Editor's Note: Bridging News launched a social media campaign to promote collaboration among Chongqing Municipality, Sichuan, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Guizhou, and Hubei provinces during this year’s Two Sessions. The campaign showcases each region’s achievements and measures in enhancing the shipping infrastructure of the Yangtze Upper Reaches, using the hashtag #YangtzeUpperReachesPower.
The Goupitan hydropower station navigation project in Yuqing County, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, officially commenced operations in 2021.
The Goupitan hydropower station navigation project has a total route length of 2,306 meters, consisting of upstream and downstream navigation channels, a three-level vertical ship lift, and two intermediate channels. The water level from upstream to downstream can reach 199 meters.
The Wu River is the principal tributary on the southern bank of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, and it is the largest river in Guizhou Province. Positioned as the fifth cascade hydropower station along the main stream of the Wu River, the Goupitan hydropower station serves as the largest hydropower facility in the Wu River basin.
The station focuses on power generation while considering comprehensive utilization such as navigation and flood control.
Following its operation, vessels with a capacity of up to 500 tons can navigate through Goupitan, Silin, Shatuo, and Pengshui, originating from Kaiyang Wharf in Guiyang. Subsequently, they can enter the Yangtze River in Fuling, Chongqing.
This facilitates direct shipping for vessels, replacing the previous "road-water transportation" system. The new route can potentially reduce transportation costs by 20,000 to 25,000 yuan.
The opening of the Golden Waterway linking the river and the sea will achieve a dual increase in efficiency and benefits.
The Goupitan hydropower station navigation project in Yuqing County, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province. (Photo/ Discover Guizhou)