Day 51: Zhangye City Water Conservation

After breakfast we were whisked away to visit the Zhangye City Association for Science and Technology where we saw an exhibition on water utilisation and conservation in the region. As the city lies within the Hexi Corridor, between the Qilian Mountains and a series of hills, there is little opportunity for water collection. The largest source is the Black River which begins at the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and winds its way down. There is insufficient rainfall to make its collection practical (Ironically, this day it was raining but, as in Lanzhou, it was Canterbury-style drizzle so would not yield much actual water).

With the growing population there has been greater need to rationalise its use. There are numerous dams along it for enery production, and water collection and use within the city is limited. We were informed that each of our hotel rooms from the previous night was limited in water use per day.

The conservation of water is not only for Zhangye, but for the benefit of the Autonomous Mongolian Region bordering on it for whom the Black River also serves. It has been said that this water source is the greatest asset Gansu can provide Mongolia, and so protecting it is vital.

Zhangye is a key city along the Silk Road, with historic, cultural and economic importance. Our time in Zhangye was wonderful, but my attention was quickly pulled to the second home of Rewi Alley, Shandan.