Xiaowan Hydropower Station

Xiaowan Hydropower Station is located in the middle and lower reaches of the Lancang River in Fengqing County and Nanrun County of Yunnan Province, 49 km from  the county seat. Lancang River and Heihui River rush to the station, forming the fantastic landscape on the bank. It offers the sights of clusters of peaks, deep valley and rare animals in the forest. With a thin double curved arch concrete dam and a maximum height of 292m, Xiaowan is the important place of Lancang River.

Where is Xiaowan Hydropower Station?

Electricity Landmark Pojects

Xiaowan Hydropower Station on October 25, 04 one year ahead of schedule to achieve in damming the river. This marks the Xiaowan Hydropower Project has entered the 292 meters of concrete arch dam hyperbolic excavation and pouring the foundation stage.

The Xiaowan Hydropower Station is planning steps Lancang River in the middle and lower reaches of the second level, power plants built 4.2 million kilowatt capacity, the generating capacity of 18.853 billion, according to the State Development Planning Commission and the request of the Government of Yunnan Province, in 2005 damming the river, by the end of 2010 the first generating unit.

Xiaowan Hydropower Station started on January 20, 2002, power plants will be built a capacity of the reservoir 14.914 billion cubic meters, and power generation based both flood control, irrigation, shipping, such as sediment and Comprehensive Utilization of the effectiveness of the Lancang River lower reaches of the “leading reservoir.” Here Dam geological conditions favorable terrain, suitable for the construction of the high dam library, 292 meters long and the Xiaowan Hydropower Station, a multi-year regulating water resources, and is all the cascade hydropower stations in the middle and lower reaches of the highest one, by the concrete dam hyperbolic Gong dam, the dam toe plunge pool and two bars, the left bank of the right bank of a spillway and underground water power station.

What to See

Xiaowan Town is rich in natural resources. The main economic crops are tea, walnut, pepper, apple, persimmon, jujube, etc. There are the world’s most tea tree kings in the world, the ancient road Qinglong Bridge, and three small reservoirs, namely Huangcaoba Reservoir, Ganshaba Reservoir amd Fanxinhe Reservoir.

Ethnic Culture

Associated with the modern architecture, Xiaowan enjoys the unique and full-featured ethnic culture. It is the representative of high-quality and full-featured construction of small towns in Lincang, also the cornerstone for the development of Xiaowan tourism and the development of private economy. As the predecessor of the Xiaozu Township of the Yi nationality, it has a long history of Yi culture. Some villages still use Yi language, wear costumes, and the Yi people’s torch festival is a relatively grand festival. The Miao ethnic minority is a relatively characteristic ethnic minority living in the territory. They retain the traditional costumes and customs, use their own language and believe in Christianity.

Useful Travel Tips

To the natural scenery of Xiaowan Power Station, you should have an understanding of the natural landscape of Xiaowan Power Station before the departure of Fengqing Scenic Spot. If you follow the tour group, the tour guide will explain the human geography of the natural landscape of Xiaowan Power Station. If it is a self-guided tour, you must refer to the natural scenery of Xiaowan Power Station. Finally, it is essential to travel with friends and relatives, and use photos to record the joyful mood of the natural scenery in Xiaowan Power Station.

About Xiluodu Hydropower Plant

The 13.86GW Xiluodu hydroelectric power plant on Jinsha Jiang River, China, was inaugurated in September 2013. It was fully operational in June 2014, becoming the world’s third biggest hydroelectric power plant. The project includes a dam, an underground power-generation unit and a flood discharge structure. It is mainly developed for power generation, and sediment and flood control while also improving the downstream navigation of the river. Xiluodu power plant offsets approximately 150m tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year. It reduces the consumption of 41 million tonnes of coal for electricity generation. However, the project displaced approximately 180,000 people.

The Three Gorges Project Corporation, which developed China’s biggest hydropower plant Three Gorges, also developed the Xiluodu power plant. The Xiluodu plant generates 64bkWh of electricity a year.

About Xiluodu Dam

The Xiluodu Dam is located on the Jinsha (Upper Yangtze) River as it exits the mountainous region of the Hengduan Mountains and Yungui Plateau and enters the Sichuan Basin. This part of the Jinsha flows between the Daliang Mountains in Sichuan on the left (northwest) bank, and the Wulian Feng in Yunnan on the right (southeast) bank. The Jinsha falls to an elevation of 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level here while mountains rise more than 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above the Jinsha on either side.

The Xiluodu Dam is an arch dam on the Jinsha River, i.e. the upper course of the Yangtze in China. It is located near the town of Xiluodu in Yongshan County of Yunnan Province but the dam straddles into Leibo County of Sichuan Province on the opposite side of the river. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation and its power station has an installed capacity of 13,860 MW. Additionally, the dam provides for flood control, silt control and its regulated water releases are intended to improve navigation downstream. Construction on the dam and power station began in 2005 and the first generator was commissioned in 2013, the last in 2014. It is operated by China Yangtze Power and is currently the third-largest power station with the fourth-tallest dam in the world.

Power transmission from the Xiluodu power plant

The Xiluodu power plant generates roughly 64TWh of power a year. The power is transmitted via the Xiluodu-Zhejiang and Xiluodu-Guangdong overhead transmission lines. 

The Xiluodu-Guangdong HVDC project is a double 500-kV bipole system with a transmission capacity of 6,400MW. The power is transferred from Zhaotong station in Xiluodo to Conghua station in Guangdong via 1,286km-long transmission line.

The electricity generated from the left bank power house is sold to State Grid Corporation of China. The electricity from the right bank is sold to China Southern Power Grid. The respective electricity sales contracts were signed in July 2013.

