Shenquan Lake

Shenquan Lake

Shenquan Lake lies across the Qujiang River. With its long, narrow expanse of water, vast waters, and numerous branches resembling a coiling dragon, the *Lotus Hall Chronicles* record: “Descending from Niujiao Chong at Louti Ridge,

the layered stone steps pile up, looking like climbing stairs, hence the name.” It later became commonly known as “Louti Deng.”

The source of Shenquan Lake is the Yuyue Stream and the Qujiang River. At the end of the Qujiang River, there is a mountain stream that never stops flowing. One year during a severe drought, the local people faced crop failure, had to flee in search of food, and were on the brink of despair. At this time, a strange child named Kufu was born in the area. This child, Kufu, grew rapidly upon exposure to the wind after birth, becoming strong and tall. Unable to bear seeing the suffering of the people, he set out along the river to find water. Upon reaching the source, he entered a cave where two huge rocks blocked the water source, guarded by a golden dragon. Kufu asked the golden dragon how to find the water. The dragon shook its head helplessly: “These two rocks, one called Qian Stone and the other Kun Stone. To get the water, you must topple both rocks.” Kufu, growing anxious, tried to pry them apart with his hands—no use. He tried kicking them—still no luck. Finally, using all his strength with hands and feet, he exhausted himself, and slowly, the two rocks began to part. At last, water gushed endlessly into the Qujiang River. Kufu kept murmuring, “Divine spring, divine spring.” Overcome by exhaustion, he closed his eyes forever. Year after year, the banks of the Qujiang River were fragrant with rice flowers, and the carp grew fat. To commemorate Kufu, people named this stretch of the Qujiang River “Shenquan” (Divine Spring). Later, when the Louti Deng Reservoir was built, it was also renamed Shenquan Lake.

The beauty of Shenquan Lake lies in its vast waters: stretching ten li across the lake area, the waves ripple gently, vast and misty, an endless expanse of blue. In narrow sections, towering rocks on both sides cast dark reflections on the water. Surrounded by mountains and embraced by water, the lake surface remains mostly calm, with shadowy mountain silhouettes, offering the tranquil tenderness of a traditional Chinese ink landscape painting.

The beauty of Shenquan Lake lies in its serene mountains. The lake area is embraced by rolling peaks and layered mountains, with over a dozen peaks exceeding 500 meters in height. Here, steep cliffs rise proudly, with crags and ridges in diverse forms, full of character. The green mountains cradle the clear waters, while the blue waves wind around the verdant hills. The deep valleys and quiet forests are truly enchanting.

The beauty of Shenquan Lake lies in its lush forests. The water conservation and soil preservation forest coverage in the lake area exceeds 70%, creating distinctive and picturesque scenery: in early spring, the woods turn fresh green and everything revives; in midsummer, the trees provide cooling shade and birds sing in the quiet valleys; in autumn, the mountains are ablaze with red leaves, as forests are dyed in layers of color; in winter, the trees are covered in frost and snow, presenting a world dressed in silver. Across the ten-li lake area, the rustling of pines, the sound of waves, and the cheerful chirping of birds captivate visitors.

Shenquan Lake attracts city dwellers with its stunning natural landscapes. Many photographers from China and abroad, upon visiting Shenquan Lake, are left in awe by its tranquil waters, peculiar mountains, beautiful forests, and unique rocks. One poet, after touring Shenquan Lake, wrote with emotion: “The water is clearer than the Three Gorges, the forests more beautiful than West Lake. This trip makes Fan Li pale in comparison—I am the winner with Shenquan Lake.”

