Heilongtan Reservoir: Renshou’s Black Dragon Pool & Island Lake Guide

Heilongtan Reservoir (黑龙滩水库), also known as Black Dragon Pool, is a vast man-made lake in Renshou County, Meishan City, Sichuan Province. Built in 1958 as the first large-scale water conservancy project in Sichuan, it now serves as a major ecological attraction and a popular weekend escape from Chengdu, about 80 km (50 mi) to the north. Known locally as the “Pearl of Western Sichuan” and the “Backyard Garden of Chengdu,” the reservoir covers a water surface of 23 km², dotted with scores of islands that create a miniature “thousand-island” landscape.

This guide covers what you need to know before visiting: highlights, practical logistics, and who will find this destination worth the detour. It draws on publicly available information and on-the-ground observations from travelers, supplemented by official promotional materials from the Renshou County tourism authority. Note that ticket prices and boat tour availability may change; always confirm locally before your trip.

Geography & Landscape of Heilongtan Reservoir

Heilongtan Reservoir sits in the undulating hills of the Sichuan Basin at an altitude of approximately 550 meters (1,800 ft). The reservoir is not a natural lake but a man-made impoundment created by a massive dam across the Min River tributary.

The main dam stretches 528 meters long and stands 52 meters high, an impressive engineering achievement for its era. The reservoir stores 360 million cubic meters of water and supplies irrigation for farmland as well as drinking water for the Meishan area.

The defining geographical feature is the “thousand islands” effect. Depending on the water level, between 45 and 85 islands emerge from the lake, their lush green caps contrasting with the emerald water. The largest island, Changdao (Long Island), runs about 5 km in length and offers the best hiking and camping grounds.

Other named islands include Panlong Island (Coiling Dragon) and Huaping Island (Painted Screen Island), which has small waterfalls that appear after rainfall. The shoreline is highly irregular, creating hidden coves and narrow channels that make boat exploration feel like navigating a natural labyrinth.

Forest coverage in the scenic area exceeds 80%, making the reservoir a massive “natural oxygen bar.” The water quality meets China’s Class II standard – suitable for human contact after simple treatment – and supports a healthy fish population prized by local restaurants.

Wildlife & Bird Watching

While the reservoir is scenic year-round, its wildlife highlight is the winter migration of birds. From November through February, thousands of red-billed gulls, egrets, and wild ducks travel from Siberia to rest on the lake.

The sight of dense flocks of white birds wheeling over the blue water against green islands is the main draw for bird photographers and nature enthusiasts. The best viewing areas are near the dam and the wetlands park on the eastern shore.

Summer and spring bring smaller numbers of resident herons and kingfishers. The surrounding forest shelters wild boar, hare, and various reptiles, but these are rarely seen by casual visitors.

Fishing is popular: the reservoir is stocked with carp, grass carp, and the local specialty—Yellow Catfish (Huanglading, 黄辣丁). Fishing is generally allowed from the shore and from boats, but you may need to purchase a day permit at the nearby administration office (details unconfirmed).

Birding tips: Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens (at least 200mm). Early morning (before 8:00 am) offers the best light and most active birds. Avoid loud noises and white clothing that might disturb the birds.

Cultural Site: Bao’en Temple

Perched on a peninsula overlooking the lake, Bao’en Temple (报恩寺) is a Buddhist temple with origins claimed to date back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). The temple is famous locally for a “Three Religions in One” hall that houses statues of Buddha, Laozi, and Confucius – a rare fusion found in a few temples in Sichuan. The temple complex also features a 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree that turns shimmering gold in late October to early November.

Legends associate the temple and the reservoir’s name with a black dragon that protected Emperor Taizong of Tang from drowning. While the historical veracity of the tale is uncertain, it adds a layer of local folklore. Photography is allowed in the courtyards; flash is not recommended inside the halls to avoid damaging ancient murals (if any remain).

The temple is open daily, but hours may vary. A small donation (typically 10–20 CNY) is often expected for entry, though there may be an official ticket from the scenic area that covers it. Verify at the entrance.

Activities: Boating, Hiking, Camping, & Fishing

Boating

Boat tours are the primary way to experience the island landscape. The main port near the dam offers two options: group speedboats (faster, less intimate) and private pedal boats or small motorboats for up to 6 people. Tours typically last 30–60 minutes and stop at one or two islands.

You cannot expect to visit all islands; the operators have fixed routes. Always negotiate the cost and route before boarding. Prices in 2024 were reported around 50–80 CNY per person for a 45-minute group ride, but this may change.

Hiking & Camping

Changdao is the only island with established trails. A path runs about 2 km along its ridge, offering panoramic views where “water melts into the sky.” The trail is easy (no steep climbs) and suitable for most fitness levels. Camping is allowed on Changdao; you must bring your own gear (tent, food, water). There are no toilet or cooking facilities on the island.

An overnight permit may be required from the reservoir management office – ask at the ticket counter. Fires are strictly forbidden; use a camping stove. The best camping season is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Summer nights can be muggy; winter nights are very cold (near freezing).

