The Sapphire of the Yellow River: Lijiaxia Dam and the Danxia Geopark

The Dragon of the Plateau

Located at the junction of Jianzha County in the Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Hualong Hui Autonomous County in Qinghai Province, Lijiaxia Dam stands as a monumental feat of engineering on the upper reaches of the Yellow River. As the third large-scale hydropower station in the Yellow River's upper main stream cascade, it is often hailed as a "Yellow River Dragon." The dam rises 155 meters high and spans 1,226 meters in length, creating a massive reservoir with a capacity of 1.65 billion cubic meters. This structure not only serves as a critical power hub for Northwest China but also creates a stunning "High Gorge Rising from Flat Lake" landscape that transforms the rugged canyon into a tranquil, emerald inland sea,.

A River That Isn't Yellow

1.One of the most striking features of: Lijiaxia is the color of the water. Contrary to the Yellow River's muddy reputation, the water here is often a brilliant turquoise or deep emerald green. This transformation occurs because the dam slows the river's flow, allowing sediment to settle, and the high-altitude sunlight illuminates the clean water, creating a jewel-like appearance. From the observation deck at the dam's crest, visitors can gaze down at the sheer drop of the dam on one side and the calm, mirror-like reservoir on the other, reflecting the blue sky and the surrounding red mountains. When the floodgates are open, the water cascades down in a thunderous display, creating a dramatic contrast between the static concrete giant and the dynamic power of nature.

The Harmony of Red and Green

Lijiaxia Dam is inextricably linked with the adjacent Kanbula National Geopark. The reservoir's water extends into the deep canyons of Kanbula, forming a surreal landscape where the "Red Mountain" (Danxia landform) meets the "Green Water". The red sandstone cliffs, eroded over millions of years into fantastic shapes like castles and pillars, rise abruptly from the emerald water surface, creating a visual palette that is rare and mesmerizing. Taking a boat tour on the Lijiaxia Reservoir offers a unique perspective of this geological wonder, allowing visitors to drift between the towering red cliffs and experience the "water flowing in the painting, people traveling in the painting" aesthetic.

Engineering and Culture

Beyond its natural beauty, Lijiaxia is a marvel of human ingenuity. It features a unique double-row machine arrangement, a first in China's hydropower history, marking a significant breakthrough in dam construction on the plateau. Culturally, the area is rich with Tibetan heritage. The reservoir is surrounded by Tibetan villages and ancient religious sites, such as the Achung Namdzong Monastery located within the Kanbula area. The juxtaposition of the modern hydroelectric facility with the timeless spiritual atmosphere of the plateau adds a profound layer of depth to the visit, symbolizing the coexistence of modern development and ancient tradition,.