China is planning for building a scenic area near the Xiaolangdi Water Control Dam on the Yellow River, China's second-longest river, according to the scenic spot management committee.

The area, to cover some 1,262 sq km, will comprise four regions and feature 113 scenic sites, including a vast range of water, which have come into being since the dam began to retain water last year. In addition, there will be three grand gorges and over 80 ancient buildings and cultural relics.

Visitors here may enjoy the landscape as well as water-related sports activities while gaining more knowledge of biology, culture, and science and technology.

The construction of five docks in the scenic area will start soon, involving a joint investment of 120 million yuan (about US$14.5 million) jointly from the Ministry of Communications and Henan Province.

The Xiaolangdi Water Control Project was one of China's key projects aimed at treating the silting-up of the Yellow River.

The dam is 154 meters high and 1,660.3 meters long.

(People’s Daily 02/19/2001)