Meihu Lake

Meihu Lake

Situated south of Changnan Avenue in Qingyunpu District, Meihu Lake lies to the west of Jinsha Avenue and east of Nanlian Road. It derives its name from the Meicun village that has been inhabited here for generations and is adjacent to the Ba Da Shan Ren Memorial Hall. To fully explore the historical and cultural resources centered on Ba Da Shan Ren and make the most of the ecological advantages of the Meihu water system around him, on June 15, 2007, the second meeting of the Nanchang City Planning Committee specifically reviewed and approved the “Master Plan for the Ba Da Shan Ren–Meihu Scenic Area.” Thus began a project aimed at creating a cultural tourism brand of provincial, national, and even international significance, built upon the cultural heritage of Ba Da Shan Ren and the water resources of Meihu Lake.

It is understood that the planned total area of the scenic zone is approximately 3,200 mu, with a total built-up area of about 485,000 square meters. The scenic area centers around the Ba Da Shan Ren Memorial Hall, connected by the Meihu water system, and themed around traditional culture. Positioned as an ecological cultural and historical scenic destination for a Jiangnan urban setting, it emphasizes the integration of five key elements: Jiangnan style, urban character, history, culture, and ecology, while highlighting three distinctive features: water towns, gardens, and culture. The overall scenic plan consists of seven major zones: the Ink Painting Zone, the Cultural Expo Zone, the Water Town Charm Zone, the Three Friends of Winter Zone, the Farming Leisure Zone, the Meicun Sages’ Reflection Zone, and the Comprehensive Entertainment Zone.

To preserve the original natural landscape of “Qingyunpu,” the scenic area’s construction adapts to local conditions by landscaping hills and managing waterways. Ten originally muddy ponds were fully desilted, excavated, and dredged, then linked with Meihu Lake to form a winding, looping river and lake system. Along the lakeshores, dozens of earthen mounds of various sizes were piled up, each planted with different thematic vegetation. A variety of trees and flowers were artfully combined with these theme plants, and flowering trees with staggered blooming periods were interspersed throughout. This approach ensures that every mound and depression remains lush year-round while also showcasing unique characteristics.

According to relevant information, to reflect the artistic essence of garden architecture, Qingyunpu District specially hired over 200 skilled craftsmen from Suzhou. They meticulously arranged and crafted various types of gardens and distinctive structures within the scenic area, including courtyards, winding corridors, pavilions, and terraces. Tens of thousands of landscape stones—such as turf stones, layered stones, cobblestones, and water-worn stones—were sourced from across the country. These were used to create rockeries, embellish courtyards, nestle within small slopes and groves, or line roadsides and lake edges... The intermittent hills and meandering waters blend seamlessly with pavilions, winding corridors, islets, causeways, and unusual rocks, while also dividing the expansive space into over ten distinct scenic clusters, each embraced by landscapes and offering its own unique charm. The entire scenic area presents a layered, undulating beauty reminiscent of the misty allure of a Jiangnan water town, where every step reveals a new view and charm arises spontaneously from nature.