Hengjiang River in Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou

Chinese Name:昭通横江
English Name: Hengjiang River in Zhaotong

Name and Origin

The Hengjiang River, historically known as Zhu Ti Jiang (or Zhu Ti Jiang), and also called Ge Kui Jiang and Shi Men Jiang, is referred to as Guanhe in Yunnan. It is a primary tributary on the right bank of the Yangtze River’s upper reaches and is the last tributary of the Jinsha River. The river is mentioned as Yangguan Shui in the Shui Jing Zhu. Spanning across Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou provinces, it has a total length of 307 kilometers. It originates from Caohai in Weining, Guizhou, forming the Luoze River, and flows north through Yiliang County in Yunnan, merging with Sa Yu River, Zhao Lu River, and Niu Jie River before being called Hengjiang. It flows through Yanjin County and Shui Fu City in Yunnan and Yibin County in Sichuan before joining the Jinsha River at the Xiao’anba River estuary. The river basin covers an area of 15,000 square kilometers, with an annual runoff of about 8.82 billion cubic meters and an average annual flow of approximately 280 cubic meters per second.

Significance

The Hengjiang River is a major river in the Zhaotong region of Yunnan Province. It is crucial for the agricultural and industrial production in the dry river valley region of northern Yunnan and has a long history of water irrigation. Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, water conservancy and hydropower projects have rapidly developed, and many of the river’s tributaries have been harnessed for hydropower. The river’s middle and lower reaches were also historically used for transporting mineral resources from Yunnan and Sichuan, though navigation has been challenging despite numerous attempts at improvements.

Functions

The Hengjiang River serves multiple functions, including water supply, irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, drainage, soil and water conservation, and water resource protection. The theoretical hydropower potential of the river is 920,000 kilowatts. There are plans for seven hydropower stations with a total installed capacity of 390,000 kilowatts. Existing power stations include Sa Yu Tuo, Yan Zi Po, Yang Liu Tan, and Zhang Wo, with the downstream Yang Liu Tan and Zhang Wo power stations employing low head, riverbed-type development.

Main River Overview

Length

The Hengjiang River spans 307 kilometers, according to the Zhaotong Municipal Government website and the Guizhou Province Chronicle of Geography. The Zhaotong Regional Chronicle states it is 306 kilometers long, but these measurements may differ based on the source of origin.

Source

The river’s source is debated. Yunnan’s Zhaotong Regional Chronicle and Guizhou Province Chronicle of Geography cite Dishi Da Haizi in Shumao Township, Ludian County, as the source, considering the Sa Yu River as the main source. However, the latest Zhaotong Municipal Government website indicates the source is Caohai in Weining, Guizhou, considering the eastern branch of Luoze River as the main source. If Luoze River is considered the primary source, there is still a river called Liu Dong Qiao River upstream of Caohai, originating from the northern slopes of Yangmei Mountain in the Wumeng Mountains. Thus, the true source is likely the northern slopes of Yangmei Mountain in Weining County’s Wumeng Mountains.

In Guizhou Province

• Upstream: The Luoze River upstream is known as Bai Shui River, which in Weining Jinchong District is referred to as Liu Dong Qiao River. Liu Dong Qiao River originates from the northern slopes of Yangmei Mountain in the Wumeng Mountains, flowing northwest into Caohai, passing through Weining City, and then flowing north to Black Rock Cave where it submerges underground. It re-emerges at Guanzi Kiln and merges with floodwaters through drainage tunnels along the stream. It then flows northeast to Yang Jie, turns northwest, and reaches Guijia before turning west at Hengdi River Mouth and finally entering Yiliang County, Yunnan Province. The section from Yang Jie to Suojiawanzi is the boundary river between Weining and Hezhang Counties, marked on some maps as Xinglong River.

In Yunnan Province

• Flow: The river flows north through Zhaotong City, Yiliang County, and Daguang County. It merges with Sa Yu River and Bai Shui River, and then is called Hengjiang. It flows through Yanjin County, Shui Fu City in Yunnan, and Yibin County in Sichuan, eventually joining the Jinsha River at the Xiao’anba River estuary (across from Anbian Town in Yibin). The basin area is 15,000 square kilometers (with a slight difference in figures from the Guizhou Province Chronicle, which cites 14,175 square kilometers and 3,080 square kilometers within Guizhou Province). The annual runoff is about 8.82 billion cubic meters with an average flow of around 280 cubic meters per second.