Chinese Name: 漫湾电站
English Name: Manwan Hydropower Station between Jingdong and Yunxian

Introduction:

Lincang Manwan Hydropower Station in Yunxian County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Manwan Hydropower Station in Lincang(漫湾电站).

The Lancang river is about 2,100km long, with a total drop of about 5,000m and a catchment area of 174,000km², of which 1,240km with a catchment area of 91,000km² is in Yunnan Province. In accordance with the river development planning two large reservoirs and eight cascade hydropower stations are to be constructed on the middle reaches of the river. The Manwan Hydropower Station is the 6^th one and  Xiaowan hydropower project will create a large reservoir on its upstream.

The catchment area at the Manwan dam site is 114,500km². The Manwan reservoir has a total storage capacity of 1,006 million m³ and an effective storage of 257 million m³. Its normal water level is 994.00m, with a corresponding storage of 920 million m³. Its dead water levels are 982.00m and 988.00m before and after the completion of the Xiaowan hydropower station respectively. Its dead storage is 663 million m³ before the completion of the Xiaowan Hydropower Station. 

The main purpose of the Manwan hydropower project is to generate electricity. The project which is classified as grade 1 in terms of its size and importance is constructed in two phases. Its total installed capacity is 1,500MW including 1,250MW in the first phase and 250MW in the second phase. All five generating units in the first phase were put into operation in June of 1995. An underground diversion type power station is to be constructed on the right bank in the second phase, whose intake is arranged about 180m upstream from the Manwan dam.
The commissioning of the Manwan Hydropower Station plays an important role in the development of the national economy in Yunnan Province, development of the Lancang River, implementation of the strategy of ransmitting electric power to other provinces and abroad from Yunnan as well as development of the electric power industry in Yunnan Province.

Main Project Data:
The Manwan dam is of a concrete gravity structure with a straight axis at NE75^o 55′ 32.89″. The dam, with its crest length of 418m at El.1,002.00m, is composed of 19 sections.  The maximum dam height is 132m and the volume of the dam is 1,5484 million m³.

The flood releasing structure of the Manwan hydropower project consists of 5 crest spillway , 2 low-level  outlets and 1 tunnel spillway . The structure featured with frequent operation, large discharge, high energy, long duration and energy dissipation by river bend during the flood period. The crest spillway 1# through 5# are installed between the sections 9# and 14#. The maximum discharge of each crest spillway  is 2,405m³/s (at the design flood level, the same below). The two low-level  outlets, one long and the other short, are located in the section 15#, with their maximum discharge of 2,436m³/s. The  tunnel spillway is arranged in the left bank , with a maximum discharge of 2,344m³/s. The five crest spillway  and the left bank tunnel spillway   can be operated at 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5 openings and full opening separately. The two low-level outlets can be operated at 1/2 and full openings respectively. The right bank low-level sediment flushing outlet is placed in the dam section 8# with its inlet being at El. 896.00m, while the left  one in the dam section 14# with its inlet  at El. 916.00m.

The water diversion system for power generation is installed inside the dam. The five penstocks are connected with the scroll cases of the turbo-generator sets from No.6 through No.2. Each one is 97.449m in length and 7.5m in diameter. The power intake is equipped with a 7.00mx11.5m bulkhead gate and a 7.00mx9.00m emergency gate, with its bottom plate at El. 945.00m. The power discharge for each is 316m³/s.

The powerhouse accommodates five 250MW turbo-generator sets. All key equipment is made in China. The rated head of the turbine is 89m. The type of the turbine is HL-231-LJ-550 and that of the generator is SF250-48/12650. The design energy output of the power station is 6,200 GWh and 7,784GWh before and after the completion of the Xiaowan Hydropower Station respectively. The total design installed capacity of the power station is 1,500MW. The first generating unit was put into commissioning in June of 1993 and the other four in June of 1995 in the first phase of the project.

Features of the Project:
An overlapping type layout scheme is adopted for the Manwan Hydropower Project, which consists of a concrete gravity dam, a powerhouse at dam toe, 220kV and 500kV substations, a plunge pool and a left bank tunnel spillway . The concrete gravity dam is connected with the powerhouse at dam toe. In order to improve the stability of the dam and the powerhouse, the powerhouse is separated from the dam on the top and jointed the dam at the bottom. A closed double-spanned slab-wall frame structure was selected for both the powerhouse and the auxiliary plant. The plunge pool protects the dam foundation and improves the high slope stability. The factors of large discharge during the flood period and the narrow river channel at the dam site were considered in the layout of the project complex.

The Shilongba Hydropower Station is located in Haikou Street (海口街道), Xishan District (西山区), Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China. Situated next to Qingyutang Village (青鱼塘村) by the Tángláng River (螳螂川), it is 14 km from Haikou and 30 km from Kunming, covering an area of approximately 230 acres. The hydropower station is under the ownership of China Huadian Corporation (中国华电集团有限公司).

The construction of the first plant began in July 1910 during the Qing Dynasty and started generating electricity on May 28, 1912. Subsequent expansions saw the addition of a second workshop in 1935, a third workshop in 1943, and a fourth one in 1958. The station has become a key industrial and historical site in China, recognized by various national and provincial bodies for its heritage value.

Historical Development

Official Construction

In 1895, following the First Sino-Japanese War, France forced the Qing government to sign a series of unequal treaties. After the construction of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, France pressured the Qing government to allow the railway extension into China under the Treaty of Additional Articles on Boundary and Commercial Affairs (《中法续议界务商务专条》). In 1897, a French team entered Yunnan to conduct railway surveys, and they chose Shilongba as the site for a power station to supply electricity to the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway.

