Moon Pond

Moon Pond

Moon Pond, renowned alongside the Ten Thousand Workers’ Pond (a liberation pond) in front of Wulei Temple as the “Sun and Moon Jewel Ponds,” is located in the Bamboo Path west of the temple wall. It earned its name from its moon-like shape and is one of the famous historical sites within Wulei Temple. The Ming Dynasty’s Ruan Zhenheng wrote in his poem “Ascending Wulei to Pay Homage to Monk Zhuoyan”: “The moonlit ravine reflects in kind, wind chimes sound of their own accord.”

The water sources of Moon Pond come from two places: the Elephant Eye Spring at the southeastern foot of Elephant King Peak, and the Cool Spring between Ox Horn Peak and Cool Summer Peak. These two springs respectively flow into the Ten Thousand Workers’ Pond in front of the temple, then westward through Hidden Cloud Stream, and enter Moon Pond via Zhicui Bridge. Legend has it that both Moon Pond and the Ten Thousand Workers’ Pond were dug during the founding of Wulei Temple. Located in the “belly of the elephant,” they absorb the spiritual energy of all rivers, and thus drinking their water is believed to cure illnesses, ward off evil, and sharpen one’s senses. Towering ancient trees surround the pond, with rustling pines and swaying bamboos. The Wulei Bell Tower complements the True Reflection Pavilion in front of the Ten Thousand Workers’ Pond and the Seven Tathagatas Pagoda, creating a harmonious and picturesque scene that makes it a perfect spot for visitors to enjoy the scenery and relax.

The environment around Moon Pond is tranquil and serene, with fresh, invigorating air. The surrounding slopes are covered with dense bamboo groves. On moonlit nights, the green glow illuminates the pond, while mist envelops the edges of the woods, offering travelers who “are startled by the chants above the mortal world” a moment of clarity and peace. Strolling along the bamboo path by the pond, one can easily pick colorful wildflowers such as orchids, irises, and chrysanthemums.

The waters of Moon Pond are crystal clear, and it is home to screw snails released by devotees throughout the dynasties. Local legend says there was once a thousand-year-old green fish spirit in the pond that swallowed the released snails and was subsequently pressed under a giant rock in the Ten Thousand Workers’ Pond by the Goddess Guanyin. Since then, the screw snails have thrived again in both ponds.

Surrounding Moon Pond are steep, rugged mountain ranges that evoke a sense of ancient reverence, a forest of stupas that stir historical contemplation, and uniquely shaped Wulei rocks. Below, the ever-changing scenery of Hidden Cloud Springs offers different views across the four seasons. These beautiful landscapes enhance the radiant charm of Moon Pond.