Hydrological Characteristics

Hengjiang Hydrological Station Measurements

The Hengjiang Hydrological Station measurements show an average long-term flow rate of 1.4 meters per second, with a discharge of 298 cubic meters per second, a runoff of 9.216 billion cubic meters, and a sediment concentration of 0.92 kilograms per cubic meter. The annual sediment load is 8.34 million tons.

Runoff Characteristics

The runoff in the basin is primarily driven by precipitation, with minimal contribution from snowmelt. The basin features significant karst development, rich groundwater, and a distribution consistent with precipitation seasons. From June to October, runoff accounts for 60-70% of the annual total. The minimum flow usually occurs from March to May, with stable interannual variations. The average annual flow rate at the Hengjiang main stream outlet control station is 280 cubic meters per second, with an annual runoff of 8.82 billion cubic meters. Floods are caused by heavy rainfall, with the maximum annual flood peak often occurring in July or August. The highest recorded annual flow rate is 7,140 cubic meters per second (July 1992), while the lowest recorded annual flood peak is 1,820 cubic meters per second (July 1987). Historical flood flows have reached 15,200 cubic meters per second (July 1931), indicating significant variations between flood and dry conditions. [5]

Major Tributaries

Caohai Lake草海

Caohai, the source lake of the Baishui River, is located on the Weining Plateau in western Guizhou. It is a typical karst lake formed by geological influences. Initially, it was a basin between gentle hills with concentrated farmland and dense population. In August 1857, heavy rains caused mountain floods, which blocked drainage caves with debris, leading to the merging of northern and southern lakes into a single lake known as Caohai. The lake’s elevation is approximately 2,170 meters, with the largest historical water surface area reaching 48 square kilometers. In the early years of the People’s Republic of China, the maximum floodwater surface was still 45.5 square kilometers, with a low water surface area of 19 square kilometers, a normal water surface area of 31 square kilometers, and a maximum depth of 9 meters. The lake has a Buddhist hand shape and is abundant with aquatic plants and small fish and shrimp. The surrounding land can be used for one crop per year in winter and spring, though early rainy seasons may lead to flooding and crop failure.

Liudongqiao River六洞桥河

The Liudongqiao River is the main source of Caohai, originating from the northern slopes of Yangmei Mountain in the Wumeng Mountains. It flows northwest into the Caohai Lake with a catchment area of 127 square kilometers. The northern part of Caohai is known as Xiahai, which receives inflow from Gengjiatun, Ganhai, and Yangwan Rivers, with a total catchment area of 420 square kilometers. Caohai’s water storage is continuous year-round, but due to karst geological development, underground leakage occurs between Yangguan Mountain and Heiyan Cave. In the northern part near Guanzikou, water emerges, and floods are drained through Heiyan Cave’s flood tunnels into mountain streams, eventually merging with the Baishui River.

Luoze River洛泽河

The Luoze River, originating from Caohai in Weining, Guizhou, is a river originating from a lake. It flows 120 kilometers downstream from its source to Dawanzi, entering the territory of Yiliang County in Yunnan, passing through the city of Yiliang and entering the Hengjiang River. The river stretches 34 kilometers from Loujiawanzi to Dawanzi, serving as a boundary river between Yunnan and Guizhou. The river spans a total length of 156 kilometers with a drop of 1,509 meters, an average annual flow rate of 84.5 cubic meters per second, and a catchment area of 4,268 square kilometers with an average gradient of 9.6‰. Within Guizhou, it is known as the Baishui River, its upper reaches being Liudongqiao River. Liudongqiao River originates from the northern slopes of Yangmei Mountain in the Wumeng Mountains, flowing northwest into Caohai, then north to Daqiao and eventually underground through Heiyan Cave. The floodwater flows through flood tunnels and converges at Guanzikou, flowing northeast to Yangjie, then west to Guijia, and further to Hengdi River, eventually entering Yunnan. The section from Yangjie to Suojiawanzi marks the boundary between Weining and Hezhang counties.