However, this plan was met with strong opposition from the local community, who advocated for “national salvation through industry” (实业救国). In 1909, Yunnan’s governor-general, Li Jingxi (李经羲), authorized the development of Tángláng River’s hydropower resources. This led to the formation of the privately-operated Yáolóng Electric Lighting Co. Ltd. (耀龙电灯股份公司), spearheaded by businessman Wang Hongtu (王鸿图). The station officially started construction on August 21, 1910.

Key Milestones

• 1910-1912: The first phase of the power plant was constructed, including a dam, intake structures, and a 1478-meter-long water channel. The plant initially installed two 240 kW water turbine generator units, producing electricity to power Kunming via a 32-kilometer transmission line.
• 1930-1945: Expansion works continued, including the construction of additional workshops and increasing the plant’s capacity. By the mid-1930s, the plant had an installed capacity of 1272 kW.
• 1958: The fourth workshop was completed, adding further capacity and upgrading the plant to keep up with modern demands.

Architectural Layout

Shilongba Hydropower Station uses the natural flow of Tángláng River and the elevation drop to generate power. The facility includes several important structures, such as:

• Middle Sand Pump Station (中滩抽水泵站): A crucial part of China’s first pumped-storage power station.
• Gǔnlóng Dam (滚龙坝): This dam helps to regulate water flow and store up to 255,000 cubic meters of water.
• Powerhouse: The main buildings include four plants (one built post-1949) and a substation.

The engineering marvels of Shilongba, from its intake structures to the advanced design of its water channels and sand filters, ensured efficient water utilization and high-quality electricity generation.

Key Attractions

First Workshop

The first workshop of the Shilongba Hydropower Station was completed in 1912. Initially equipped with 480 kW capacity, the station was later upgraded in 1930 to handle 1272 kW. In 1988, one of the original 240 kW units was restored, adding two additional 200 kW generators.

Second Workshop

Built in 1935, the second workshop added another 448 kW unit to the plant’s capacity.

Third Workshop

The third workshop was built in 1943 and went operational on August 1, 1945. It housed upgraded equipment to meet growing power demands.

Fourth Workshop

The fourth workshop was completed in 1954, and expanded further in 1957 to include additional generators. This phase helped modernize the plant’s operations, further cementing its place in China’s industrial history.

Shilongba Hydropower Museum

The Yunnan Shilongba Hydropower Museum (云南石龙坝水电博物馆) is housed in a traditional courtyard building. The museum displays important relics from the power station’s history, including an antique German-made safe, high-voltage switches, and control panels from the early 1900s. Stone steles documenting the achievements of key engineers and the station’s construction are also featured.

Historical Events

Shilongba has witnessed significant historical moments:

• 1927: The station was the site of the founding of the Shilongba Branch of the Communist Party of China (中共云南地下党石龙坝支部委员会), one of the earliest grassroots Party branches in Yunnan Province.
• 1940: On December 16, 1940, the plant was attacked by Japanese aircraft, causing damage to the first workshop and other parts of the plant. A pond built afterward was named “Feilai Pond” (飞来池) in memory of the attack.

Leadership Inscriptions

Shilongba Hydropower Station has received praise from various national leaders over the years:

• Li Rui (李锐), former Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Electric Power, inscribed the following during a 1957 inspection:
  “The power plant resembles a temple, with couplets praising the moonlight. Kunming Shilongba, may you last as long as the 1911 Revolution.”
  (“电厂似庵堂，楹联赞月光。昆明石龙坝，寿共辛亥长。”)
• Li Peng (李鹏), Premier of the People’s Republic of China, offered the following words during the plant’s 80th-anniversary celebration in 1990:
  “Promote the spirit of self-reliance, accelerate the construction of hydropower in Yunnan.”
  (“发扬自力更生精神，加快云南水电建设。”)

Other notable inscriptions were made by prominent figures such as Song Renqiong (宋任穷), Qian Zhengying (钱正英), and many others, emphasizing the plant’s role as a pioneer of China’s hydropower industry.

Value and Significance

Shilongba Hydropower Station is recognized as China’s first hydropower plant and the first pumped-storage power station. It holds a special place in Chinese industrial heritage due to its innovative design, historical importance, and contributions to the development of Yunnan’s infrastructure and energy sectors.

It has been designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (全国重点文物保护单位) and has been included in both the Industrial Heritage Protection List (中国工业遗产保护名录) and the National Industrial Heritage List (国家工业遗产名单), highlighting its continued legacy in Chinese history.

Location:

Overview

The Maguo River Hydropower Station (富民县马过河电站) is a crucial renewable energy facility located on the banks of the Maguo River (马过河) in Fumin County (富民县), Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. This hydropower station harnesses the flow of the river to generate electricity, contributing significantly to the local and regional power supply.

Key Features

Energy Generation

• Installed Capacity: The hydropower station has a substantial installed capacity, which allows it to generate a significant amount of electricity, supporting the energy needs of Fumin County and surrounding areas.
• Renewable Energy Source: As a renewable energy facility, the hydropower station plays a vital role in promoting sustainable energy practices and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Structural Characteristics

• Design: The hydropower station features modern engineering and design, optimized for efficient water flow and electricity generation.
• Reservoir: The facility includes a reservoir that regulates water flow, ensuring a consistent supply of water for power generation throughout the year.

Economic Impact

Local Development

• Job Creation: The construction and operation of the hydropower station have created job opportunities for local residents, contributing to the economic development of Fumin County.
• Support for Industries: The reliable electricity supply supports local industries and businesses, enhancing their productivity and growth potential.

Contribution to the Grid

• Energy Supply: The hydropower station supplies electricity to the local grid, improving energy reliability for households and businesses.
• Regional Integration: By providing energy to neighboring areas, the station fosters regional integration and development.

