Lian Dan Lake

Lian Dan Lake

Chinese people have long held a deep affection for mountains and waters. Mountains without water appear stern and unyielding; waters without mountains seem lonely and desolate. Mountains gain elegance through water, while water becomes vibrant because of mountains. Anhui’s Tianzhu Mountain boasts both a towering peak described as “a pillar reaching the heavens” and a serene lake known for its “ancient cinnabar stove and misty haze.” Therefore, a visit to Tianzhu Mountain is incomplete without seeing Lian Dan Lake.

Lian Dan Lake is located on Liangyao Ping, southeast of Tianzhu Peak at the West Pass of Tianzhu Mountain. It is the third-largest alpine artificial lake in China, sitting at an elevation of 1,100 meters, covering an area of over 40 acres, with a dam that is 18 meters high and 100 meters long. Downstream lies a hundred-zhang-deep canyon, where the lake water cascades year-round, forming a magnificent waterfall curtain with beads of water splashing in all directions — a spectacular and extraordinary sight. Among China’s famous mountains, Lian Dan Lake can be compared to the “Heavenly Lake” of Tianshan and the “Heavenly Lake” of Changbai Mountain. Its water is crystal clear and jade-green, surrounded by rolling peaks and offering an elegant environment. On windless, clear days, the lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. The surrounding mountain ridges and green pines cast their reflections on the water, weaving a tapestry-like scene that brings the tranquil surface to life. When a gentle breeze passes, the lake ripples with shimmering light, presenting yet another enchanting view. Boating on the lake feels like entering a heavenly jade pool.

Legend has it that during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Zuoci, a famed magician from Lujiang Commandery (today’s Qianshan) known for his “early mastery of divine arts,” spent years refining elixirs and practicing alchemy at Liangyao Ping. Hence, the lake was named Lian Dan Lake (Alchemy Lake). To the northwest of the lake lie the Alchemy Platform, Alchemy Cave, and Alchemy Stove. On the Alchemy Platform, there is a pool of water that neither overflows nor dries up throughout the year. When atmospheric changes occur, clouds and mist emerge from here — sometimes rising gently, sometimes spreading across the ground, varying in density and continuity, resembling the smoke from a stove just lit or extinguished. Ancient records state: “To the left of Qian Peak, a deep rocky path leads to the Upper Alchemy Spot, where Zuoci once refined herbs. Even today, on clear and sunny days, mist rises among the woods, shimmering in shades of green, its intensity ever-changing. Above, there is a fire pool that remains full even after prolonged rain; a water pool that never dries up despite extended droughts. The Minister of War, Shi Kefa (also known as Shi DaoLin), once climbed here and marveled at its wonder.” Ancients called this natural spectacle “Dan Stove and Misty Haze.” A Ming Dynasty poet, Lu Gui, wrote on visiting the site: “A wisp of bluish smoke, curling up from the creeping vines. The immortal wind scatters in all directions, carrying the essence of golden elixirs.” Another poet, Luo Zhuang, also penned verses in memory: “The immortal has finished refining the elixir, yet the swift chariot has not returned. The stove’s fire has cooled, but the smoke lingers — traces of the divine remain in these empty mountains.”

Since Taoism designated Tianzhu Mountain as the Fourteenth Heavenly Grotto, more and more Taoist practitioners came to live in seclusion here. Among them, Zuoci became the most renowned. He was not only China’s first-generation alchemist but also a famous magician. The ancient trick of fishing, a classic performance art, was created and passed down by him.

From the “Alchemy Platform,” one can gaze out at the surrounding peaks of the West Pass, each vividly distinct — the Flying Peak as if dropping from the sky, the Precious Moon Peak like a suspended silver ingot about to fall, and Tianzhu Peak coming into view. Lion Peak rises to the left, Azure Dragon Ridge stretches to the right, while Ascension Peak, Drumming Peak, and others lie to the east, and Unicorn Horn, Inverted Basin, and Welcoming Truth Peaks stand to the south. Whether viewing from afar or nearby, one can take in the full splendor of Tianzhu Mountain. To the north of Lian Dan Lake lies a craggy cliff, rugged and lying horizontally like a qilin (a mythical creature). Beside the cliff is a cave, in front of which stands an Eight Trigrams stone platform. It is said that this is where Zuoci refined elixirs during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. The “Dan Stove and Misty Haze,” one of the “Ten Scenic Spots of Qianyang,” is located in this area. Occasionally, the lake is shrouded in light mist, and young couples boating on it may feel as if they’ve entered a fairyland. Other times, the lake is as smooth as a mirror, with blue skies and mountain peaks reflected on its surface, making visitors reluctant to paddle.

Morning at Lian Dan Lake is pristine. Surrounded by peaks, with green hills and clear waters, the lake is azure, framed by verdant pines and bamboos, lying like a mirror in the valley, harmonizing beautifully with the blue sky, white clouds, jade waters, lush trees, and rolling mountains. Like a green jadeite inlaid within the undulating ridges, it is delicate, translucent, and glistening. The rising sun shines upon the thin ice on the lake surface, scattering countless silver fragments — a crystal-clear, jade-like fairy-tale world.