Baishui River白水江

The Baishui River, a first-order tributary on the right bank of Hengjiang and a lower section of the Jinsha River system, originates from Mao’gu Village, Hezhang County, Guizhou Province. It flows southeast into Yunnan, passing through various towns in Zhenxiong County, including Niuchang, Wude, Luokan, and in Yiliang County, passing through Luowang and Niujie before merging with Hengjiang at Shiziba, Yanji County. The river has a total length of 128 kilometers, with an average gradient of 14.6‰, and a catchment area of 3,710 square kilometers. The basin’s geographical coordinates are 104°03′E to 104°59′E and 27°05′N to 28°00′N. The region lies in a low-latitude, high-altitude area transitioning from the Sichuan Basin to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with the terrain rising from southeast to northwest, and the river flowing consistently in that direction. Vegetation in the basin is relatively good, with karst development, numerous underground rivers, and abundant groundwater. The terrain is highly variable, with significant elevation changes ranging from the highest point at Jiao Ding Mountain at 2,173 meters to the lowest point at Shiziba at 450 meters, resulting in a 1,723-meter elevation difference. Major tributaries include Niuchang River, Yizhe River, Yanxi River, Washi River, Xiaogan Creek, Hongshi Creek, and Hongyan River.

Sayu River洒渔河

Sayu River, a first-order tributary on the right bank of the upper Jinsha River, is a major tributary of Hengjiang. It originates from Dahuizi, Shuimo Township, Ludian County, and flows east before turning north after passing through the Miaobizi Reservoir. After flowing through Tiexian, Shuimo, Longshu, and Xinjie townships, it turns southeast at Sujia Town and enters the Yudong Reservoir. Downstream from the Yudong Reservoir, it becomes the Sayu River. After merging with Leju River at Sayu Bridge, it continues as the Sayu River until it converges with the Luoze River at Dawanzi, becoming the Daguan River. It eventually flows through Yanjin and Shuifu before joining the Jinsha River. The Sayu River basin covers 3,558 square kilometers, with a length of 186 kilometers and an average gradient of 14.44‰.

Longshu River龙树河

Longshu River originates from Dahuizi in Tiexian Village, Shuimo Township. It flows north through Shuimo, Longshu, Xinjie, and Sujia townships, covering a catchment area of 532.65 square kilometers, which is 75.1% of the Sayu River basin. Of this area, 69% is in Ludian County, and 31% is in Zhaoyang District. The terrain is mainly mountainous, with steep slopes and underlying highly weathered basalt formations. The river has a length of 56 kilometers, a width of 15-30 meters, and an average gradient of 17.3‰. The region experiences frequent terrain rain and thunderstorms from May to October during the flood season. The high rainfall intensity, combined with poor soil and rock permeability, leads to rapid floods with high peaks. The 50-year return period flood peak flow rate is 130 cubic meters per second, with an average annual flow rate of 6.13 cubic meters per second and the lowest recorded flow rate of 0.43 cubic meters per second. The riverbanks are predominantly agricultural, making it a notable high-altitude rice production area and the second major rice-producing region in Ludian.

Zhaolu River昭鲁河

The Zhaolu River is a tributary of the Sayu River, formed by the confluence of three small streams in Ludian County: Shui Long Mountain at an elevation of 2,496.6 meters, which flows into Malu Gou River, and Dulu Mountain, which flows into Dulu River. The river flows through Niutouzhai, Liushu Zha, and Banbanfang, entering the Zhaotong area, and converges with the Taoyuan River at Chala Zha to form the Chala River. It continues to Huangjia Ba, where it joins the Sayu River, becoming the Zhaolu River, with a total length of 32 kilometers.

Chushui Weir出水堰

Chushui Weir is a spring that emerges from the Oilhouse Ditch Liangzi in Yuwan Village, Daguan County. It flows through the outskirts of Daguan County and merges into the Guan River at Jinping Village in Huangge Township.

Gaoqiao River高桥河

The Gaoqiao River originates from the Dou Peng Mountain branch of Wulian Peak. It flows through the Mugan and Gaoqiao townships in Daguan, eventually merging into the Guan River at Xiaoguan Creek.

Chuan Si River串丝河

The Chuan Si River springs from the Luohan Ping Mountain summit of the Wulian Peak branch. It flows through Chuan Si in Yanjin and Pu’er Township before joining the Guan River in Pu’er Town.

Shangxi River上溪河

The Shangxi River originates from the Dabao Peak Liangzi of the Wulian Peak branch. It flows through Pu’er Town and joins the Guan River at the confluence with Chuan Si River.