Environmental Considerations

Ecological Impact

• Sustainability Practices: The hydropower station implements measures to minimize environmental impact, ensuring the protection of the river ecosystem and surrounding habitats.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Efforts are made to monitor and protect local flora and fauna, maintaining ecological balance in the area.

Educational Initiatives

• Public Awareness: The station serves as an educational site, promoting awareness of renewable energy and sustainable practices among local communities and visitors.
• Research Opportunities: Researchers and students can study the environmental and economic impacts of hydropower, contributing to ongoing discussions about renewable energy solutions.

The Maguo River Hydropower Station is a vital component of Fumin County’s energy infrastructure, playing a crucial role in promoting renewable energy, supporting local economic development, and maintaining ecological balance. Its impact is felt not only within the county but also throughout the surrounding regions, making it an essential asset for sustainable growth in Yunnan Province.

Chinese Name:凤庆小湾大坝旅游区
English Name: Xiaowan Dam Tourist Area of Mekong River in Fengqing County, Lincang
The Xiaowan Dam (simplified Chinese: 小湾坝) is an arch dam on the Lancang (Mekong) River in Nanjian County, Yunnan Province, southwest China. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation and it supports a 4,200 MW power station. Constructed between 2002 and 2010 by Huaneng Power International at a cost of ¥32 billion (nearly US$3.9 billion), it is the world’s second highest arch dam at 292 m (958 ft). It is also third highest among dams of all types behind Jinping-I and Nurek and the third largest hydroelectric power station in China.

Background
The feasibility study for the dam was completed in 1992, with it as part of the Lancang River Project. In 1995 the report was reviewed and approved by the Chinese government. Three years later in 1998, a consortium to fund and construct the dam was organized. In 1999, preliminary construction (roads, bridges, river diversion) began. Official construction on the dam started on 1 January 2002. The river was diverted by November 2003 and concrete pouring began in 2005. The river diversion was closed and the reservoir began to impound in November 2007.[1] The first generator was commissioned in September 2009 and the dam was complete in March 2010.[4][7] The last of the six generators went operational on 22 August 2010.[8] The creation of the dam’s reservoir submerged 55,678 ha (137,583 acres) of land and displaced 32,737 people.

Specifications
The Xiaowan Dam is a 292 m (958 ft) tall and 902 m (2,959 ft) long double-curvature arch dam. Its crest is 13 m (43 ft) wide while the base sits at 69 m (226 ft) in width. The dam’s crest is at an elevation of 1,245 m (4,085 ft) while the normal reservoir level is slightly lower at 1,240 m (4,068 ft). The dam’s reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 15,043,000,000 m3 (12,196,000 acre·ft); of that capacity, 9,895,000,000 m3 (8,022,000 acre·ft) is active (or “useful”) storage. The dam traps water from a catchment area covering 113,300 km2 (43,700 sq mi). The surface of the reservoir at normal level covers 190 km2 (73 sq mi).

Helping to control floods, the dam has two spillways, 5 gates near the crest and a tunnel on the left bank. The gates can discharge up to 5,130 m3/s (181,164 cu ft/s) while the tunnel has a maximum discharge of 4,884 m3/s (172,477 cu ft/s). In the middle portion of the dam, there are six orifice openings that can discharge 6,500 m3/s (229,545 cu ft/s). In addition, the dam can release additional water and sediment with two bottom outlets. All of the dam’s outlets including the power station give it a maximum flood discharge of 20,709 m3/s (731,331 cu ft/s).

On the right bank of the dam is the power station intake which receives water into six 9.6 m (31 ft) diameter penstocks which each feed a 700 MW Francis turbine-turbine in the underground power station. The drop in elevation from the intake to the turbine affords a maximum hydraulic head of 251 m (823 ft). Once discharged by the turbine, the water is sent down one of two 18 m (59 ft) diameter tailrace tunnels towards the river.

The Ahai Dam (阿海水电站) is a gravity dam on the Jinsha River in Yulong County, Lijiang Prefecture, Yunnan and in the river reach at about 5 km in the lower reaches of Cuiyu River mouth. Preliminary construction began in 2008 and construction on the dam superstructure and power station began in 2010. The dams first generator was operational in December 2012, the third by May 2013.^[1][2] The fifth and final generator was commissioned on 9 June 2014.

Overview

The Ahai Hydropower Station (阿海水电站) is the fourth tier of the “one reservoir and eight levels” development scheme recommended in the “Hydropower Planning Report for the Middle Reaches of the Jinsha River (金沙江中游河段水电规划报告).” It connects upstream with the Liyuan Hydropower Station (梨园水电站) and neighbors the Jin’anqiao Hydropower Station (金安桥水电站) downstream. This station is a vital power source for the Jinsha River Hydropower Base, with a maximum dam height of 130 meters, a total reservoir capacity of 882 million cubic meters, and an effective capacity of 218 million cubic meters, providing daily regulation capability.

The station has a total installed capacity of 2 million kilowatts and an average annual power generation of 8.877 billion kWh, with a static investment of approximately 13.6 billion yuan.

The primary focus of the Ahai Hydropower Station is power generation, with additional benefits in flood control and irrigation, making it significantly important for regional economic development and the implementation of the “West-to-East Power Transmission” strategy.

