Qifeng Lake

Qifeng Lake

Qifeng Lake is the largest artificial lake on the You River, covering an area of approximately 167 square kilometers with an average depth of 30 meters. The lake is dotted with small islands and features a winding shoreline. Tens of thousands of acres of shimmering water stretch as far as the eye can see, with misty waves, leaping fish, and soaring birds. Lush mountains line the lake, filled with the fragrance of tea and fruit. Crystal-clear streams cascade down from the forests of the high mountains like silver ribbons, creating a truly picturesque landscape. Renowned painters Huang Yongyu and Long Qinglian once boated here, inscribing the poetic phrase “Emerald mountains like a painting, sapphire waters like poetry.” Celebrated journalist and essayist Xiao Li wandered the lake’s waters and was moved to exclaim about its “dreamlike blend of mountain and water.” Acclaimed wandering poet Peng Haodang stayed overnight on the lake, composed poetry under the moonlight, and named it a “heavenly paradise on earth.” Especially in summer, when other places swelter under intense heat, the lakeside remains cool and pleasant, thanks to refreshing mountain breezes, making it an enchanting place people never want to leave.

By the lake lies Jinfeng Isle, said to be where flocks of golden phoenixes once rested while migrating from nearby Fenghuang Mountain in Yuanling. Both the isle and the lake derive their names from these golden phoenixes. Next to Jinfeng Isle is a small, round island covered in green foliage, resembling a golden phoenix egg—hence its name Fengluo Isle (Phoenix Egg Isle). Nearby, Tongming Mountain rises proudly, surrounded by ancient trees and rugged rocks, its peak resembling the shape of a cat, adding a unique charm to the scenery.

The entire Qifeng Lake area presents a mirror-like surface, backed by verdant mountains like painted screens. Fish swim beneath the surface, boats glide across the water, and the surrounding geological formations are striking. With its mountains, waters, forests, and caves, the area is a classic example of karst topography and stands out uniquely among China's scenic spots. There are twenty-one connected and vividly scenic spots in total. The cultural and historical attractions are also abundant, including the ancient site of Xiachezhou Ancient City and national treasures such as the millennia-old Bronze Pillar of Xiachezhou, which once stood right here. Xiachezhou Ancient City is now located at the site of Huixiping in Luoyixi Town.