Zhongtan River中滩河

The Zhongtan River originates from Taiping Township in Shuifu City. It flows through Liangwan Township and joins the Guan River at Xintan Village.

Biaoshuiyan Waterfall彪水岩瀑布

The Guan River features the famous natural attraction Biaoshuiyan Waterfall, located at the border between Jing’an Township in Zhaotong and Shanggao Qiao Township in Daguan County. The waterfall has a drop of about 350 meters. Below the waterfall is the Qinglong Cave, a karst cave approximately 2000 meters deep, containing stalactites, bamboo shoots, and a river with clear water where small boats can be rowed.

Daguan River大关河

The Daguan River originates from Zhaotong’s Zuangou, flowing northward through Wuzhai River to Luohan Forest Lake. It exits through the Daguan River Cave in Daguan County and merges with the Sa Yu River to enter the Guan River. The Daguan River is 76.5 kilometers long, with a watershed area of 452.3 square kilometers and an average annual flow of 10.4 cubic meters per second. During winter and spring, the water is clear and produces stone flower vegetables.

Taoyuan River桃源河

The Taoyuan River originates from the mountainous edge of Taoyuan Cave in Ludian County, Zhaotong. It flows from Dingjiawan in Ludian, merging with the Chala River in Zhaotong to form the Zhaolu River. The river is 19.8 kilometers long, with a watershed area of 110 square kilometers and an average annual flow of 0-64 cubic meters per second. The riverbed is narrow, with a width of 4-7 meters.

Zhaolu Big River昭鲁大河

The Zhaolu River is a tributary of the Sa Yu River. It is formed by the confluence of three small tributaries in Ludian County:

• The Shui from Jilong Mountain, with an elevation of 2496.6 meters, flows into Mulu Creek and then to the eastern side of Yanchi Mountain, merging into the Tuzu Temple River.
• The Dulu Mountain Creek flows into the Dulu River and merges with the Tuzu Temple River, then flows through Niutou Village, Liushu Dam, and Banban House into the Zhaotong region. It joins with the Taoyuan River at Chala Dam, forming the Chala River, which flows into the Sa Yu River at Huangjia Dam.
• The Cha Chong Masha Well water flows through Tiejiawan and Dingjiawan and merges into the Chala River.

The section of the Zhaolu River along the Zhangjiabao to Laoya Rock in Zhaotong City is called the Zhaolu River, with a total length of 32 kilometers.

Shimo Creek石磨溪

Shimo Creek originates from Xintian Village, Pengyin Township, and flows through Fengming Village to join Hengjiang. The river is 8.4 kilometers long, with a drop of 303 meters. Plans include the construction of a 2 million cubic meter regulation reservoir, capable of developing 600 kilowatts of water energy.

Huangge Creek黄格溪

Huangge Creek flows into the Sayu River. It originates from the Baisha River in Daxia Village, Yudong Town, and passes through Qinglin, Sanjie, and Zhoujia, where it merges with the Sayu River.

Quanba River圈坝河

Quanba River originates from Fulong Township and is 15.6 kilometers long. It receives water from two tributaries originating in Guanying Township, which are each 20 kilometers long. The river flows west and enters Hengjiang at Fulongkou.

The river has a catchment area of 93.7 square kilometers and a vertical drop of 300 meters. The average annual flow rate is 2.3 cubic meters per second, and it has the potential to develop 520 kilowatts of hydroelectric power.

Hydropower Development

The 1983 “Hengjiang Survey Report (Yanjin to River Mouth Section)” (prepared by the Kunming Survey and Design Institute of the Ministry of Energy and the Chengdu Survey and Design Institute, also known as the “93 Plan”) proposed a six-level development scheme for the Hengjiang mainstream. The plan includes the construction of the Sayu Tuo Hydropower Station, Wannian Bridge Hydropower Station, Swallow Slope Hydropower Station, Yangliu Beach Hydropower Station, Zhangwo Hydropower Station, and Fulongkou Hydropower Station from upstream to downstream. The six-tiered development utilizes a drop of 127.5 meters, with an installed capacity of approximately 288,000 kilowatts and an average annual power generation of 1.501 billion kilowatt-hours.

