Xihai Ecological Park

Xihai Ecological Park

Xihai Ecological Park is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Xihai Ecological Park is not far from Lu’an. Located in the western suburbs of Lu’an City, it is 8 kilometers from the city center and 6 kilometers from the train station. To its south lies the Ningxi Railway, and to its north is the adjacent National Highway 312. The park centers around the expansive waters of Xihai, with gently undulating hills to the west, covering a total area of 10,000 mu: 8,000 mu are used for ecological agriculture cultivation, planting demonstrations, and research and development; 1,000 mu of water surface is dedicated to the ecological breeding and research of aquatic specialties; and 1,000 mu are allocated for necessary supporting facilities for the overall development of the park. The Yu’an District Party Committee and District Government are striving to develop Xihai Agricultural Ecological Park into a “back garden of the provincial capital, the western suburban city of Lu’an, a leisure destination for citizens, and a new business hub.”

Here, far from the hustle and bustle, you can get close to nature—lush green mountains and clear waters in their most pristine state, with exquisitely crafted bridges, pavilions, and corridors. Back when Yu’an District was first established, the strategic plan of “one city shared, two parks soaring together, three belts dancing in unison, and five transformations advancing in parallel” was proposed, among which “two parks soaring together” referred to the Southern City Industrial Park and Xihai Agricultural Ecological Park.

Xihai Agricultural Ecological Park is a hidden gem for leisure near the city. It features ten acres of emerald bamboo, a hundred acres of jujube orchards, a thousand acres of ponds, and ten thousand acres of verdant hills—truly a picturesque land of clear waters and green mountains, with serene forests and valleys, resembling a paradise on earth. The Wangshan Temple adds to the charm with its morning bells and evening drums, and the resonant chants of Buddhism, making it an ideal place for spiritual cultivation and enlightenment.

Xihai, originally known as Shedpi Pond, is a large reservoir. Its water-retaining dam has been transformed into a green corridor, with cement pillars embedded on both sides and crossbeams overhead, allowing vine plants such as grapes to climb over, forming a long, shady, and lush passageway. In spring, the tender leaves and blooming flowers are alive with butterflies and bees fluttering about; in summer, the dense foliage provides thick, broad leaves that block out every ray of sunlight, offering a bone-chilling coolness; in autumn, clusters of translucent purple grapes hang enticingly from the vines; in winter, the leaves turn vibrant hues of purple, yellow, and red, drifting down with the wind. Walking on the thick carpet of fallen leaves brings a sense of life’s liberation and insight...

The lake here is divided into two parts by a long dam in the middle, which features a three-arch bridge. A pavilion stands atop the bridge, modeled after the Broken Bridge of West Lake. To the south, the lake surface is densely packed with lotus leaves and elegant lotus flowers, making it truly reminiscent of West Lake.

But saying that might offend West Lake—who says there can’t be an imitation here? However, if compared to West Lake, this place does have its advantages, namely its boundless tranquility and serenity. West Lake has become a place of noise and indulgence, no longer the scene where the Green Snake raised her sword to slay Xu Xian, nor the peaceful and misty ambiance of the ten-mile-long willow-lined embankment... As I sit alone on this pavilion, savoring the mountain and water views, enjoying the myriad blooming flowers, and basking in the gentle breeze and bright moon, it feels as if all of this exists solely for me—I am the master of this place. Isn’t that delightful?

Descending from the pavilion, rent a small boat and drift across the vast lake to the north. The waters are calm, with a gentle breeze and barely a ripple. Looking back at the shores, the weeping willows brush the water, while the hills are covered with lush bamboo and vibrant mountain flowers. How can I possibly fully enjoy such boundless bliss?

Leaving the boat and stepping ashore, you arrive at Wangshan Temple, where the solemnity and compassion of Buddhism inspire reverence. Light a stick of incense, kneel devoutly before the Buddha, repent for your wrongdoings, and pray for peace in your life—never mind calling it superstition. One should always maintain a sense of awe, hold kindness in their heart, let go of attachments, and thereby attain true freedom.

After leaving Wangshan Temple, your heart is filled with compassion, and all worldly gains and losses are cast far away. Even your footsteps feel lighter and more grounded...

Xihai Ecological Park is truly not far—it’s faintly there, deep within our hearts...