Chengxi Lake

Chengxi Lake

Huoqiu is a county under the jurisdiction of Lu'an City in Anhui Province, located in the western part of the province. It borders Gushi County of Henan Province to the west, faces Fuyang across the Huai River to the north, is adjacent to Lu'an and Shouxian to the east, and connects with Jinzhai to the south. Situated at the northern foot of the Dabie Mountains and on the southern bank of the middle reaches of the Huai River, the terrain is higher in the south and lower in the north. The southern part consists of low rolling hills and hillocks, while the northern part features flatlands, lakes, and rivers. The area is embraced by two large lakes — the one to the east is called “Chengdong Lake,” and the one to the west is called “Chengxi Lake.” If you have visited the mirror-like West Lake, the red revolutionary classic Honghu Lake, or the world-renowned Taihu Lake for its beauty, you might still find Huoqiu’s “Chengxi Lake” even more spectacular.

The lake surface, where water meets the sky, is at times gently rippled by the breeze, with tiny waves embracing one another and shimmering under the sunlight. Under the blazing sun, it sparkles brilliantly like a lake of pearls glowing with radiant light. At other times, strong winds sweep across, causing the lake surface to churn rapidly, wave after wave following closely, racing toward the shore in rhythm with the “splash, splash” of the water. Occasionally, violent storms hit, and the lake instantly boils with surging waves, splashing foam, and thunderous roars. Though not as grand as the Qiantang tidal bore, it is by no means inferior to the “three-foot waves even without wind” of the open sea. On calm days, the clear lake water reflects the blue sky, with mist rising gently. Thin fog drifts intermittently, and fishing boats scattered across the lake move slowly, their fishermen busily and methodically tending to their work — sowing, nurturing, and harvesting.

Along the lakeshore, red water caltrops entwine with lotus flowers, while cattails accompany reeds. Gazing at the vast expanse of emerald green, the lush and vibrant water caltrop leaves may remind you of the lines by Meng Haoran: “Clusters of caltrop leaves rise with the waves, Each flower blooming against the sun.” The lotus leaves and blossoms are no less eager to grow, shooting up vigorously. The verses of the great Southern Song poet Yang Wanli from “Seeing Lin Zifang off at Jingci Temple at Dawn” fit this scene perfectly: “After all, West Lake in June is unique; Unlike the views of other seasons. Endless green lotus leaves reach the sky, While pink lotus flowers shine bright under the sun.” Admiring the picturesque “Chengxi Lake” and losing yourself in the enchanting scenery before you, you may feel as if you’ve entered a fairyland, where self and surroundings merge seamlessly.