Tianjin Cuiping Lake, Yuqiao Reservoir

Tianjin Cuiping Lake, Yuqiao Reservoir

Jixian County’s Cuiping Lake, also known as Yuqiao Reservoir in Jixian, was built in 1958 and named after the nearby Cuiping Mountain to the south. Located 4 kilometers east of Jixian County in Tianjin, Yuqiao Reservoir is an important part of the Luanhe–Tianjin Water Diversion Project and one of the key projects for managing the Ji Canal. The lake has a vast surface area, stretching approximately 8 kilometers from north to south and 35 kilometers from east to west. From atop Cuiping Mountain, one can gaze over the misty waters where sky and lake merge seamlessly; boating on the lake, you’ll see seagulls skimming the surface and fish darting to and fro. The southern shore of Cuiping Lake is lined with grapevines heavy with fruit, and gardens bursting with blooms; the western bank features a long dike fringed with green trees and backed by distant ink-blue mountains. The lake is abundant in fish and shrimp, particularly the renowned Golden Fin Carp. According to the Jixian County Annals, “Carp from the Ji Canal all have golden scales and reddish tails.” This “Imperial Carp,” once served to emperors, has now become a delicacy enjoyed by everyday visitors. The lake’s high-quality waters are home to over 120 species of birds. Every early April, the number of waterfowl can exceed 20,000, including eight species of rare birds under national protection such as the whooper swan, white stork, and great egret.

Blue skies, clear waters, shimmering lake light, and surrounding mountain hues paint an accurate picture of the Cuiping Lake scenic area. Like a gleaming mirror, Cuiping Lake is nestled among the mountains east of Jixian County in Tianjin. Climbing to the mountaintop by the lake and looking down, you’ll see the water and sky merge into one, fishing boats dotting the surface, sparkling waves, seagulls soaring, the green ridges to the north and south echoing each other, and the shadows of mountains playfully reflected on the water—a truly delightful scene under the breeze.

The lakeside dam on the western bank is a convenient spot to view the lake from the city. Stretching five li (approximately 2.5 kilometers) from north to south, the majestic dam lies like a giant dragon sprawled across the western side of the lake, connecting Phoenix Mountain to the north with Cuiping Mountain to the south, exuding the grandeur reminiscent of “a turtle and snake locking the great river.” Today, the dam is lined with lamps and shaded by trees, while lush green grass flourishes outside the dam and the lake waters shine blue within. The newly built boat dock and traditional pavilions welcome visitors from afar.

Standing atop the dam and looking eastward, you’ll see the endless stretch of azure water fading into the horizon like mist and smoke, with leisurely clouds above endlessly transforming themselves and casually accompanying the water. Looking down, the waves lap against the shore, splashing beads of water that seem determined to breach the embankment and escape the lake, tirelessly performing their futile task. If you’re there at sunrise, the sun appears to leap wetly onto the water’s surface, with rays of dawn sprinting lightly across the lake, making the surging Cuiping Lake resemble a bubbling pot cooking a delicious egg-drop soup—an irresistible sight you’d almost want to drink in.

Cuiping Lake has created numerous islands and peninsulas. Fish-Leaping Islet, located in the northwest of the lake, stretches one li from north to south and half a li from east to west, resembling a carp arching its back, lying peacefully on the water. The islet is now planted with tens of thousands of fruit trees, making it a famous floating orchard. The Cuiping Peninsula, situated on the southern central shore of the lake, extends from the southern foothills of the mountain and is home to the Tianjin Cuiping Lake Science Park, boasting a beautiful environment and pleasant scenery.

Traveling along the 20-kilometer lakeside road encircling the southern bank of the lake is like strolling through a winding picture gallery. Lined with weeping willows and small bridges, the road winds along the mountains and water, twisting and turning through layers of stunning scenery. The villages along the way can be called either mountain cottages or waterfront fishing hamlets. To the south of the road lie mountains, to the north the lake. The southern hills are lush and vibrant, their slopes adorned with floral beauty, the foothills weighed down with fruit, and thickets of shrubs thriving below; the northern lake is vast, with gentle waves lapping the shore, aquatic plants clustering along the edges, and extensive mudflats spreading out. Here, you can hike the mountains to gather mushrooms and wood ears, or head out onto the lake to catch fish, snails, shrimp, and crabs. Venture into the forests to play among rocks and birds, seeking out hidden wonders; take to the waters to paddle, frolic, and ride the waves. Where mountains jut into the lake, they form peninsulas; where the lake flows into the embrace of the hills, it creates coves. Atop the peninsulas are houses and trees, with tiled roofs and curling smoke, evoking the charm of eastern Shandong; on the coves, boats lie moored, nets are cast, and lines are cast—capturing the essence of coastal scenery. Driving along the road, you’ll sometimes plunge into the heart of the mountains, where only mountain shadows are seen and the sound of water is unheard; at other times, you’ll reach the edge of the world, by cliffs and lake, where the vast waters open your heart. Such enchanting scenery unfolds along dozens of kilometers of this route.

Along the shores of Cuiping Lake, there are also numerous renowned mountains and ancient temples. Cuiping Mountain and Phoenix Mountain stand to the south and north respectively, guarding the western dam of the lake. Cuiping Mountain is featured in a dedicated chapter of the classic novel Water Margin, and to this day, the moving tales of “Yang Xiong Kills His Wife” and “Shi Xiu Eliminates the Bully” are still passed down. The mountain is home to the ruins of the Temple of the Heavenly Emperor of the Eastern Peak, after which Cuiping Lake is named. Phoenix Mountain earned its name due to its phoenix-like shape. The mountain is covered with lush pine forests, shading like umbrellas. Today, the ruins of the Temple of Guan Yu remain, and historical records indicate that nearby was the study site of Zhao Pu, chancellor to Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin, as well as the former residence of Dou Yujun, known for his exemplary parenting as mentioned in the Three Character Classic. On Fushan Mountain in the southeastern part of Cuiping Lake, a solitary pagoda stands adorned between the landscape and waters. This octagonal, dense-eave brick pagoda, over ten meters tall, was originally built during the Liao Dynasty and renovated in subsequent dynasties. Though its finial has been shaken off, its majestic aura remains undiminished. On the northern shore of Cuiping Lake lies Peach Blossom Temple, with some ruins still in existence. The temple was named for its early-blooming, vibrant peach blossoms. Its founding date is unknown, but in the eighth year of the Qing Qianlong Emperor’s reign, an imperial retreat was built here, and a mountain spring beside the temple still flows continuously to this day. The emperor himself fell in love with the landscape here, captivated by the allure of the Cuiping Lake area.

Cuiping Lake, surrounded by a hundred miles of natural and cultural landscapes beyond description, reveals her graceful charm only to those who immerse themselves in her embrace.

Scenic Spot Location

East of Jixian County