General Information

• Chinese Name: 阿海水电站
• Location: Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省)
• Opening Hours: Open all day
• Ticket Price: Free
• Notable Attractions: Ahai Hydropower Station Rare Plant Garden (阿海水电站珍稀植物园)
• Upstream Station: Liyuan Hydropower Station (梨园水电站)
• Downstream Station: Jin’anqiao Hydropower Station (金安桥水电站)
• Waterway: Upper reaches of the Yangtze River (长江), Jinsha River (金沙江)
• Total Installed Capacity: 2 million kilowatts
• Average Annual Power Generation: 8.877 billion kWh
• Country: China (中国)
• City: Lijiang (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省)
• Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour
• Best Season to Visit: Summer (夏季)
• Reservoir Capacity: 806 million m³ (有效库容2.18亿m³)

Project Overview

The dam site of the Ahai Hydropower Station is located at the junction of Yulong County (玉龙县) and Ninglang County (宁蒗县) along the middle reaches of the Jinsha River. The project is a comprehensive hydraulic and hydropower hub focused on electricity generation, with additional roles in flood control and irrigation. The dam is classified as a major (1) grade project, with permanent main hydraulic structures designed as first-grade constructions.

The project consists of a concrete gravity dam, a left bank overflow surface hole, energy dissipation pool, left bank flood discharge sand flushing hole, right bank sand discharge hole, and main auxiliary power houses behind the dam. The maximum dam height is 130 m, and the normal water level is set at 1504.00 m, with a corresponding reservoir capacity of 806 million cubic meters.

The dead storage level is 1492.00 m, with a dead storage capacity of 700 million cubic meters and an adjustable reservoir capacity of 106 million cubic meters. This classification marks it as a daily regulated reservoir. The total installed capacity of the station is 2000 MW, with an average annual power generation of 8.877 billion kWh. The total construction period for the project is 98 months, with the dam’s first unit expected to generate power by December of the seventh year. The total static investment is approximately 13.6 billion yuan.

Reservoir Area

Once the dam is completed, the normal water level will create a reservoir capacity of 806 million cubic meters, with a total capacity of 882 million cubic meters and a regulation capacity of 238 million cubic meters. The Ahai Hydropower Station reservoir reaches a water level of 1504 m, with a backwater length of approximately 75.3 km, affecting four counties: Muli County (木里县), Yulong County (玉龙县), Ninglang County (宁蒗县), and Shangri-La County (香格里拉县) in the Liangshan Prefecture (凉山州), Lijiang City (丽江市), and Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州).

The total inundation area due to the reservoir is approximately 23.42 square kilometers, comprising 15.9 square kilometers of land and 7.52 square kilometers of water. The submerged area affects 2655 mu of arable land, 2865 mu of protective forest land, and 29431 mu of unused land. There are 34 affected village residential areas, with a total submerged population of 623.

The reservoir creates approximately 22.67 square kilometers of usable water surface, providing a beautiful setting that promotes local tourism development.

Land Acquisition and Resettlement

The land acquisition for the Ahai Hydropower Station involves Yulong County (玉龙县), Ninglang County (宁蒗县), Shangri-La County (香格里拉县) in Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州), and Muli County (木里县) in Liangshan Prefecture (凉山州). The construction area is characterized by sparse population and rugged mountain gorges, with 8424 mu of farmland submerged and a planned relocation population of 2538 people.

The resettlement for the Ahai Hydropower Station is notable for its minimal land submergence and few displaced people compared to other hydropower projects of similar scale, presenting unique developmental advantages. The resettlement planning report for this project is the first large-scale hydropower engineering resettlement planning report prepared according to the “Regulations on Land Acquisition Compensation and Resettlement for Large and Medium-sized Water Conservancy and Hydropower Projects” (State Council Order No. 471) and the 2007 edition of the “Planning and Design Specifications for Resettlement in Hydropower Engineering Construction,” providing valuable experience for similar national projects.

Transportation to the Station

The dam site is approximately 130 km from Lijiang City (丽江市), 636 km from Kunming City (昆明市), and 299 km from Panzhihua City (攀枝花市). The eastern railway line has been connected to Geli Ping and links to Chengkun Railway via the Panzhihua-Geli Ping branch line. The southern railway line has reached Dali (大理), and construction on the Dali to Lijiang railway has commenced, projected to be completed by 2008.

The left bank of the hydropower station is in Ninglang County (宁蒗县), and the right bank is in Yulong County (玉龙县). The transportation status from Ninglang County to the dam site includes a 32 km fourth-grade road to Hongqiao Township (红桥乡) and a 22 km non-standard road to Cuiyu Township (翠玉乡), followed by a 19.2 km simple road leading to Kuzhi Village (库枝村).

Background

The dam section is a transverse valley with a water surface 60 to 150 m wide and low water level of 1048 m. The landforms on both banks are basically symmetrical. There is a measurement of about 50 m wide tableland and about 30 degrees above water surface in the left bank, and the slope in the right bank is about 27 degree and the slope above the elevation of 1500 m is about 48 degree. There is poor sand and soil materials and abundant limestone material satisfied with requirement of quality and reserves within 20 km in the dam area, which is qualified for setting up low dam according to existing geological data. In the light of topographic and geological conditions, the Ahai Dam section can be considered as local material dam type with low height of swell, suitable for connection of backwater with Liyuan cascade. The dam has normal water level of 1514 m, total reservoir capacity of 1.08 billion cubic meters and installed capacity of 2,000,000-2,200,000 kW. Now, a low-cost road to Niukexu has been opened to traffic, and there is only an about 5 km long path to the dam section.

Environmental impact

This project marked the first time representatives from Chinese environmental groups were invited to participate in the environmental impact assessment for a major hydropower project in China, according to the First Financial Daily. Representatives of the Institute for Public & Environmental Affairs and the Green Earth Volunteers took part in the meeting to conduct technical evaluation on environmental impact assessment for the dam on the Jinsha River on December 29–30, 2008 in Beijing.