Water Storage Projects

Yudong Reservoir

Located in Leju Village, Leju Township, Zhaotong City, the Yudong Reservoir belongs to the Hengjiang River system of the Jinsha River basin. The reservoir’s terrain slopes from northwest to southeast with steep mountains and deep valleys. At the normal water level of 1,985 meters above sea level, the water surface area is 13.57 square kilometers, with a shoreline length of 157 kilometers. The catchment area is 709 square kilometers, with an average width of 8.8 kilometers and an average elevation of 2,465 meters. The maximum water depth is 84.39 meters, and the average water depth is 40.0 meters. The total storage capacity is 364 million cubic meters. The highest point is at Chou Shui Liangzi, Dingshui Village, Tiexing Township, with an altitude of 3,111.4 meters. The reservoir serves multiple functions, including agricultural irrigation, urban drinking water, flood control, tourism, aquaculture, and climate regulation. Major inflow rivers include Xiaosongshu River, Diluo River, Longshu River, Buchu River, Guazhai River, Juele River, and Xin River.

Maobizi Reservoir

Built in 1958 and completed in 1960, the Maobizi Reservoir is a homogeneous earth dam with a height of 40.2 meters, a top length of 156 meters, and a width of 4-4.5 meters. It has a runoff area of 25.6 square kilometers, an annual average runoff of 12.54 million cubic meters, a 100-year flood peak flow rate of 111.4 cubic meters per second, and a minimum flow rate of 0.06 cubic meters per second. The total storage capacity is 5.336 million cubic meters, including a dead storage capacity of 690,000 cubic meters and a usable capacity of 4.646 million cubic meters. The reservoir is primarily used for irrigation and is classified as a small (type I) reservoir.

Dishui Haizi Reservoir

The Dishui Haizi Reservoir was surveyed and initiated in 1958, with a planned dam height of 4 meters. It has a runoff area of 15.6 square kilometers and a storage capacity of 15 million cubic meters. Construction was halted in the second year after initiation. It is currently planned for expansion.

Yao Mai Di Reservoir

A small (type I) reservoir, the Yao Mai Di Reservoir was started in 1969 and completed in 1972. It is a homogeneous earth dam with a height of 30 meters, a top length of 185 meters, and a width of 4 meters. It has a runoff area of 15.6 square kilometers, an average annual inflow of 10.71 million cubic meters, and a 50-year flood peak flow rate of 700,000 cubic meters. The total storage capacity is 2.67 million cubic meters, including a dead storage capacity of 123,000 cubic meters and a usable capacity of 2.547 million cubic meters. The reservoir is mainly used for irrigation.

Xiao Haizi Reservoir

A small (type II) reservoir, the Xiao Haizi Reservoir was constructed in 1958 and completed in 1959. It has a dam height of 19.5 meters, a runoff area of 0.01 square kilometers, and a total storage capacity of 484,000 cubic meters, including a dead storage capacity of 57,700 cubic meters and a usable capacity of 426,300 cubic meters. The reservoir is primarily used for irrigation.

Yongfeng Reservoir

Located in Xingen Dayuanzi, Nanyongfeng Town, Zhaotong City, the Yongfeng Reservoir started construction in 1955 and was completed in May 1956. It has a designed dam height of 11 meters, a length of 117 meters, and a top width of 6 meters. The reservoir is a homogeneous earth dam with a total storage capacity of 8.56 million cubic meters. It includes high and low irrigation canals, with the high canal being 8.16 kilometers long and branching into two main branches: the Fenghuang branch (30.64 kilometers) and the Sanjia branch (19.2 kilometers). The low canal uses the Zhaolu River for irrigation. Originally designed to irrigate 20,159 acres, it currently irrigates over 20,000 acres.

Duanjia Stone Bridge Reservoir

Located 12 kilometers east of Zhaotong City, the Duanjia Stone Bridge Reservoir has a dam height of 21.93 meters and a total storage capacity of 10.8 million cubic meters. It was designed to irrigate 17,447 acres, with actual irrigation covering 15,000 acres. The main canal is 12.48 kilometers long, with the Yongle branch canal being 24 kilometers long and the Ganhe branch canal being 8.5 kilometers long. Construction began in 1957 and was completed in 1959.

Yingji Weir

According to historical records, in the seventh year of Qianlong (1742), the “Yingji Weir” was approved for construction at Longdongkou. Built by General Wen Qi of Zhu Ti County during the Western Han Dynasty, it was later reconstructed in the ninth year of Qianlong (1744) by Yu Sheng in Zhaotong County and is one of the imperial weirs. By 1949, it had irrigated 8,000 acres. In 1953, the dam was raised to 10 meters and later expanded again in 1972, increasing the irrigation area to 17,030 acres. It uses the Liji River as its main canal for irrigation.