Fishing

Anglers can fish from the shore or from rented boats. The entire lake is open except near the dam and the temple area. Yellow catfish is the prime catch, along with carp and bream. Fishing permits are reportedly available at the management office near the dam for about 20–30 CNY per day (2019 reports). Bring your own tackle; there are no rental shops.

Cycling

A paved road circles the lake for about 20 km, making for a scenic bike ride with gentle hills. Bicycles can be rented at the main gate (20–40 CNY per day). The road is closed to cars on weekends and holidays, which improves safety.

Practical Tips for Visiting Heilongtan Reservoir

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March–May): Mild weather, blooming wildflowers, clear skies. Best for hiking and camping.
• Autumn (September–November): Comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and the ginkgo tree at its peak (late Oct–early Nov). Excellent for photography.
• Winter (November–February): Only for bird watchers. The temperature can drop to 5°C (41°F) and skies are often overcast. Fewer tourists.
• Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms. Lotus flowers bloom in the wetland park, but humidity makes outdoor activities unpleasant. Avoid unless you are specifically interested in the lotus.

How to Get There

From Chengdu, the most common approach is driving south via the G4217 Expressway to the Renshou exit, then follow signs for Heilongtan (~1.5 hours). Public transport: take a bus from Chengdu’s South Bus Station to Renshou (1.5 hours, ~50 CNY), then a local minibus to Heilongtan (30 minutes, ~10 CNY).

Alternatively, a direct bus from Chengdu to Heilongtan operates on weekends only (check schedules). From Meishan city, a 45-minute bus ride covers the 50 km distance.

Entrance Fee & Hours

The scenic area is designated as a National 4A Tourist Attraction. Officially, there is a general entrance fee – reported as 40 CNY per person in 2022, but sources vary. Additional costs: boat tours (~50–80 CNY), parking (10–20 CNY per day), and possibly a separate ticket for Bao’en Temple.

The area is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; individual attractions may close earlier. Always check the latest fees on local tourism WeChat accounts or call the management office before visiting.

What to Eat

Local cuisine centers on freshwater fish. The signature dish is Heilongtan fish in spicy broth, often made with Yellow Catfish or Bighead Carp. Several farmhouse restaurants line the approach road and the lakeshore; prices are moderate (40–80 CNY per person for a full meal). Also try the locally grown lotus seeds and bamboo shoots.

Safety & Etiquette

• Water safety: Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the reservoir (enforced). Always wear a life jacket on boats.
• Hiking: Trails on Changdao are unmarked in places; carry a phone with GPS and avoid wandering off trail.
• Altitude: At 550 m, altitude is not a concern.
• Garbage: Pack out all trash. The islands have no waste collection.
• Drones: No official restriction was found at time of writing, but because of the water and wildlife, it is advisable to check with the management office. Some local travel blogs report that drones are banned without a permit – treat this as unverified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Heilongtan Reservoir worth visiting from Chengdu?
It is a solid choice for a half-day or full-day trip if you enjoy lakeside landscapes, bird watching, or fishing. It does not compare to major scenic areas like Jiuzhaigou, but it offers a relaxed, uncrowded alternative for a weekend outing.

Q: Can I bring my own kayak or paddleboard?
Private non-motorized watercraft are not officially prohibited, but they are not commonly seen. You may be allowed to launch from the wetland park shore, but it’s safer to ask at the entrance. Avoid the main boating channels.

Q: Are there hotels near the reservoir?
There is one resort hotel inside the scenic area (Heilongtan International Hotel) and several farmhouse guesthouses in the nearby village. For more options, stay in Renshou town (20 minutes by car) or Meishan city.

Q: Is the entrance fee worth it?
For 40 CNY, you get access to a large park with a dam, wetlands, and temple grounds. If you add a boat ride, the total cost is about 100–130 CNY per person, which is reasonable for the experience.

Q: Is the area crowded?
Chinese national holidays and weekends see moderate crowds, especially near the dam and boat dock. By late afternoon, most day-trippers leave. On weekdays, you may have the lake almost to yourself.

Who Should Visit (and Who Should Skip)

Suitable for:

• Photographers seeking reflections, bird flocks, and autumn foliage.
• Families with children who enjoy short boat rides and easy walks.
• Bird watchers with an interest in migratory species.
• Anglers looking for a peaceful freshwater fishing spot near Chengdu.

Skip if:

• You expect spectacular mountain scenery (the hills are modest, unlike the high-altitude lakes of western Sichuan).
• You are short on time – driving time from Chengdu is about 1.5 hours each way.
• You prefer well-developed tourist infrastructure with English signage and luxury accommodation.

Source Gaps & Verifiable Information

This guide is based on the source data plus cross-referencing from recent traveler reports and official promotional materials. The following points could not be independently verified: the exact ticket price, the availability of camping permits, the current state of the “Three Religions in One” hall, and the coordinates mismatch in the dataset (the lake is definitely in Renshou, not Beijing).

Boat tour prices are from 2024 Chinese blog posts and may have changed. Always consult local sources or on-site visitor centers for the most current details.