Shenzhen News, September 20, 2025 It was recently learned that the Shenzhen Reservoir Interception and Drainage Project on the Shawan River has achieved significant progress. The project is currently in the tunnel shield tunneling phase, with overall construction progress reaching approximately 35%. Construction on all four regulating lakes has passed the halfway mark. Once completed, the project will undertake the functions of rainwater storage and flood interception and drainage for the upstream area of Shenzhen Reservoir.

The Shenzhen Reservoir Interception and Drainage Project on the Shawan River primarily includes the construction of four regulating lakes and an interception and drainage tunnel with a total length of 6.71 kilometers. As a crucial project to ensure the water quality of Shenzhen Reservoir’s drinking water source, it will further enhance the reservoir’s water protection capabilities and the city’s flood control and drainage levels, playing a significant role in ensuring public safety and promoting sustainable urban development.

“Relying solely on regulating lakes cannot fully handle rainwater and flood regulation. Therefore, the project also involves the construction of a large-diameter interception and drainage tunnel to combine storage and drainage, alleviating flood peak pressure and effectively improving flood safety.” A new Shawan River gate dam will also be built as part of the project, forming the final barrier for Shenzhen Reservoir’s protection and greatly enhancing the water quality of drinking water sources for both Guangdong and Hong Kong.

It is understood that the large-diameter interception and drainage tunnel under construction has an outer diameter of 10 meters and an inner diameter of 9 meters, making it the largest hydraulic tunnel currently under construction in Shenzhen and a rare large-diameter tunnel among similar water conservancy projects nationwide. The tunnel is divided into two sections: from Shawan to Dawang and from Dawang to Donghu.

Tunneling began from the Shawan working shaft, but the geological conditions at the selected site are relatively complex. The tunneling section features alternating layers of soil and rock, with local rock strength reaching 5-6 times that of concrete, posing significant challenges for shield tunneling. To address the complex geological conditions, the project team customized a large-diameter dual-channel shield machine named “Tongze,” with a total length of 115 meters. Equipped with various cutting tools, it can adapt to different geological conditions such as hard rock, soft rock, clay, and fractured zones, significantly improving construction safety and reliability.

“The shield machine has been specially designed to address the geological layers and surrounding environment it will traverse, enabling it to handle multiple risks and difficulties.” The team has implemented targeted technical and management measures, including intelligent equipment, refined management, and scientific scheduling, to ensure that various challenges during tunneling can be smoothly resolved and project safety guaranteed. It is expected that another shield machine will be launched at Dawang in Luohu next June, allowing two shield machines to tunnel simultaneously.

Shenzhen Reservoir

The Shenzhen Reservoir is a major water source constructed in the 1960s to supply freshwater to the cities of Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Its creation was a critical infrastructure project that supported the region’s rapid population growth and economic development. Today, it remains an essential resource and is also a protected ecological area surrounded by lush parkland.

Shawan River

The Shawan River is a historically significant waterway in Guangdong Province, China, flowing through the city of Guangzhou. It has been a vital artery for trade and transportation for centuries, particularly during the era of the Maritime Silk Road. Today, it is known for its scenic riverbanks and is a popular area for cultural and recreational activities.

Shawan working shaft

The Shawan Working Shaft is a historical mining site located in the Shawan Scenic Area of China’s Sichuan province. It was a key part of the ancient Dafengyan salt mining industry, which dates back over two thousand years to the Han Dynasty. The shaft provides a tangible link to the region’s long history of salt extraction and industrial ingenuity.

Dawang

I am unable to identify a specific notable place or cultural site named “Dawang.” This could refer to a common place name in China (大王, meaning “great king”), a personal name, or a less-documented local site. To provide an accurate summary, please provide more context or the specific location you are referring to.

Donghu

Donghu, or East Lake, is a renowned freshwater lake and scenic area in Wuhan, China, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage. Historically, it was a retreat for ancient poets and scholars, with its surroundings featuring pavilions, temples, and gardens dating back over a thousand years. Today, it stands as one of China’s largest urban lakes, offering recreational activities and serving as a symbol of Wuhan’s natural beauty.

Tongze

I am unable to identify a specific place or cultural site named “Tongze.” It is possible the name is misspelled, refers to a very local or obscure location, or is not widely recognized in historical or cultural records. Could you please provide any additional context or check the spelling?

Luohu

Luohu is a major commercial and residential district in Shenzhen, China, directly adjacent to Hong Kong. It is historically significant for being the location of the Lo Wu/Luohu border crossing, which was one of the first and most important land crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong. The area has developed from a small frontier town into a bustling urban center, known today for its massive shopping malls and as a key transport hub.