Fengtan Hydropower Plant in Huaihua

Basic Information

• Location: It is situated at the junction of Yongshun County (永顺县), Guxian County (古丈县), and Yuanling County (沅陵县), 45 kilometers away from Yuanling County (沅陵县) and about 80 kilometers from Guxian County (古丈县).
• Construction Time: Construction began in October 1970 and was completed in December 1979. The first unit was put into operation in May 1978. In 2003, the power station underwent an expansion, with the project completed in 2007.
• Dam Structure: It features China’s highest concrete hollow gravity arch dam, with a maximum height of 112.5 meters, a crest elevation of 211.5 meters, a crest length of 488 meters, and a maximum base width of 65.5 meters. The overflow section adopts an open-type spillway with 13 spillway holes.
• Installed Capacity: The total installed capacity of the power station is 815,000 kilowatts. Initially, it had four generating units with a total capacity of 400,000 kilowatts. After the expansion, two additional units with a combined capacity of 415,000 kilowatts were added.
• Catchment Area and Reservoir: The You River is the largest tributary of the Yuan River, with a catchment area of 18,530 square kilometers. The reservoir has a total storage capacity of 1.733 billion cubic meters and a normal storage level of 205 meters.

Comprehensive Benefits

• Power Generation: The power station serves as a backbone power plant in Hunan Province. From 1978 to 2020, it generated a total of 100 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. In 2020, it generated 1.88 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.
• Flood Control: The reservoir can store floodwater during the flood season and release it during the dry season, effectively regulating the flow of the You River and providing significant flood control benefits for downstream areas.
• Navigation Improvement: The dam has improved navigation conditions on the You River. The 1060-meter-long cableway over the dam is the longest of its kind in China, facilitating the transportation of goods and personnel.
• Tourism and Ecological Benefits: The power station has developed a AAA-level scenic spot integrating hydropower culture and natural landscapes. It also plays a crucial role in protecting the ecological environment and promoting local tourism development.

Tourism Information

• Tourist Attractions: Visitors can admire the magnificent Fengtan Dam, tour the power generation workshop, and explore the You River Reservoir. The surrounding area features beautiful natural scenery, with mountains, rivers, and clear waters providing a picturesque setting.
• Tourist Facilities: The scenic spot offers a visitors’ center and exhibition hall, providing a one-stop service for hydropower culture. Professional tour guides offer detailed explanations of the power station’s operation and its history. Additionally, there are well-maintained trails and viewing platforms for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty.
• Tourist Activities: The power station regularly hosts various events and activities, such as photography contests and science popularization lectures, to enhance visitors’ understanding of hydropower culture.

Transportation Guide

• By Bus: You can take a bus from Yuanling County (沅陵县) or Guxian County (古丈县) to Fengtan Town (凤滩镇) and then walk or take a taxi to the power station.
• By Car: From Yuanling County, drive along the mountain roads for about 45 kilometers to reach the Fengtan Hydropower Station (凤滩水力发电厂).