Li Zi Lake

Li Zi Lake

Li Zi Lake is the most enchanting spot at the foot of Zhishan Mountain. Stepping into the narrow, gold-koi-shaped lake area, you are immersed in a poetic and picturesque realm.

“Waves surge far along the lakeshore, while mountains deepen the hues of the water.” Zhishan Mountain is lush with greenery and bathed in bright, clear hues, while Li Zi Lake shimmers with azure waves, resembling a jade cauldron or a field of crystal. At dawn, the first light glistens on the lake’s surface, casting a golden shimmer. As the sun sets in the west, the lake’s tranquil waters lie still beneath a bright moon. Zhishan Mountain stands dark as ink, its shadow reflected upside down. In light rain and thin mist, the lake becomes hazy, with willows gently drooping and fallen petals drifting red. The lake and mountain scenery shift with wind, rain, sunshine, and over the seasons, offering ever-changing beauty.

The grand gateway arch of Li Zi Lake is majestic and imposing: coiling dragons wrap around cloud-patterned pillars, high eaves hang with red lanterns, beams and brackets are adorned with flying rafters and peach motifs, and treasures vases and spirit turtles crown the roof ridge. Before the gate, a pair of bluish-gray stone lions stands with bristling manes, bulging eyes, protruding noses, and bared teeth, as if recounting the remnants of the ancient lake’s days when it was silt-choked and overgrown with reeds and wild grass. After the construction of Zhishan Park, the old lake area was dredged and expanded, with pavilions built and stones stacked, flowers planted and trees seeded—transforming the muddy marsh into a garden landscape.

A footpath circles the lake; a gentle breeze drifts by, brushing your face with wisps of willow. The green canopy overhead is thick and dripping with verdancy, refreshing to the soul. The lake water reaches the edge of the embankment, where an emerald pleasure boat rests by the shore, its hip-and-gable roof exuding classic charm. A winding corridor runs alongside the water, encircled by lush green willows. Sitting leisurely in the boat, sipping tea and admiring the view—where mountain hues blend into the void, water glimmers brilliantly, and the lake’s ribbon-like surface ripples—offers boundless charm under wind and moonlight, leaving one marveling at nature’s exquisite craftsmanship and praising the peerless beauty of Li Zi Lake.