Longzi Lake Scenic Area in Bengbu

Longzi Lake Scenic Area in Bengbu

Longzi Lake Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national water conservancy scenic area.

The Longzi Lake Scenic Area features verdant mountains and crystal-clear waters, with winding shorelines, expansive and deep waters, and exposed rugged cliffs and rocks. It boasts both picturesque natural landscapes and culturally rich attractions. Surrounded by urban transportation arteries and backed by a modern city, the area contains provincial and municipal-level cultural heritage sites as well as ancient relics such as a Tang Dynasty ginkgo tree, a Tang Dynasty stone house, the ruins of Qiyanshi Temple (Ming Dynasty), and the ruins of Linglong Pagoda (Eastern Han Dynasty). In recent years, the scenic area has seen rapid development and has developed its own unique characteristics.

Based on geographical location, landforms, and landscape features, the Longzi Lake Scenic Area is divided into four major zones: North Lake Scenic Area, South Lake Scenic Area, Xilushan Scenic Area, and Zhuizishan Scenic Area. Longzi Lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with water and mountain landscapes closely intertwined. To the east of the lake lie Cao Mountain and Zhuizishan, which undulate like dragons, hence also known as "Twin Dragon Mountains." To the south are nine large and small gullies, which are the source of Long Lake. To the west are Xuehua Mountain and Meihua Mountain, covered with lush vegetation and known far and wide for their beautiful scenery. The Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery and the Tomb of Tang He within the scenic area have become patriotic education bases, while other attractions such as the Huaihe River Folk Culture Park and the Water Park are also colorful and distinctive. In 1998, the Longzi Lake Scenic Area was designated as a provincial-level scenic spot by the Anhui Provincial Government. In 2002, it was approved as a national ecological demonstration zone by the State Environmental Protection Administration.

Located to the east of Bengbu City, Long Lake is nestled between mountains and water, offering beautiful scenery. Within the scenic area, visitors can enjoy a full range of entertainment and dining services. Among them, Long Lake Water Park is a must-visit during the hot summer months, bringing coolness and joy. Bengbu is famous for its pearl production and is thus known as the "Pearl City." Pearl enthusiasts can find their favorite treasures at Long Lake.

Long Lake Scenic Area is situated in the eastern suburbs of Bengbu City, between Cao Mountain and Xuehua Mountain, featuring the unique landscape of “two mountains embracing a lake.” The scenic area relies on natural landscapes while also incorporating cultural elements, making it a comprehensive recreational provincial-level scenic spot. The planned total area is 51.4 square kilometers. The Longzi River, a tributary of the Huai River, flows through this area, with broad waters. Legend has it that when the young Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, rowed a boat here, his oar fell into the water and turned into a dragon—hence the name Long Lake. To the east of the lake lies Cao Mountain, also known as Twin Dragon Mountain, where it is said that Cao Cao once stationed troops. At the southern foot of Cao Mountain is also the tomb of Tang He, a famous general of the Ming Dynasty. In the 1960s, voluntary tree planting efforts turned the barren hills into green forests. In 1973, the Twin Dragon Bridge, Pearl Bridge, and the lakeside road were successively built.

Designated as a scenic area in 1975 and officially developed in 1977, Long Lake Scenic Area boasts excellent water quality, with a water surface area of 353 hectares. The municipal government has listed the scenic area as a key tourism development zone during the Ninth Five-Year Plan period. Building upon existing facilities such as the Water Park, Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery, Fishing Center, Huaihe River Folk Culture Park, as well as service accommodations like Long Lake Resort and the Workers’ Sanatorium, further developments will include an aquarium, a rock garden, a botanical garden, a miniature park of famous Huaihe River landscapes, and the “Eight Scenic Spots of Long Lake.”