Baitang Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Baitang Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Location: Approximately 2 kilometers south of Hanjiang District, Putian City, Fujian Province

Introduction:

Baitang Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the Mulan River basin, covering a water area of 36.85 hectares. The lake is surrounded by a well-developed water system with crisscrossing canals and numerous ancient bridges. On clear, starry nights, the moonlight reflects on the lake along with distant famous peaks such as Mount Hugong, Mount Jiuhua, and Guna, creating ripples on the water. The sky, moon, mountains, and water blend into one, forming a captivating scene akin to an ink-wash painting. "Autumn Moon over Baitang Lake" is one of the most prominent water landscapes among Putian's renowned Twenty-Four Scenic Spots.

The Baitang Lake area boasts profound cultural heritage and rich historical relics. Many scenic spots within the area are associated with notable historical figures such as Li Fu, a celebrated anti-Jin dynasty official, national hero Wen Tianxiang, and general Qi Jiguang, making it a valuable historical and cultural legacy for both Hanjiang and the entire city of Putian. Areas around Baitang Lake, such as Yangwei Village, have been centers of culture and learning since the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, having produced 29 successful imperial examination candidates and 122 officials, leaving behind numerous cultural relics and historic sites. Among them, the ancestral hall of the Li family is a prime example of Ming and Qing architecture and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Putian buildings. The three memorial archways along the ancient official road of Baitang Lake vividly record the achievements of generations of the Li family, serving as a strong bond for Li descendants at home and abroad. The Song Dynasty-era Fuyu Palace on Floating Islet is a Mazu temple. It was built to commemorate the time when Li Fu led 3,000 young men from Putian on a northern sea voyage to resist the Jin invaders. During a storm at sea, they were protected by Mazu and narrowly escaped disaster, leading to the establishment of the temple in her honor. This fully showcases the rich historical and cultural depth of the Baitang Lake Scenic Area.