Overview

Lubbog Hydropower Station (鲁布革水电站) is situated in the remote mountainous gorges at the border between Yunnan Province (云南省) and Guizhou Province (贵州省), specifically within Luoping County (罗平县) and Xingyi City (兴义市). This significant engineering project was prioritized during China’s “Six Five” and “Seven Five” development periods. Notably, it was the first project in China to undergo international public tendering, and in the late 20th century, it achieved several national milestones, earning recognition as a “window” for the country’s hydropower infrastructure development.

Construction Timeline

The Lubbog Hydropower Station’s journey began with preliminary planning in 1957. Construction officially commenced in November 1982, and the first generating unit became operational by December 1988. The entire project was completed by the end of 1990. The dam is a rock-fill structure, with a maximum height of 103.8 meters, and operates as a diversion-type hydropower station. Its primary function is electricity generation, boasting an installed capacity of 600 MW and an average annual output of approximately 2.849 billion kWh.

Key Details

• Location: Huangni River (黄泥河), a tributary of the Nanpan River (南盘江), Luoping County (罗平县), Yunnan Province (云南省) and Xingyi City (兴义市), Guizhou Province (贵州省)
• Type: Diversion-type hydropower station
• Installed Capacity: 600 MW
• Maximum Dam Height: 103.8 meters
• Established: November 1982
• Postal Code: 655800

Technical Specifications

Managed by the China Southern Power Grid Company, the Lubbog Hydropower Station serves as the last cascade station on the left bank of the Nanpan River. This facility utilized advanced technology, being the first in China to implement World Bank loans and international tendering for construction. The reservoir features a drainage area of 7,300 square kilometers, with an average annual inflow of 5.17 billion cubic meters and sediment transport estimated at 3.44 million tons.

Hydropower Components

The station comprises several key structures:

• Intake Structures: Includes the rock-fill dam, flood discharge facilities, and water intake systems.
• Power Generation: Equipped with four 150 MW turbine generators, yielding an average annual output of 2.75 billion kWh.
• Transmission Lines: Electricity is transmitted via four 220 kV and two 110 kV lines, primarily supplying power to Kunming (昆明) and the Xingyi region in Guizhou.

Engineering Features

The construction of the dam and associated infrastructure involved various engineering techniques, including:

• Rock-fill Dam: The dam’s top elevation reaches 1138 meters.
• Flood Management: Features an open spillway and discharge tunnels for efficient flood control.
• Electromechanical Equipment: Designed for high efficiency, stability, and the ability to handle high sediment loads.

Key Suppliers

• Generator: Siemens (西门子), Germany
• Turbines and Valves: Kvaerner (克维聂), Norway
• Transformers: Sumitomo (住友), Japan

Recognition

During its construction, the Lubbog Hydropower Station set 14 national records. It has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the National Excellent Survey (Gold) Award, National Excellent Design (Gold) Award, and the Luban Prize for Construction Projects.

How to Get There

To reach Lubbog Hydropower Station, travelers can:

1. Fly into Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场).
2. From the airport, take a bus or rent a car to Luoping County (罗平县), which is approximately 280 km away.
3. Local buses or taxis can also be arranged for travel from Luoping to the dam.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The optimal seasons are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
• Safety Precautions: Always check the local weather forecast, especially during the rainy season, as conditions can change rapidly.
• Local Guides: Hiring a local guide can enhance the experience, providing insights into the area’s history, culture, and ecology.
• Photography: The dam and its scenic surroundings present excellent photo opportunities, particularly during sunrise and sunset.
• Hydropower Education: Visitors can learn about hydropower technology and its importance in sustainable energy development.

Chinese Name: 云县大朝山电站
English Name: Dachaoshan Hydropower Station in Yunxian County, Lincang

The Dachaoshan Hydropower Station is located on the Lancang River, which forms the border between Yunnan Province’s Yun County and Jingdong Yi Autonomous County. It is a downstream cascade in the middle and lower reaches of the Lancang River, immediately following the Manwan Hydropower Station. The station is 70 kilometers downstream from Manwan. It has a total installed capacity of 1350 MW, with an average annual power generation of 5.931 billion kWh. After the construction of the upstream Xiaowan Hydropower Station, this capacity could reach 7.021 billion kWh.

Basic Parameters:

• Distance from Manwan Hydropower Station: 70 kilometers
• Design Flood: 500-year flood peak flow of 18,200 cubic meters/second; 5,000-year flood peak flow of 23,800 cubic meters/second
• Catchment Area: 121,000 square kilometers
• Average Flow: 1,330 cubic meters/second
• Normal Reservoir Water Level: 899 meters
• Total Reservoir Capacity: 940 million cubic meters
• Regulated Reservoir Capacity: 360 million cubic meters
• Inundated Farmland: 825.7 hectares
• Displaced Population: 6,100, with only 84 below the inundation line

Engineering Design:

• Dam Type: Riverbed roller-compacted concrete (RCC) overflow gravity dam
• Maximum Dam Height: 111 meters
• Dam Top Elevation: 906 meters
• Dam Top Length: 480 meters
• Foundation Rock Type: Mainly basalt with interbedded thin layers of tuff
• Flood Control Facilities:
  • 5 overflow sluice gates (14m×17m)
  • 3 flood discharge bottom sluices (7.5m×10m)
  • 1 sediment discharge sluice (3m×6m)

Powerhouse and Turbine Configuration:

• Underground Powerhouse: Includes main and auxiliary powerhouse, installation room, main transformer chamber, tailwater regulation chamber, tailwater tunnels, etc.
• Main Powerhouse: Length 233.9 meters, apex span 28 meters, excavation span 30.92 meters, side wall span 25.5 meters
• Main Transformer Chamber: Length 157.35 meters, width 16.2 meters, height 17.95 meters
• Tailwater Regulation Chamber: Length 216 meters, width 22.4 meters, height 72.63 meters
• Turbine Configuration: 6 units, each with a capacity of 225 MW

