Mingze Lake

Mingze Lake

The tranquil Mingze Lake is nestled within the beautiful Children's Park. It's a lovely spot with a picturesque environment. The entire lake is oval in shape, and two uniquely designed paths have been created along its contours—one a wide wooden-plank arched bridge, and the other a winding red plastic path. On the southern side of the lake, there’s also a wooden-plank broken bridge that extends straight into the heart of the lake. At the end of the broken bridge stands a wooden pavilion where a couple of people sit and rest. Along the shore, many willow trees sway their branches gently against the shimmering water, creating a harmonious reflection with the lake. I remember seeing weeping willows along the shores of West Lake too—seems these two were simply meant to be together, so naturally in harmony no matter where they are. Of course, willows alone aren’t enough. There are also ginkgo trees, cherry blossom trees, cotton roses, and many other rare tree species whose names I can’t recall—golden, deep red, dark green—all scattered artfully, embellishing the scene like a poetic painting.

Lake water is different from seawater or river water. The sea and rivers both have a masculine energy, but lakes embody the utmost feminine beauty. Whether it’s a vast lake stretching beyond the horizon or a small man-made one like this, they all possess such serenity—like a maiden, pure and charming. There are many koi fish in the water, not very large, but they swim in schools, moving slowly, freely and carefree.

But even the most beautiful scenery can seem lifeless without human presence, so we, the visitors, become part of the view too—there are young couples in love, elderly people playing chess, and office workers like us taking a midday break, all soaking in the lazy charm of the afternoon and lingering, reluctant to leave. Beauty in life isn’t really far away; it’s right around us, waiting to be discovered.