Black Spring Reservoir in Datong County, Xining

Heiquan Reservoir (黑泉水库) is located in Baoku Township, Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County, Xining, Qinghai Province, beside National Highway G227. It is a national-level water conservancy scenic area, an important water-control hub of the “Diversion of Water from the Datong River to Huangshui River” project, and one of Xining’s main water sources. At an elevation of 2,867 meters, the reservoir was formed by damming the Baoku River, creating a high-gorge lake with clear emerald-green water. High mountains, forests, and grasslands surround both sides of the reservoir, making it an important scenic stop along the route to Menyuan. As the area is a protected water-source zone, visitors are not permitted to go down to the water's edge.

Best Time to Visit

🌿 Seasonal Travel Guide

June to August is the summer season, when the reservoir water is at its most vivid emerald green and the surrounding forests and grasslands are lush. September to October brings autumn colors, with the mountain forests turning golden and creating an especially atmospheric landscape. From November to April of the following year, temperatures are cold, and some periods may experience strong winds and snow.

🌅 Best Time of Day

The roadside viewing areas are open throughout the day. From 16:00 to 19:00 around sunset, the changing light and reflections across the reservoir create the best photographic conditions.

Transportation to Heiquan Reservoir

🚗 Self-Driving

Navigate to “Heiquan Reservoir (黑泉水库).” The reservoir is approximately 75 km from Xining, a journey of around 1.5 hours via National Highway G227. Ordinary cars can travel comfortably along the route, and roadside viewing parking areas are available. It is also an essential stop along the road to Menyuan.

🚌 Public Transportation

Visitors can travel from Xining to Datong County town, then transfer to a rural bus to Baoku Township and take a taxi from there. Services are relatively infrequent, so self-driving or hiring a private vehicle is recommended.

🚗 Viewing Inside the Scenic Area

The reservoir can only be viewed from roadside platforms and designated viewing areas. Visitors are not permitted to go down to the reservoir shoreline.

Core Scenic Highlights

🌊 Reservoir Viewing Platform

Located beside National Highway G227, the viewing platform provides panoramic views of the broad emerald-green reservoir surrounded by mountains. The high-gorge lake landscape makes this one of the key roadside photography spots along the route.

🏔️ Baoku Gorge Scenery

The gorge features continuous mountain ranges, forests, and alpine meadows. Visitors can enjoy the scenery from the roadside while traveling through the area.

💧 Poshui Buddha — Water-Eroded Cliff

Located beside the road below the dam, this natural water-eroded cliff features distinctive textures resembling a Buddha figure. After water is splashed onto the rock surface, the Buddha-like patterns become more visible, creating a small natural and cultural curiosity along the route.

🌲 Explore Nearby Attractions

The reservoir is not far from Chahan River Forest Park (察汗河森林公园). Continuing north across Daban Mountain Pass (达坂山) leads toward the Menyuan rapeseed flower scenic areas.

The recommended visiting time is approximately 0.5–1 hour, and most travelers visit Heiquan Reservoir as a short stop during a longer road journey.

Accommodation and Food

🏨 Accommodation

It is recommended to return to Datong County town or Xining for accommodation, as there are no standard accommodation facilities around the reservoir.

🍖 Local Food

Baoku Township has local farmhouse restaurants serving specialties such as kang-pot lamb and goujiaoniao flatbread. There are relatively few supply points along the route, so bring sufficient drinking water.

Travel Tips and Important Notes

1. Roadside viewing is free. The reservoir is located within an urban drinking-water source protection area. Going down to the lakeshore, playing in the water, camping, and approaching controlled areas around the dam are strictly prohibited.
2. The reservoir is at an elevation of 2,867 meters, and altitude sickness is generally not a major concern. However, temperatures can vary greatly between day and night in the mountainous area, so bring a jacket even in summer. Ultraviolet radiation is also strong.
3. When taking photographs, always stop in designated parking areas. Do not stop casually on bends, and pay close attention to passing heavy vehicles.
4. Help protect the water source by taking all rubbish with you. Mobile phone signals can be weak on some sections of the route, so download an offline map in advance.