The Oasis Miracle: Discovering Hongyashan, Asia’s Largest Desert Reservoir

The "First Desert Reservoir in Asia"

Nested between the vast stretches of the Badain Jaran Desert and the Tengger Desert, the Hongyashan Reservoir stands as a magnificent man-made miracle in Minqin County, Gansu Province. It is fed by the Shiyang River and holds the distinction of being the largest desert reservoir in Asia, with a storage capacity of 127 million cubic meters and a water surface area spanning 25 square kilometers. For travelers along the Hexi Corridor, it presents a surreal vision: a shimmering blue expanse of water completely surrounded by golden sand dunes, serving as the lifeblood of the Minqin Oasis.

A Monument to Human Determination

1.The history of Hongyashan: Reservoir is an epic of human perseverance against the encroaching sands. Since the 1950s, the people of Minqin have dedicated generations to constructing and reinforcing this reservoir to prevent the two massive deserts from merging. Every stone and every pile of earth used in its construction represents the labor and wisdom of those who fought to preserve their homeland from desertification. Today, it is recognized as a significant piece of National Water Conservancy Heritage, representing the resilient spirit of Northwest China.

The Splendor of Red Cliffs and Golden Sands

2.The reservoir takes its name from: Hongyashan (Red Cliff Mountain), located to the east of the reservoir area. The mountain's rocky face turns a vibrant red under the sunlight, creating a dramatic backdrop for the sapphire-colored water. The visual contrast is a photographer's dream: the rugged red cliffs, the rolling golden dunes, and the calm, vast water area. At sunset, the horizon transforms into a palette of gold, deep red, and purple, with the colors reflecting perfectly on the still surface of the reservoir.

An Ecological Sanctuary in the Wilderness

Despite its location in one of the most arid regions, Hongyashan Reservoir has become a vital ecological stopover for migratory birds. During the transition of seasons, visitors can witness thousands of birds, including white cranes, swans, and various species of wild ducks, resting in the shallows. The surrounding "sand-fixation forests" of sacsaoul and red willow have successfully created a green belt that protects the nearby agricultural lands where local farmers grow wheat and corn, proving that life can flourish even in the heart of the desert.