Haikou on the Tanglang River: Hydropower History and Markets

Haikou combines a distinctive waterside setting with a remarkable chapter in the history of technology. The Shilongba Hydropower Station, China’s first hydropower station, is a testament to this historical connection. Cherry orchards and a market featuring local specialties add agricultural and culinary dimensions. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider which aspect of the place you want to shape your stay: geographical orientation, cultural history or a glimpse of local cuisine.

Haikou between the Tanglang River and Dianchi Lake

Haikou lies on the Tanglang River, at the southwestern outlet of Dianchi Lake. Two precise directions help you get your bearings: Haikou borders Dianchi Lake to the east and the Xishan Longmen scenic area to the north. This gives the place name a concrete geographical setting, with its waterways and a landmark to the north. The Tanglang River is also the point of reference for the location of the Shilongba Hydropower Station on its upper reaches. Anyone interested in Haikou will find a description of the place where geography and technological history come together.

A hydropower station with a pioneering history

The Shilongba Hydropower Station is located in Haikou, on the upper reaches of the Tanglang River. Its significance is reflected in two recognitions: in 1997, it was recognized as a patriotic education site in Yunnan Province; in 2006, it was included in the sixth category of nationally important protected cultural heritage sites in China. These recognitions link an education site at the provincial level with a national heritage protection category. An institutional description from 2022 mentions four workshops and eight covered exhibition halls, with more than 2,100 square metres of exhibition space. It lists educational programmes there on patriotism, red culture, Party education and integrity. Thus, in addition to early hydropower, education and remembrance are also part of the site’s history. For travellers interested in culture, this connection is a distinct reason to explore Haikou’s history.

Cherry orchards and local specialties

Beyond its industrial history, Haikou has other distinctive features that show a different side of the place. A tourism description from April 2026 reports that Shima Shao, in the Zhongbao community, has more than 600 mu of cherry orchards. This places the area’s agricultural connection in a precisely named part of Haikou. You can visit a market on Zhongtan Street and sample local specialties. The figure for the orchards gives an idea of the cultivated area, while the market offers a specific opportunity to taste local specialties. Both complement the history of technology with other ways to experience the place: its agricultural heritage and local cuisine.

Which aspect will shape your stay?

The different themes appeal to different travel interests. Those interested in technological and cultural history can use Shilongba as a starting point; those wanting to sample local specialties can visit the market on Zhongtan Street. The river and lake help put Haikou on the map. When looking for a holiday rental, consider which of these aspects you want to shape your stay most. This way, your choice of destination can reflect the experiences that interest you.

Discover more destinations: Xishuangbanna, Dehong, Nujiang, Qujing, Wenshan, Zhaotong, Lincang, Chuxiong

For the main travel overview: Yunnan.