Power Transmission:

• Voltage Levels: 500 kV and 220 kV
• 500 kV Transmission Lines: 2 lines to Kunming
• GIS Equipment: Located in the switchgear building

Construction and Development:

• Construction Start Date: 1992
• Diversion Tunnel Completion: May 1996
• National Approval for Construction: August 4, 1997
• Main Dam Construction Start: November 10, 1997
• First Unit Commissioned: End of 2001
• Total Construction Period: 8 years
• Earth and Rock Excavation: 5.18 million cubic meters (including tunnel excavation of 1.57 million cubic meters)
• Concrete Used: 2.04 million cubic meters (including 0.9 million cubic meters of RCC)
• Total Investment: 8.87 billion RMB

Investment and Management:

The Dachaoshan Hydropower Station was financed by the National Development and Investment Corporation, Hongta Group, Yunnan Province Investment Company, and the Yunnan Provincial Electric Power Bureau, who jointly established Yunnan Dachaoshan Hydropower Co., Ltd. for the construction and management of the project.

Design and Construction Units:

• Design Unit: Beijing Electric Power Design Institute of the State Power Corporation
• Geological Survey: Kunming Survey and Design Institute
• Major Construction Units: China Water Resources and Hydropower First Engineering Bureau, Third Engineering Bureau, Eighth Engineering Bureau, Fourteenth Engineering Bureau, and Gezhouba Engineering Bureau

The Dachaoshan Hydropower Station is a significant hydropower project in western China, crucial for regional economic development and energy supply.

Tourist Attraction Overview:

Dachaoshan-Ganhai Lake Scenic Area

Dachaoshan-Ganhai Lake Scenic Area, located in Lincang City, Yunnan Province, is renowned for its natural beauty. It features lush forests, rhododendrons, mountains, and rivers all in one place, offering a unique and captivating landscape. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the continuous mountain ranges, relax in the resorts, and experience the grandeur of the hydropower station. Scenic phenomena such as sunrise at Dachaoshan, morning mist over the Lancang River, and cloud seas on misty mountains are particularly popular and attract many tourists.

Attraction Distribution:

The Dachaoshan-Ganhai Lake Scenic Area covers 190.8 square kilometers in Yun County. It consists of four main zones: Wenwan-Wenzhu River, Dachaoshan-Daxue Mountain, Aihua Town, and Liangshan Tianchi. With a total of 129 scenic spots, the area is vibrant and bustling, especially during the Torch Festival, which is a must-see event.

Scenic Area Qualifications:

• Provincial-level scenic area

Special Features:

• Leisure, sightseeing, vacation, resorts, mountains, rivers

Travel Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: May to August, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
• Shopping Recommendations:
  • Goods: Yun County white flower papaya, Yongbao winter radish, and Brown ethnic group瓦房帽 (tile-roof hats).
  • Food: Wangzi rice noodles, spicy dry meat strips, and ham papaya chicken.

Travel Guide for Visiting Dachaoshan with Children:

Pre-trip Preparation:

1. Choose Travel Dates: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to favorable weather and scenic beauty.
2. Book Transportation: Fly, take the train, or use long-distance buses to reach Lincang City, then transfer to local transportation to Dachaoshan.
3. Arrange Accommodation: Book family-friendly hotels or guesthouses in advance.
4. Prepare Supplies: Pack suitable clothing based on weather forecasts, including sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and necessary medicines and first aid supplies.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Lincang City and settle into your accommodation. Explore nearby attractions like the Lincang City Museum to learn about local history and culture.
• Day 2: Head to Dachaoshan early in the morning. You can take a cable car to the top of the mountain to enjoy the scenic views. At the top, visit the observation deck for panoramic views and take photos.
• Day 3: Explore Dachaoshan’s natural scenery. Choose to hike or ride horses to see waterfalls, streams, and ancient trees. If your children are interested in local culture, visit nearby ethnic minority villages to experience different cultural traditions.

Important Notes:

• Safety First: The mountainous terrain can be challenging, so keep a close watch on children and avoid letting them wander alone.
• Food Arrangements: Mountain cuisine may differ from urban food. Bring some snacks that your children enjoy and that are easy to store.
• Environmental Awareness: Teach children to protect the environment by not littering and not damaging plants.
• Insect Protection: Use insect repellent on children and dress them in long sleeves to protect against insects.

Entertainment Activities:

• Participate in local ethnic festivals to let children experience different cultural atmospheres.
• For outdoor enthusiasts, arrange simple hikes or treasure hunts to add fun to the trip.

Returning Home:

• Final Check: On the night before departure, check all luggage to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Departure Planning: Schedule your check-out and return trip according to your transportation departure times.

Overall, with careful planning, consideration of safety and health, and attention to your children’s interests, a trip to Dachaoshan can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

The Liyuan Dam(梨园电站) is a concrete-face rock-fill dam on the Jinsha River on the border of Yulong County and Shangri-La County, Yunnan Province, China. The dam has an associated hydroelectric power station with a 2,400 MW power station containing 4 x 600 MW generators. Construction on the river diversion for the dam began in 2008.^[1][2] It began to impound its reservoir in November 2014 and on December 28, 2014 the first generator was commissioned. The second generator was commissioned in July 2015.