Taoyuan Reservoir

Located 7 kilometers south of Ludian County, the Taoyuan Reservoir, originally known as Shaojia Weir, was built in 1941 and completed in 1943. It has a storage capacity of 3 million cubic meters and includes three irrigation channels with a total length of 11.5 kilometers, serving 370 acres of farmland in Taoyuan, Togu, Tiejiayuan, Puzhilu, and Hulu Kou. In 1951, it was renamed Taoyuan Reservoir. After several renovation projects, the storage capacity was reduced to 2.32 million cubic meters.

Yanchi Mountain Reservoir

Located 2.5 kilometers south of Ludian County, at the old site of Chijia Weir, the Yanchi Mountain Reservoir has a main dam height of 16 meters and a length of 230 meters, with an auxiliary dam height of 6 meters and a length of 238 meters. The total storage capacity is 4.856 million cubic meters. Construction began in May 1956 and was completed in May 1957, with a total irrigation area of 5,920 acres.

Water Diversion Projects

Sayu Dam洒渔大堰

Originally named Sayu Guaogou and later renamed Lianhe Dam, Sayu Dam is located on the west bank of the Sayu River in Zhaotong City, 18 kilometers from the city center. It irrigates 15,000 acres of land. In the first year of Xianfeng (1851), the dam was widened to 4 meters and deepened to 2.7 meters. By 1949, the Zhaolu Water Conservancy Association expanded the project, extending the channel by 2.62 kilometers to a total length of 12.62 kilometers. By 1990, the irrigated area reached 4,100 acres.

Leju Dam乐居大堰

Located in Xinxin Village, Leju Township, Zhaotong City, 28 kilometers from the city center, Leju Dam began construction in October 1954 and was completed by the end of November that year, with a length of 13 kilometers. It initially irrigated 500 acres with a flow rate of 0.8 cubic meters/second. In 1956, construction continued, extending the channel to 22 kilometers, irrigating 8,300 acres. By 1960, additional water pumping stations and small dams increased the irrigated area to 11,000 acres. By 1990, the irrigated area was 8,000 acres, improving irrigation over 8,924 acres. It is a key water conservancy project for grain production in Zhaotong.

Chushui Weir

Located at the boundary between Dagu County and Zhaotong City, Chushui Weir extends through Luohanlin, Yuwan, Cuihua, and Huangge, with a total length of 57.1 kilometers. Construction started in November 1958 and completed 20.5 kilometers of the channel by April 1960. After a pause, construction resumed in 1974, and by 1982, the Huanglian River Power Station with a capacity of 2X320 kilowatts was built on the channel. By 1984, the project was completed with a total length of 36.6 kilometers. By 1990, it irrigated 2,708 acres and provided water to 1,297 households, serving 7,532 people, with an annual power generation of 8.64-10 million kilowatt-hours. It is a major water conservancy project for Dagu County.

Hydropower Projects

Luoze River Hydropower Station洛泽河水电站

Located in Luoze Town, Yiliang, Luoze River Hydropower Station is the fourth level of the six-stage hydropower planning for the Luoze River. The dam is situated at Guoquan Rock in Luoze Town, with a designed installed capacity of 2X12,500 kilowatts and an annual power generation of 163 million kilowatt-hours. The reservoir has a normal water level of 19.44 million cubic meters, with an effective capacity of 18.64 million cubic meters. Construction began in 1980, resumed in 1983, and was completed in December 1987, with power generation starting on New Year’s Day 1988.

Mawo Hydropower Station麻窝电站

Located in Luoze Town, Yiliang, 18 kilometers from the county seat, Mawo Hydropower Station is the fifth development stage of the Luoze River. Construction began on March 10, 1977, with the installation of 2X1,250-kilowatt units for power generation in 1979. The project was completed on May 1, 1980, with a total installed capacity of 5X1,250 kilowatts.