The best time to visit Shenquan Lake is in summer. Boating upstream, you’ll feel a cool breeze that drives away the summer heat. The further you go, the greener the surrounding mountains become, the quieter the environment, and the fresher the air—making you feel especially refreshed. Beyond summer, each season offers different sceneries. In winter, the surrounding mountains are covered in silvery white, the lake freezes over with a mirror-like surface, making it a great time for hunting and fishing in the mountains. In spring, wildflowers bloom vibrantly along the lakeshore cliffs, radiating vitality. In autumn, the forests are painted in layers of color—the fiery red maples and orange-red sweetgums make every sight colorful. The Shenquan Lake area has 20,000 hectares of forest, including natural forests of Sassafras tzumu and camphor trees, as well as planted forests of Masson pine, fir, and slash pine. The woodlands are rich in medicinal herbs such as Paris polyphylla and Schisandra chinensis, as well as local specialties like bamboo shoots and mushrooms. The fish in Shenquan Lake are also abundant, including grass carp, bighead carp, common carp, and silver carp. Among them, the grass carp, with its flat and slender body and delicious meat, is regarded as the finest delicacy of Shenquan Lake. Bighead carp has tender and tasty flesh, and its head makes especially delicious soup. Dining on a fish feast and sipping fish soup by Shenquan Lake is a true delight.

Shenquan Lake attracts a large number of visitors with its unique geographical location, distinct four seasons, and bright, beautiful lakes and mountains.

Shenquan Lake stretches in the shape of a bull’s horn, surrounded by mountains on all sides, with a stretch of clear water nestled within the scenic landscape. Standing atop the majestic and broad dam, one suddenly feels as if walking along the spine of a giant dragon. Gazing into the distance, the green waters twist like silk ribbons among emerald mountains, with winding peaks and a small mountain path dotting the scene. Classical buildings with carved beams and painted rafters, and hillside pavilions with upturned eaves, enhance the magical visual impact of nature and human landscapes complementing each other. Pleasure boats ripple on the water’s surface, giving the illusion of drifting in a painting. The poetic charm within stirs a sense of spiritual cleansing, leaving an indelible impression on your heart.

The lake center peninsula is a paradise rising in the middle of the long lake, elegant like a utopia, and tenderly romantic like lovers embracing. Visitors here can enjoy the breeze and moonlight in pavilions, sing aloud by the water, or paddle a small boat to explore secluded spots. In early summer, when the earth’s vapor rises early, everywhere you look are hues of light blue, deep indigo, duck green, and goose yellow. Beneath the reflection of the lake and mountains, one feels as if becoming a transparent being. And once a youthful heart bathes in the emotion of love, it is like a white lotus slowly unfurling in the morning dew, silently and tremblingly blooming toward the rising sun. A surprised gasp of joy, and the heart is already tinged with the rosy hue of rouge... Moreover, there are trees on the peninsula, birds in the trees. There is grass under the trees, and insects in the grass. Birdsong and insect chirps, sounds of nature, blend seamlessly with the surroundings—not loud or vulgar, simple yet not lacking brilliance. The peninsula thus gains vitality and rhythm. By day, it evokes poetic inspiration; by moonlit night, it adds a touch of serenity.

Climbing onto the lake center peninsula, a winding stone staircase leads straight to the mountaintop. Pines line the path, with lush trees all around. Reaching the peak and looking into the distance, the distant mountains appear like dark ink paintings, and the sky is vast and hazy. Yet the lake at the junction of mountain and water presents another scene: as the sun sets in the west, the glow melts like gold; as the moon rises from the eastern hills, its reflection sinks like a jade disc. Black eels and red carp float and dive in the green waters; egrets and herons appear and disappear above the misty waves. Looking out, the willows in the water borrow the green of three oars, and the flowers on the opposite bank share a wisp of fragrance. Following a winding path through the woods, you can fully immerse yourself in the generous yet seemingly selfish gifts of nature. The rustling of pines carried by the mountain breeze, nearby flowers competing in splendor, and the melodious chirping of beautiful birds surround you. Occasionally, a cute little squirrel darts across the stone path, as if welcoming these visitors from afar. Beyond enjoying the natural mountain views, visitors can also rest in mountain pavilions or teahouses, savoring mountain tea and a relaxed mood, or head to the fishing platform for some angling leisure. Fine wine and delicious food bring joy to the heart and a satisfying feast, making one linger and never want to leave.

Beautiful, oh beautiful Shenquan Lake！