The 155 m (509 ft) dam withholds a reservoir of 727,000,000 m³ (589,388 acre⋅ft), of which 209,000,000 m³ (169,439 acre⋅ft) is active or “useful” storage. The normal reservoir level is 1,618 m (5,308 ft) above sea level with a minimum of 1,602 m (5,256 ft). The catchment area for the reservoir in the upstream basin is 220,000 km² (84,942 sq mi) while the reservoir surface area is 14.73 km² (6 sq mi).

The Liyuan Hydropower Station is located on the mainstream of the Jinsha River, at the border between Yulong County in Lijiang City and Shangri-La County in Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is the third step in the “one reservoir, eight levels” hydropower development plan for the middle reaches of the Jinsha River.

Project Overview

This is a Category I (1) large-scale project, primarily focused on power generation, with additional benefits for flood control, tourism, and more. The power station has an installed capacity of 2,400 MW (4×600 MW), and when operating jointly with the upstream Longpan Reservoir, it has an annual power generation of 10.703 billion kWh, with a guaranteed output of 1,103 MW. The main components of the project include water retention, flood discharge and sediment flushing, the power station’s water diversion system, and the power station located at the dam’s downstream bank. Key structures include a concrete face rockfill dam, a spillway on the right bank, a flood discharge and sediment flushing tunnel on the left bank, and a water diversion and power generation system on the left bank. The total reservoir capacity is 805 million cubic meters, with a maximum dam height of 155 meters, a normal water level of 1,618 meters, and a dead water level of 1,602 meters. The storage capacity corresponding to the normal water level is 727 million cubic meters, with an effective storage capacity of 209 million cubic meters, providing weekly regulation capability. The dam site controls a catchment area of 220,000 square kilometers, with a multi-year average flow of 1,430 cubic meters per second. The total construction period of the project is 87 months, with a total investment of approximately 16.12 billion RMB. The first generating unit is scheduled to start producing power in December of the sixth year. The static investment for the project is approximately 14.158 billion RMB.

Location

The Liyuan Hydropower Station is situated at the river section on the border between Shangri-La County (left bank) in Diqing Prefecture and Yulong County (right bank) in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. Upstream, it connects with the Longpan Hydropower Station, and downstream with the Aha Hydropower Station. The dam site is 204 km by road from Lijiang City, 174 km via the Wenhua-Lijiang Road (166 km through the Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area to Lijiang), 354 km from Dali City, and 680 km from Kunming. The road distance to Panzhihua City is approximately 455 km (via Ninglang).

Project Benefits

The primary task of the project is power generation, but upon completion, it can also support tourism, reservoir navigation, and promote coordinated economic, social, and environmental development in the region.

Land Use

At a normal reservoir water level of 1,618 meters, the backwater length of the Liyuan Hydropower Station reservoir is approximately 58 km, affecting two counties (Yulong County and Shangri-La County) in two prefectures (Lijiang City and Diqing Prefecture) in Yunnan Province, involving five towns. Based on the preliminary feasibility study, the total area affected by reservoir submergence is 14.73 square kilometers, including 11.12 square kilometers of land and 3.61 square kilometers of water area. Four village settlements will be submerged, affecting a population of 34 people, all of whom are agricultural residents. The construction of the project involves land use in Fengke Township of Yulong County in Lijiang and Sanba Township of Shangri-La County in Diqing Prefecture, with a total land occupation of 5.89 square kilometers.

Construction Entity

Yunnan Jinsha River Middle Reaches Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. was approved by the State Council of China. It is a large-scale hydropower development company established by China Huadian Corporation, China Huaneng Group, China Datang Corporation, Hanergy Holding Group, and Yunnan Provincial Investment Holding Group, with shareholding ratios of 33%, 23%, 23%, 11%, and 10% respectively. The company’s registered capital is 300 million RMB. The company follows the principles of “basin-wide, stepwise, rolling, and comprehensive” development and is mainly responsible for planning and preliminary work on the middle reaches of the Jinsha River, investing in the construction and operation management of power stations, coordinating the operation of various power stations in the basin, producing and selling electric power, procuring hydropower materials and equipment, and providing technical consulting services for hydropower projects.

The “one reservoir, eight levels” development plan for the middle reaches of the Jinsha River includes Longpan, Liangjiaren, Liyuan, Aha, Jin’anqiao, Longkaikou, Ludila, and Guanyinyan, with a total installed capacity of 20.58 million kW, accounting for about 5% of the country’s economically exploitable hydropower installed capacity, with a guaranteed output of 9.43 million kW and an annual power generation of 88.3 billion kWh.

The establishment of Yunnan Jinsha River Middle Reaches Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. is a significant measure in implementing the central government’s strategy for the development of western China. It marks the unfolding of a grand blueprint to make the middle reaches of the Jinsha River a major energy base for the “West-East Electricity Transfer” project. The company is committed to the scientific management and pioneering development under the leadership of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government, ensuring the orderly and healthy development of hydropower construction in the middle reaches of the Jinsha River, promoting the sustainable economic and social development of the Jinsha River Basin, and contributing to the implementation of the “West-East Electricity Transfer” strategy and the development of western China.

Project Progress

On July 10, 2015, the second generating unit of the Yunnan Jinsha River Liyuan Hydropower Station successfully completed a three-day trial operation and was connected to the grid for power generation. The second unit began filling the tailrace on March 25, 2015, entering the commissioning phase. Currently, the installation of the third and fourth units is progressing rapidly, with both units scheduled to be operational and enter commercial operation by the end of 2015.

On July 31, 2023, the Liyuan Hydropower Station project passed the final completion acceptance.

Awards

In November 2022, the Liyuan Hydropower Station was awarded the first batch of the 2022-2023 National Quality Engineering Awards.

In April 2023, it was included in the list of the 20th batch of the Zhan Tianyou Civil Engineering Award.