Shaba Cascade Hydropower Station沙坝梯级电站

Located 30 kilometers northwest of Ludian County, Shaba Cascade Hydropower Station utilizes water from Xujia Cave Longdong Spring, constructing four levels of hydropower stations on the right bank of Shaba River. Construction started in March 1971 and was completed in February 1975. It initially had a 2X250-kilowatt first-level station. In 1988, one 326-kilowatt generator was replaced. The second-level station with a capacity of 2X1,000 kilowatts was built between 1975 and 1979, the third-level station with a capacity of 2X1,000 kilowatts was completed between 1985 and 1987, and the fourth-level station with a capacity of 2X1,600 kilowatts was finished between 1989 and 1990. The total installed capacity is 7,770 kilowatts.

Daguan River Hydropower Station大关河电站

Located at the confluence of Jili and Shoushan in Daguan County, Daguan River Hydropower Station was surveyed and designed in October 1966, with the 200-kilowatt Jili Township Power Station completed in 1967. Between 1974 and 1978, two additional 200-kilowatt units were installed. The station was expanded between 1985 and 1988, reaching a total installed capacity of 2,600 kilowatts by 1990, with an annual power generation of 10.5 million kilowatt-hours.

Sa Yu Tuo Hydropower Station撒鱼沱水电站

The primary focus of Sa Yu Tuo Hydropower Station is power generation, with future plans for navigation development. The construction emphasizes flood control in the reservoir area. It is a medium-sized project with a riverbed layout that includes both full and partial damming. The reservoir has a normal water level of 141 meters, a total capacity of 10.41 million cubic meters, and a daily regulation capacity of 3.67 million cubic meters. The installed capacity is 60,000 kilowatts, with a designed flow rate of 346.2 cubic meters/second and an average annual power generation of 284 million kilowatt-hours, with an annual utilization of 4,783 hours.

Wannen Bridge Hydropower Station万年桥水电站

The main task of Wannen Bridge Hydropower Station is power generation, with future plans for navigation. The scope of power supply is the same as Sa Yu Tuo Hydropower Station. The project is medium-sized with a riverbed layout that includes both full and partial damming. The reservoir has a normal water level of 389 meters, a total capacity of 18.16 million cubic meters, and a daily regulation capacity of 920,000 cubic meters. The installed capacity is 60,000 kilowatts, with a designed flow rate of 363.6 cubic meters/second and an average annual power generation of 297 million kilowatt-hours, with an annual utilization of 4,646 hours.

YanziPo Hydropower Station燕子坡水电站

The main focus of YanziPo Hydropower Station is power generation, with future plans for navigation. The scope of power supply is the same as Sa Yu Tuo Hydropower Station. The project is medium-sized with a riverbed layout that includes both full and partial damming. The reservoir has a normal water level of 364 meters, a total capacity of 20.87 million cubic meters, and a daily regulation capacity of 420,000 cubic meters. The installed capacity is 64,000 kilowatts, with a designed flow rate of 393.6 cubic meters/second and an average annual power generation of 300 million kilowatt-hours, with an annual utilization of 4,582 hours.

Yangliutan Hydropower Station杨柳滩水电站

The main task of Yangliutan Hydropower Station is power generation, with future plans for navigation. The scope of power supply is the same as Sa Yu Tuo Hydropower Station. The project is medium-sized with a riverbed layout that includes both full and partial damming. The reservoir has a normal water level of 377 meters, a total capacity of 32.05 million cubic meters, and a daily regulation capacity of 3.22 million cubic meters. The installed capacity is 54,000 kilowatts, with a designed flow rate of 418.5 cubic meters/second and an average annual power generation of 248 million kilowatt-hours, with an annual utilization of 4,586 hours.

Dayu Kong Hydropower Station大鱼孔水电站

The main focus of Dayu Kong Hydropower Station is power generation, with future plans for navigation. The power supply area includes the Yibin County local power grid. The project is medium-sized with a riverbed layout that includes both full and partial damming. The reservoir has a normal water level of 320.3 meters, a total capacity of 18.20 million cubic meters, and a daily regulation capacity of 1.33 million cubic meters. The installed capacity is 30,000 kilowatts, with a designed flow rate of 452.7 cubic meters/second and an average annual power generation of 125 million kilowatt-hours, with an annual utilization of 4,163 hours.

