, season, and simmer.
4. For clear soup fish: Heat oil, fry aromatics, add fish, and simmer.

How to Get There

To reach Haishao Reservoir in Binchuan County, take public transport or self-drive from Dali City (大理市). The journey takes approximately one hour.

Travel Tips

• Visit during the dry season for the best water clarity.
• Try the local Haishao Fish at nearby eateries for an authentic experience.
• Bring along a camera to capture the beautiful scenery of the reservoir and surrounding nature.