Mirror Lake Scenic Area

Mirror Lake Scenic Area

Mirror Lake Scenic Area is situated in the heart of Wuhu’s urban center, right next to the well-known Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. It is made up of the waters of Big and Small Mirror Lakes covering 230 acres, together with 54 acres of surrounding green space. To the north, the lake borders Zheshan Mountain. When the air is still, the water lies mirror-flat, limpid and bright. Come sunset, as the sun dips low in the sky, the interplay of the crimson mountain and the blue lake, together with the silhouettes of pavilions and towers, makes the shimmering landscape even more radiant and beautiful. Nestled against Zheshan and by the Yi River, Mirror Lake earns its fame through the “willows planted all around,” creating a scenic wonder that has drawn countless poetic tributes from notable figures throughout history. In fair spring weather, thousands of lush willow trees sway with their supple tendrils drooping low over the water, casting reflections that resemble a natural ink-wash painting. Boating on the lake feels like drifting within a traditional Chinese landscape painting. Strolling through the misty drizzle on Yan Yudun during spring showers, one sees the lake enshrouded in fine rain and the lakeside paths veiled in willow haze—truly evoking the feeling of being in the “misty waters of Jiuzi” or “standing in a little Penglai paradise.” Meanwhile, from Guanlan Pavilion, gazing toward Zheshan Mountain across the lake, the shifting interplay of water and mountain hues, the sensation of “mountains seeming to fly toward you through the veiling mist,” and the overwhelming impression that “you’ve reached the most secluded spot in Wuling”—all these experiences can be savored here. When night falls, neon lights twinkle and lamps cast a shimmering glow along the embankments, rendering the scene even more dreamlike.

Mirror Lake is an open scenic area where pavilions and towers stand in view of one another, connected by winding bridges and corridors. Amidst the delicate willow foliage, you’ll find sculptures such as that of Xiao Yuncong, a renowned local historian and cultural figure from Wuhu, as well as the former book collections of A Ying and Hong Rong, and the memorial pavilion for Wang Buwen. Meanwhile, various modern buildings stand tall around the lake, adding a rich urban vibe and contemporary charm to this historically famous “Mirror Lake and Delicate Willows” landscape. The “Mirror Lake and Delicate Willows” site in Wuhu’s Mirror Lake Park is one of the ancient “Eight Views of Wuhu” and has long been hailed as “the finest scenery in the county.”

The “Mirror Lake and Delicate Willows” landscape was listed among the Eight Views of Wuhu around the late Qing Dynasty or early Republican era. As a scenic site, it dates back over 800 years to the Song Dynasty, beginning with Zhang Xiaoxiang. Despite a bumpy official career and unfulfilled ambitions, Zhang “worried for his country with nothing but heartfelt emotion.” He donated 100 acres of farmland to create the scenic area and renamed it “Taotang” (Pottery Pond), which expressed on one hand his desire to “return to a pastoral life,” and on the other, reflected how the beautiful Mirror Lake scenery truly delighted and intoxicated him. Zhang also built “Guilai Tang” (Return Home Hall) and “Ye Zhi Tang” (Wild Ambition Hall) by the lake, though both were later destroyed. In more recent times, the Li Hongzhang family invested heavily in constructing a range of gardens around Mirror Lake—including the Grand Garden, Jingchun Garden, Liuchun Garden, Yi Garden (also known as the Wu Family Garden), Yan Yudun, and the West Garden. These featured exquisitely arranged architecture and vibrant flowers and trees, making for numerous attractive sights—though many were later lost to floods and wars. Today, the former garden sites live on as the names of local streets.

After the liberation, the People’s Government carried out extensive renovations of the Mirror Lake scenic area. In 1952, “Taotang Park” was established, renamed “Mirror Lake Park” in 1957. In 1985, a focused renovation and construction project was undertaken on Mirror Lake, and it was officially developed into the Mirror Lake Scenic Area. In recent years, as the scenic enhancement project has progressed, the area around the lake has flourished with lush green lawns, towering ancient trees, seasonal flowers blooming in profusion, and throngs of visitors. Scenic spots and facilities are scattered all around, including: Yingbin Pavilion, Gaozhi Garden, Guanlan Pavilion, Buyue Bridge, Lake Heart Island, Flower and Bird Market, Buwen Pavilion, Liuchun Garden, the boat dock, Yan Yudun (site of the Wuhu Library), the Painting and Calligraphy Academy (formerly the location of Mirror Lake Restaurant), and Chimu Pavilion.