Tucked away in Gonghe County, Qinghai Province, the Longyangxia Hydropower Station is an epic example of engineering meets nature 🌄⚡️.
Carved into Longyangxia Gorge—a stretch of river just 30 meters wide (think two double-decker buses squeezing side by side!) and 33 km long—this site was chosen back in 1976 to harness the river’s power.
On top of generating clean electricity, the station doubles as a flood-control hero, taming seasonal surges and protecting downstream towns from sudden floods 🌊🏘️.
When winter chill hits, it stops ice jams in their tracks ❄️🚫, keeping the river moving smoothly for people downstream.
But wait, there’s more: the reservoir waters now fuel local irrigation networks—turning parched fields green 🌾—and support booming aquaculture, giving local communities a fresh boost of economic opportunity 🎣.
CGTN reporters visited in March 2024 to capture these breathtaking scenes 📸. From thunderous turbines to tranquil waters, Longyangxia is more than a dam—it’s a lifeline for the region’s future.
Reference(s):
Longyangxia Hydropower Station plays a crucial role in flood control
cgtn.com