Shahu Park

Shahu Park

Shahu Park, located behind Dingjia Village in the eastern part of the city, has long been a renowned scenic destination in Fengyu. Covering a water and land area of 103,300 square meters, the park features shimmering waters and vast, misty expanses. At the center of the lake lies a small islet, also known as "Yunzhou," where flowers bloom in profusion, pines and bamboos are lush and green, and the grass is as soft as velvet, creating a tranquil environment. A poem by the Song Dynasty scholar Sheng Wenru, titled "Four Scenes of Shengjiazhou," describes the landscape: "Willows line the embankment, birds sing cheerfully; flowers drunk on spring breeze are especially enchanting. A wisp of fragrance drifts with the beauty of all things, boundless scenery fills the courtyard."

Shahu Park boasts many ancient structures. As early as the Tang and Song dynasties, there was an islet in the lake called Duzhou, also known as Xingdui. Around this islet were built structures such as the "Pan Guan," "Wuhua Pavilion," Yunqi Pavilion (also called Xiayi Gallery), "Yicao Ting" (One Grass Pavilion), "Wenqing Xuan," "Chishu Ge" (Lake Light Academy), "Shi Ting" (Stone Pavilion), "Yuxiu Kanlin Tower," and "Dengying Bridge." These buildings were scattered among the pines and bamboos, creating beautiful scenery. According to the *Ding Family Genealogy*, a Yicao Ting pavilion was constructed atop the islet, standing proudly in the lake like a lotus rising from the water. Its roof was octagonal, covered with copper tiles, with short walls topped by windows enclosed by wooden railings, all painted in bright colors. The plaque read: Yicao Ting, situated right in the middle of the lake. To the east of the lake, one would climb stone steps to reach the Shi Ting. To the southeast, there were ornate railings and painted beams. High above the lake sat Yunqi Pavilion, with a small embankment to its east leading to Yunzhou. Outside lay the lower lake, where a multi-storied tower rose above the clouds — my Chishu Ge. Lian Lake was several times larger than Shahu Lake, with Shengjiazhou separated from Yunzhou by an embankment. To the west were old trees and dense residential areas, making it a popular gathering place for scholars and poets for lectures and banquets. The Song Dynasty scholar Sheng Wenru lived here, lecturing and founding an academy. By the lakeside was Wuhua Pavilion, standing opposite Yicao Ting, covering a construction area of about 300 square meters, serving as a place for officials and literati to compose poetry. The Song Dynasty scholar Zhu Xi visited Sheng Wenru here three times and wrote the poem "Passing Through Shengjiazhou Again," describing Shahu as having "myriad acres of shimmering waves embracing the universe." The Qing Dynasty poet Ding Youjun wrote in his poem "Ten Thousand Acres of Lake Light": "East of Swordspring City lies a solitary lake, its clear light rippling flat under the sun. Tides carry spring messages as the wind stirs greens, silk-like ripples wash the cold pool where moonlight bubbles like pearls. Several gardens form islands, occasionally found within the city like a hidden paradise. Yunzhou’s peach and plum blossoms return year after year, unmatched even by the finest paintings." Later, the ancient buildings of Shahu fell into disrepair and were gradually destroyed, becoming a desolate islet by the Republican era.

In 1982, the People's Government of Fengcheng County allocated special funds to develop a park at Shahu. After years of continuous construction, the new park took shape, transforming the ancient and famous Shahu into a refreshed and vibrant destination. It officially opened to the public in 1985. The newly built Shahu Park is surrounded by weeping willows, enclosed by walls, with clear blue waters and red walls reflecting shimmering waves. At the park entrance stands a winding bridge, 4 meters wide and 30 meters long, with carved hollow silver-white railings on both sides, connecting to the park. Major structures inside the park include the Jianxia Pavilion, which stands tall in the center with exquisite and elegant base and eaves designs. Hanging on the pavilion pillars are gilded wooden couplets carved with inscriptions: "Recalling the past, the Dragon Light of Sword County shines brilliantly, after all, it was the old county seat; rejoicing in the present, the Purple Air of Fu City dazzles gloriously, truly a Golden Fengcheng." Inside the pavilion, the upper walls are painted with colorful dragon and phoenix motifs, along with elaborate caisson ceiling designs, exuding grandeur. The pavilion houses an ancient sword case and the "Jianxia Pavilion Stele Inscription." Visitors can rest here, admire the sword case, read the inscriptions, and reflect on the past while appreciating the present. To the west of the entrance lies a children's playground and roller skating rink, complete with bumper cars. To the east, there are rugged rockeries, winding paths, blooming flowers, and lush green grass, with precious flowers and trees scattered throughout the garden. Stone tables and benches are placed under the shade of willows along the lakeside for visitors to rest. In 1989, 520 meters of open iron railings were added along the northern and western shores of the lake. In 1990, a lake center pavilion was newly built in the lake, designed in an antique style with overhanging eaves and glazed tiles, featuring two stories, six pillars, covering 182 square meters, and standing 12 meters high. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the lake. In 1991, a new zigzag bridge, 117 meters long and 3.1 meters wide, was built to connect to the lake center pavilion, with railings on all sides allowing visitors to stroll freely and relax. Small painted pleasure boats on the clear lake offer scenic tours.

"Fengcheng is a land of abundant treasures, and Shahu alone captures a touch of spring." Since its opening, the park has received nearly 10,000 visitors each month, with even greater numbers visiting on weekends and holidays.