Baima Lake

Baima Lake

The vast expanse of misty waters at the Baima Reservoir, also known as Baima Lake, resembles an exquisite, glistening green agate nestled among the lush, towering mountains at the border of Lianyuan City and Xinshao County. Though it may not match the vastness of Taihu Lake, nor rival the "equally enchanting in both lavish and subtle makeup" beauty of West Lake, for decades it has nourished the green hills along its shores and provided for the people living around it. In the eyes of the locals, it is the most beautiful of all, held with deep, unwavering affection.

Legend has it that long ago, during the summer and autumn seasons, when there was no rain for months, the Lian River dried up, the fields cracked, crops withered, and water became as precious as oil. One day, just before dawn, a farmer went to the Lian River to dig for sand and filter water. In the dim light, he saw a white horse drinking from the river not far away. Curious, the farmer approached the horse, but before he could get close, the white horse neighed a few times, then galloped ashore and transformed into a horse-shaped mountain standing by the Lian River. Where the white horse had drunk, a stream of fresh, sweet water gushed out. Overjoyed, the farmer spread the word and urged fellow villagers to come fetch water. Later, to pray for the white horse, ward off disasters, and bring good fortune while fighting drought, a temple was built on the horse-shaped mountain and named “Baima Temple,” and the mountain itself was given the beautiful name “Baima.”

The hills rising from the reservoir look like small islands floating in the ocean. Covered with lush green grass, densely packed trees, bamboo groves, and vibrant foliage, they are fresh and verdant. Clusters and patches of wildflowers compete in beauty, emitting rich fragrances that are refreshing and intoxicating. Among the tree branches and shrubs, birds chirp in a medley of melodious, loud, low, and joyful songs, as if performing a wonderful symphony together.

As the saying goes, “Emerald hues in Junshan Lake, like green snails cradled in a crystal plate.” The verdant hills in Baima Reservoir are truly like exquisite green snails nestled in a crystal bowl.

Close to the reservoir stands Cat Mountain, where a towering boulder stands firmly upright, reaching high into the clouds. Viewed from afar, it strikingly resembles a large mountain cat, sitting atop the peak with its head raised, back arched, ears perked, and eyes fixed forward, as if greedily eyeing fish in the water. It’s a highlight of the reservoir area. Even more captivating is the undulating, peaks-stacked Long Mountain to the southeast of the reservoir, resembling a vivid giant dragon from mythology. Its majestic form reflected in the reservoir looks like a slowly moving dragon. Within Long Mountain, there is a hill that vividly looks like a young maiden “half-hiding her face behind a pipa,” with a slender, graceful figure and elegant posture. The drifting mist is like a veil around her, and the slopes covered with fir trees resemble her beautiful long hair, swaying gently in the breeze.

Whenever the motorboats from the reservoir management office, loaded with tourists, cruise enthusiastically under the sunlight, the majestic presence of Long Mountain is reflected in the reservoir, shimmering with the radiance of the bright sun. The sparkling golden light dazzles brilliantly, making visitors even more enchanted by the breathtaking scenery; the mountain appears even more grand and magnificent because of the reservoir, and the reservoir seems even more charming and colorful due to the beautiful backdrop of Long Mountain. The interplay of water and mountain is so naturally harmonious, so full of vitality and poetic charm, and so mesmerizingly enchanting.

During the summer and autumn seasons, flocks of ducks dive into the water and then float on the surface, flapping their gentle wings like drifting clouds. Groups of barefoot children play gleefully, splashing through the waves, their laughter carried by the wind. When night falls, the lights from the reservoir management office and the homes of local villagers begin to twinkle, like strings of pearls scattered across the tranquil waters, reflecting the night sky and the shimmering ripples. Being here, all worries vanish, the soul feels purified, and one’s entire being seems to merge with the serene and beautiful night scene. Visitors often remark after their trip, “Here, the mountains are many and beautiful, the waters deep and clear, summers free of intense heat, winters devoid of bitter cold, and the air fresh—it’s an ideal travel destination, a painting of paradise on earth.” With rapid and healthy economic development, it will continue to attract visitors with its unique charm.