Zhangwo Hydropower Station张窝水电站

The main focus of Zhangwo Hydropower Station is power generation, with future plans for navigation. The power supply area is the Sichuan power grid. The reservoir has a normal water level of 311.9 meters, a total capacity of 12 million cubic meters, and a daily regulation capacity of 3.30 million cubic meters. The installed capacity is 54,000 kilowatts, with a designed flow rate of 418 cubic meters/second and an average annual power generation of 300 million kilowatt-hours, with an annual utilization of 5,003 hours.

Fulongkou Hydropower Station伏龙口水电站

The main focus of Fulongkou Hydropower Station is power generation in the short term, with future plans for navigation. The power supply area includes Yibin and Shui Fu counties. The project has a medium-sized layout with a riverbed that includes both full and partial damming. The reservoir has a normal water level of 379 meters, a total capacity of 23.50 million cubic meters, and a daily regulation capacity of 1.20 million cubic meters. The installed capacity is 65,000 kilowatts, with a designed flow rate of 350 cubic meters/second and an average annual power generation of 285 million kilowatt-hours, with an annual utilization of 4,885 hours.

Waterways and Navigation

Navigation Channels

Hengjiang River

The Hengjiang River, a major tributary of the lower Yangtze River, originates from Maomaoshan in Shuinan Township, Ludian County. It flows northward and is known as the Longshu River in Ludian, the Sa Yu River in Zhaotong, and the Guan River in Daguan and Yanjin. It is referred to as the Hengjiang River in Shuifu before merging into the Yangtze River at Shuifu Mouth. The river is 343 kilometers long.

The Hengjiang River runs through the rugged, high-altitude northeastern plateau of Yunnan, characterized by steep slopes and powerful currents. The river experiences a significant drop, with a 133.9-meter elevation difference along a 93-kilometer stretch from the Salt Well Dam to the Yangtze River mouth, resulting in a gradient of 1.44%. The river’s upper reaches are marked by deep-cut valleys, narrow riverbeds, sharp bends, and turbulent flows, presenting substantial navigation challenges with 32 dangerous shoals. Downstream, the river is slightly more navigable but still faces difficulties with 34 dangerous shoals.

• Above Salt Well County to Lianghekou (13 kilometers): The river here is narrow, with many shoals and strong currents, presenting 18 dangerous shoals.
• Above Lianghekou: Water flow decreases sharply, with a dry-season flow rate of 25 cubic meters per second. The river is generally 20-30 meters wide, with a high drop and numerous rocks, making navigation difficult.

Historical Navigation Efforts:

• Qing Dynasty (Qianlong Era): The Qing government began efforts to improve the navigation of the Hengjiang River to transport copper from Yunnan to Beijing. However, these efforts were unsuccessful, and transportation across the shoals required frequent portaging.
• Republic of China Era: Continued efforts to manage the river were not fully effective.
• 1955-1962: The river was partially improved, making it possible for wooden boats to travel directly from Salt Well to Yibin. During this period, 88 kilometers of the river were navigable.
• 1978: The construction of a dam in the Lianyu Cave area obstructed the river, leading to increased hazards and changes in the river course. Navigation ceased in 1979.

Navigable Sections in County Areas:

• Hengjiang River in County Sections (52 kilometers): The river has been partially improved. In the fourth year of the Qianlong era, the Fulongkou shoal navigation channel was dredged. In the 23rd year of the Republic of China, the “Minfa” steamer of Minsheng Company successfully navigated from Anbian to Hengjiang. Shoals such as Masang Han, Jian Cao, and Liangshui Well above Zhangwo required boats to be unloaded and transferred at shoal locations during the Republic era. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, in 1954, a team of 30 stonemasons and 330 laborers was organized to dredge the Jian Cao and Liangshui Well shoals, eliminating the need for unloading and transferring boats.

Ferries

Salt Well County:

• Ferry Points: Qiliba, Huangge Cavity, Eagle Mouth Rock, Pine Forest Beach, Drift Water Rock, Eight Li, Reef, Central Beach, and Beachhead Dock.

Daguan County:

• Ferry Points: Zhiba and Cuojie River.

Yiliang County:

• Historical Ferries: Originally 22 ferry points on the Bai Shui River and Luo Ze River, reduced to 5 ferry points (Yangjia, Shuanghe, Papan Shop, Datang, and Tiaobao) by the 1990s.

Shuifu City:

• Ferry Points: Nine ferry points on the Hengjiang River.

These waterways and ferry points have been crucial for regional transportation and trade, despite ongoing challenges due to the rugged terrain and changing river conditions.