As an important region at the source of the Yellow River, water resources are crucial to the ecology, agriculture, and livelihoods of Qinghai. The province’s water management efforts have focused not only on river regulation but also on wetland protection, soil and water conservation, and ecological restoration. Below are some key events and measures in Qinghai’s water management history:

Ancient Water Conservancy Development

In ancient times, Qinghai made some early explorations in water conservancy, particularly in the development of the Yellow River and Huangshui River basins. Due to the geographical and climatic conditions of the Qinghai Plateau, agricultural irrigation became a primary task.

- Early Waterworks in the Huangshui River Basin  

  The Huangshui River has long been an important waterway in Qinghai. Early residents in the Huangshui basin learned to utilize river water for irrigation. Most of the early waterworks consisted of simple weirs and channels for farmland irrigation. These projects supported the agricultural development of the basin and the local economy.

- Influence of Ancient Water Conservancy Ideas  

  The ancient methods of water management in Qinghai were influenced by the practices in the Central Plains, such as using local resources to divert water for irrigation and controlling water flow with earthen and stone dams. Despite the significant differences in the water conditions between the plateau and the Central Plains, ancient people accumulated valuable water management experience through continuous trial and error.

Water Management Efforts in the Republic of China

In modern times, water management in Qinghai became more systematized, with the government starting to plan for the regulation of the Huangshui River and the upper reaches of the Yellow River.

- Comprehensive Regulation of the Huangshui River 

  During the Republic of China period, the issue of soil erosion and seasonal floods in the Huangshui River basin drew government attention. Qinghai's water conservancy institutions built some flood control facilities along the river, improved irrigation systems, and carried out soil and water conservation work in mountainous areas. These measures effectively alleviated local soil erosion problems.

- Water Conservancy Research  

  With the introduction of scientific technology, Qinghai’s water conservancy departments began studying the hydrological characteristics of the upper reaches of the Yellow River and the Huangshui River. This research laid the foundation for later large-scale waterworks projects.

 Large-Scale Water Projects After the Founding of New China

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, water management in Qinghai entered a new phase, with the government investing significant resources into improving water resource management and utilization.

- Longyangxia Hydroelectric Station  

  Built in 1987, the Longyangxia Hydroelectric Station is an important water conservancy project on the upper reaches of the Yellow River. As part of China’s "West-to-East Power Transmission" strategy, it not only provides a large amount of electricity but also regulates the flow of the Yellow River, effectively alleviating flood disasters in the middle and lower reaches. The reservoir’s capacity has ensured water supply and power generation for Qinghai, playing a key role in the province's economic development.

- Lijiaxia Hydroelectric Station 

  Located on the Qinghai section of the Yellow River, the Lijiaxia Hydroelectric Station, built in 1996, is the second-largest water conservancy project in the province. The completion of this station greatly increased Qinghai’s electricity supply and alleviated water level fluctuations in the upper Yellow River. The station also played a vital role in flood control and water resource management, ensuring water security for downstream areas.

Wetland Protection and Water Source Conservation

With increasing environmental awareness, Qinghai has strengthened its protection of water sources and wetlands, particularly in the Sanjiangyuan area, the source of the Yellow River.

- Sanjiangyuan Ecological Protection Project  

  The Sanjiangyuan area, the source of the Yellow River, Yangtze River, and Lancang River, is an important water source for China. In 2005, Qinghai launched the Sanjiangyuan Ecological Protection Project, implementing a series of soil conservation, grassland restoration, and wetland recovery measures. This project, the first national ecological protection initiative in China, aims to protect the plateau's ecosystem and safeguard water sources for both Qinghai and the entire country.

- Wetland Restoration and Soil Conservation  

  Wetland protection in the Huangshui River basin became a key part of Qinghai's water management efforts. Through wetland restoration and ecological management, the ecosystem in the basin was significantly improved, enhancing water quality and water source conservation. The creation of wetland reserves also played an active role in maintaining biodiversity and preventing soil erosion.

Modern Water Management Measures

Qinghai has made positive explorations in water management on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, focusing on ecological protection and water resource management.

- Water Resource Management in the Upper Yellow River  

  Qinghai has implemented a range of water resource management measures in the upper Yellow River, including the construction of reservoirs, water resource monitoring, and flow regulation. The province emphasizes inter-departmental coordination in basin management to ensure a balance between agricultural, domestic, and ecological water needs.

- Ecology-First Water Management Strategy  

  In recent years, Qinghai has adopted an ecology-first water management approach, reducing human intervention and emphasizing natural restoration. By allowing rivers to naturally change course and creating ecological buffer zones, Qinghai has gradually restored the aquatic ecosystems of the Huangshui River and the upper Yellow River, alleviating local ecological pressures.

Community Involvement and Public Education

Qinghai has also focused on community involvement and public education in its water management projects.

- Soil Conservation in Villages  

  Residents of villages along the Huangshui River have participated in soil conservation projects with government support, working together to protect the riverbanks and surrounding vegetation. This community participation has enhanced environmental awareness and encouraged local residents to value their water resources.

- Environmental Education and Outreach  

  Qinghai promotes ecological protection and water resource management awareness through educational institutions and community outreach programs. For example, through school curricula and community lectures, the province has raised public awareness of wetland protection and the ecological importance of the Yellow River's source, fostering a stronger sense of environmental responsibility.