Golden Bright Pool

Golden Bright Pool

Golden Bright Pool is located outside the Xinzheng Gate to the west of Kaifeng. Locals also call it “West Lake.” It’s a grand amusement venue and cultural garden. As you pass through the gate, to the north lies the vast expanse of water that is Golden Bright Pool. Not far to the left stands a magnificent hall called Linshui Hall. The spacious terrace in front of the hall offers the best view of the lake. Further to the left, an arched bridge extends toward a small island in the center of the lake. This bridge is called the “Fairy Bridge,” with a high rise in the middle known as the “Camel Rainbow.” On the island, there are the “Five Water-Center Halls” connected by corridors, with one central hall and four surrounding it. At the southern end of the bridge is the “Lingxing Gate,” and atop a brick platform stands the tall and spacious “Baojin Tower.”

The garden centers around Golden Bright Pool, with weeping willows lining its four shores. The lake features pavilions, bridges, painted boats, and dragon boats, creating picturesque scenery. The southern part of the lake is lively and bustling, while the northern area, near the back gate of Golden Bright Pool along the western shore, has few buildings. Here, only willows dip into the water, and the grass spreads across the embankment. With few visitors, it serves as a fishing spot. By purchasing a token in the garden, you can enjoy the leisurely pleasure of “fishing like Jiang Taigong by the Wei River.” Fish caught can be bought at double the market price. However, they can be cooked on the spot—either grilled or served as sashimi. The taste of freshly caught river fish is delicious, and with wine by the water and poetry by the stream, it’s a joyful experience well worth the cost. In contrast to the noisy bustle on the opposite side of the lake, the western shore feels like a tranquil retreat hidden within the liveliness.

Returning to the south side of Baojin Tower, this area becomes quite lively. Next to the halls, crisscrossing streets are filled with restaurants and food stalls, selling various meals and snacks such as Shuifan (water rice), cold mung bean soup, snail meat, Rao Meihua wine, shredded ham, shredded apricots, plums, aromatic medicinal crispy plums, freshly sliced raw fish, black carp, salted duck eggs, and mixed spicy pickles. Among them, you’ll also find street performers, clothing vendors, and sellers of small crafts and artworks. When spring arrives with clear skies, flowers bloom all over the garden. Flower sellers lead horses with bamboo baskets hung on their heads, displaying peonies, tree peonies, kerria, and lilacs. Their calls resemble singing and are very pleasant to the ear. With crowds gathered, the vibrant flowers and faces compete in beauty.

The most popular attraction, however, is the gambling game called “Guanpu.” It can be found everywhere—in the corridors of the halls, on the bridges, and along the walkways. Stalls display antiques, handicrafts, pearl necklaces, tea sets, vases, fabrics… All you need to do is toss “starter coins” into an earthenware bowl to try your luck and win prizes. The betting odds can even go as high as 1 to 30. When the sun sets, people leave the park happily, carrying the day’s winnings on bamboo poles, accompanied by their children and smiling faces.

- Travel Tips:

Admission: Free

Bus Route: No. 13

Address: Jinming Avenue, Jinming District, Kaifeng City