Huizhou West Lake – Rivaling the One in Hangzhou

Ping Lake is located in the northern part of the West Lake scenic area, covering an area of 0.795 square kilometers. It is the largest among the five lake areas, with most of West Lake’s key attractions situated nearby. Surrounded by verdant mountains, the scenic beauty of the lake reflects a harmonious blend of water, hills, and picturesque pavilions. To the east, it connects to the city center; to the west, it borders Ling Lake and Crocodile Lake; to the south, it links to Su Causeway and Feng Lake; and to the north, it connects to Dongjiang River.

Around the lake, visitors can explore various attractions such as Gushan Island, Sizhouta Pagoda, Yuanmiao Temple, Chaoyun Tomb, Zhunti Pavilion, Mingyue Bay, and Fengzhuyuan. The lake is dotted with islets including Dui Cui Islet, Fanghua Islet, Baihua Islet, Hongmian Island, Heyu Island, and Bird Island. Additionally, scenic bridges like Gongbei Bridge, Xinxin Bridge, Yinxian Bridge, Jiuqu Bridge, Huazhou Bridge, and Yanxia Bridge connect the islands and shores.

Feng Lake, formerly known as West Lake, is situated south of Ping Lake and north of South Lake. It encompasses an area of 1.12 square kilometers, with a water surface area of 0.335 square kilometers. Notable features include the Chen Gong Dyke, built by the Song Dynasty governor Chen Zheng, and the Ming Sheng Bridge, which connect the city center to Feng Lake Academy.

The eastern and western banks of the lake boast attractions like Feng Lake Academy and Lipu Fengqing. The lake also features several islets, including Piyun Island, Fubi Islet, Huxin Island, and Pipazhou. From Yuan Tong Bridge, visitors can enjoy a view of the intricate islets and bridges, with pavilions nestled nearby and the majestic Xiangling Mountain in the distance.

South Lake is situated in the southeastern part of Feng Lake, covering a total area of 0.34 square kilometers, with a water surface area of 0.208 square kilometers. The lake is bordered to the east by Changshou Road, to the west by Feie Ridge, to the south by the city’s No. 1 High School, and to the north by the Yuantong Bridge that connects to Feng Lake. Notably, the Song Dynasty poet Yu Jing described the scenery here, noting the interplay of mountains and valleys, and the reflective beauty of the lake. Today, South Lake features deep, winding bays and undulating hills. Key attractions include Feie Ridge on the west bank and Nanyuan Island and Xuezi Islet within the lake.

Ling Lake is located in the northwest of Ping Lake, at the foothills of Youlong Mountain. It gets its name from the abundance of water chestnuts found here in ancient times. Covering an area of 0.694 square kilometers, with a water surface area of 0.206 square kilometers, the lake’s shoreline features the scenic spot of Hengcha Xiaoyin. Within the lake, visitors can find attractions like Green Lawn Island and Book Island. Historically, the main water source for West Lake, Hengcha Creek, flows from the radius of Youlong Pond into Ling Lake, creating a winding route for boating.

Crocodile Lake is situated in the southwestern part of Ping Lake, named for the crocodiles that once thrived in the area. It connects to the Honghua Lake scenic area to the southwest, covering a total area of 1.275 square kilometers, with a water surface area of 0.187 square kilometers. The lake is interspersed with renowned mountains such as Fengshan and Ziwei Mountain, and it features notable sites like Guiyun Cave, Yongfu Temple, and Ancient Banyan Temple. The lake is characterized by its deep, secluded waters and lush forests, which historically led to crocodile infestations. During the Song Dynasty, Chen Yaozuo, the governor of Huizhou, famously issued an order to exterminate crocodiles, while Su Dongpo created a release pond for animals. Today, a crocodile sculpture stands on Crocodile Island as a tribute to the lake’s history.

Xixin Bridge, located on Su Causeway, is the first of the six famous bridges of West Lake. Both Su Causeway and Xixin Bridge were funded by Su Dongpo, who oversaw their construction in the second year of the Song Dynasty’s Zhaosheng era (1095). As a result, Xixin Bridge is also known as “Su Gong Bridge.” Originally built using stone saltwood (a type of teak), the bridge was renowned for its strength and durability. It featured nine impressive pavilions, making it a magnificent sight. The bridge has undergone several renovations, with its current structure completed in 1983.

Su Causeway, also known as Su Gong Causeway, was built after Su Dongpo witnessed the hardships of the local people who struggled to navigate the waters of Huizhou. To alleviate their suffering, he donated gold bestowed upon him by the emperor to fund the construction of a long causeway at West Lake, benefiting the community. In gratitude for Su Dongpo’s contributions to West Lake and the local populace, the causeway was named “Su Causeway.”

Gongbei Bridge is the second of the six famous bridges at West Lake, situated between Ping Lake and Dong River. It was constructed during the Northern Song Dynasty by Chen Cheng, the governor of Huizhou, while he was building embankments around the lake. The bridge has undergone multiple renovations over the years. Originally, its purpose was to release excess water from West Lake into the Dong River during heavy rains, but it has since been adapted for vehicular traffic. Surrounded by mountains, Huizhou experiences substantial rainfall, and given the area’s poor water management at the time, Gongbei Bridge played a crucial role in flood control and protection for West Lake, hence its name.

Yanxia Bridge faces the distant Crocodile Island and is yet another scenic highlight of West Lake. During his exile in Huizhou, Su Dongpo created a release pond at Crocodile Lake and constructed Yanxia Causeway, although there was no bridge at that time. Yanxia Bridge was added later and first appeared in records during the mid-Ming Dynasty. The current structure was rebuilt in 1992. As the third bridge among the six famous bridges of West Lake, Yanxia Bridge is celebrated for its elegance and charm, often referred to as the “beauty” of the group, with an ethereal grace and distinguished presence.

Yingxian Bridge connects Fanghua Island and Yuanmiao Temple, originally built during the Song Dynasty but falling into disrepair by the Qing Dynasty. It is the fourth of the six famous bridges. The bridge was rebuilt in 1986. According to local legend, it is said that those who cross Yingxian Bridge can summon deities from Yuanmiao Temple, allowing their wishes to be fulfilled, which is how the bridge got its name, meaning “Welcoming Immortals Bridge.” This enchanting bridge not only serves as a pathway but also embodies the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the area.

Mingsheng Bridge, also known as Huangtang Bridge, is located on Chen Gong Causeway and is the fifth of the six famous bridges of West Lake. It was constructed by Chen Cheng, the governor of the Northern Song Dynasty, as part of the causeway. Initially built as a wooden bridge, it was later converted to a stone bridge by Li Jisi, a governor during the Ming Dynasty. In the Republic of China era, the bridge’s arches were raised to accommodate yachts. Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the government has renovated the bridge twice. Today, it stands as a cement bridge that allows vehicles on the top and boats to pass underneath.

Yuantong Bridge is the sixth of the six famous bridges. It was initiated by Gan Gongliang, the governor of Huizhou, during the Ming Zhengde era. This bridge serves as a boundary between Nanhu and Fenghu lakes and has undergone various renovations throughout the years. After the founding of New China, it was reconstructed twice in 1969 and 1983. The current layout includes both the original old bridge and a newly built bridge on the eastern lake surface, forming the Yuantong Double Bridge. This harmonious combination of old and new adds to the scenic beauty of the area, making it a popular spot for visitors.