Xiang’e Lake Ecological Tourist Area

Xiang’e Lake Ecological Tourist Area

Xiang’e Lake Ecological Tourist Area

Xiang’e Lake Ecological Tourist Area is located in Jiucheng Town, Yingjiang County, 19 kilometers from the county seat. The planned area of the entire Xiang’e Lake scenic zone spans 75.97 hectares (approximately 1,140 mu). With water as its main structural element, the scenic area is composed of rich natural vegetation, water resources, farmland, fruit orchards, and wild birds, creating a comprehensive ecological tourist area that integrates natural ecology, agricultural ecology, fruit orchard ecology, and animal husbandry ecology. Water flows out from the northeastern lakeshore area, with twelve major springs providing a large and perennially abundant water supply of high quality, containing various trace elements essential to the human body. The lake is home to over ten species of wild river fish, as well as birds such as egrets, yellow ducks, and wild ducks, along with aquatic plants like lotus flowers, reeds, and water hyacinths—truly earning its reputation as the “Baiyangdian of the Daying River.”

Xiang’e Lake, anciently known as Longtang and referred to as “Nong Jie Gao” in the Dai language, is situated southwest of Jiucheng Town. Having withstood the test of thousands of years of history, it remains vibrant and full of life. Its source originates from the “Nanmu Xishuang” (Twelve-Eyed Well) near Nongjiao Village, converging to form this expanse of clear blue water.

Every beautiful place often has countless magical stories to tell. Legend has it that long ago, only a small stream flowed by Nongjiao Village, insufficient to irrigate the surrounding farmland. One day, a celestial dragon couple accompanied by their twelve dragon daughters were on their way to visit Nepal’s Lake Nachiu when they passed through this area. They saw the farmland suffering from severe water shortage, unable to sustain crops, and lying barren. Deeply moved, the dragon couple decided to stay and help relieve the villagers’ plight. Thus, they chose the site next to Nongjiao Village for their dragon palace. The dragon couple spat out a dragon pearl, and each of the twelve dragon daughters contributed a stream of clear spring water into the palace, forming the “Nanmu Xishuang” springs and the crystal-clear Dragon Palace—Xiang’e Lake. The Dragon Pond is divided into a Big Dragon Pond and a Small Dragon Pond. Legend says the Big Dragon Pond served as the residence of the dragon couple, while the Small Dragon Pond was the private quarters of the dragon daughters, known for its especially pristine and cool waters.

When you stand atop Dongshan Mountain and gaze into the distance, you can faintly make out the mythical scene of the dragon spitting pearls—the two long dragon whiskers (Jiejiao Road and Xialaxiang Road) stretching out, the dragon eyes (the natural village of Nongjiao) bulging round, the dragon mouth (the area around Xiaojiucheng and Shapo) wide open, the dragon claws (the alleys of Nongjiao) undulating, the dragon body (the main road of Jiucheng Street) winding, and the dragon tail (the current site of the town government) slightly raised.

In accordance with historical legacy, the Dragon Pond Wharf has been rebuilt on the original site. The newly constructed wharf features three terraced platforms surrounded by railings made from polished Tengchong volcanic stones, exuding an elegant and classic charm. Standing at the wharf and gazing into the distance, one sees boundless shimmering waters, bamboo rafts and small boats crisscrossing, and fishermen singing the “Hanma” (Dai-style mountain songs) in antiphonal style. Travelers find themselves filled with joy and reluctant to leave.

To promote ethnic culture, expand the eco-green industry, and build a “charming” brand, a new ethnic-style performance stage has been erected on the flat ground atop the slope above “Nanmu Xishuang.” Designed in traditional Dai architectural style, with a golden gourd mounted at the center of the roof and flanked by carvings of a peacock and an elephant. The golden gourd symbolizes love between Dai men and women, while the peacock and elephant are totems revered by the Dai people. The stage is both classic and timeless, yet infused with a strong modern touch.

Surveying the Xiang’e Lake scenic area, a teacher was filled with emotion and composed the following five-character regulated verse in its praise:

Xiang’e Lake vast and serene, nestled amid verdant trees.

Egrets dance with graceful ease, lotus blossoms bloom so free.

The wharf welcomes guests from afar, clear waters glide with sails to spar.

Cultural stage puts on a show, diverse charms forever glow.

Address: Along the Lu-Ying Road, Yingjiang County, 19 kilometers from the city