Qingcaosha Reservoir, the major water source for Shanghai, is located on Changxing Island, and supplies water to much of Shanghai. It provides 7.19 million cubic meters of water per day for the city's 14 million residents.

 

A soldier on duty on a launch at Qingcaosha Reservoir

Covering over 66 square kilometers, the reservoir is 10 times bigger that Hangzhou's famous West Lake.

(From top) PLA soldiers enjoying karaoke, on patrol and exercising in the gym

 

The reservoir project took years to complete and cost some 17 billion yuan ($2.74 billion) as it diverted much of Shanghai's domestic water supplies from the Huangpu River to the Yangtze River.

Guard dogs help guard the reservoir.

The reservoir is guarded day and night by an elite squad of armed PLA (People's Liberation Army) soldiers. They patrol the boundaries, train and exercise around the reservoir. The soldiers check every area around the lake regularly as they protect this major source of fresh water for the city.

Soldiers practicing riot drill Photos: Yang Hui/GT

Global Times