The sluices of the Xiaolangdi Dam, the second largest in China, have been opened for the launch of the new waterfall-watching festival on the Yellow River in China's central Henan Province.

Local authorities say the first ever festival has already been a success, with visitors and photographers exclaiming over the 200 meter high and 500 meter waterfall created by opening the gates.

The festival will last until July and authorities expect tourists from outside Henan, including northern and eastern China, to account for more than 80 percent of the visitors.

The Xiaolangdi dam is a multipurpose project designed for flood control, ice control, dredging, industrial and municipal water supply, and hydroelectric power.

Located 40km north of the ancient city of Luoyang, the dam is the largest on the Yellow River, second only in size to the Three Gorges project on the Yangtze.

(CRI June 19, 2006)