Channao Pool

Channao Pool

Introduction: Channao Pool was the name of a lake during the Qin and Han dynasties, referring to East Lake and West Lake. East Lake is located in Ganhai Village, Chuankou Township, northwest of Pengyang County. Today, the lake has dried up and is locally called “Ganhai Lake.” West Lake is situated in Haizi Gorge, 20 kilometers southwest of Guyuan County.

The scenery around West Lake of Channao Pool is uniquely beautiful, surrounded by mountains and shaped like an upturned palm. It has now been developed into a scenic tourist area in the Guyuan region. Water from the lake gushes out from two caves in the mountain crevices, which locals refer to as the East and West Dragon Mouths. Over time, the dripping water has formed pools and eventually a vast lake, creating a secluded expanse of spring water deep in the mountains. During the Qing Dynasty, West Lake was listed as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Guyuan and praised as the “Spring Waves of West Lake.” After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, two reservoirs were built here to support farmland irrigation and provide water for Guyuan City.

The shores of Channao Pool are covered with lush green grass, smooth as brocade. When the sun sets in the west, looking out at the pool, the ripples dance with the breeze, sparkling with colorful glimmers. The northern mountain is gently sloped, where herders drive their cattle and sheep across the hillsides, appearing like scattered pearls. Looking from west to east, rows of connected peaks form a natural barrier. The southern mountain features steep, abrupt peaks covered with dense vegetation, making it a great summer retreat for travelers.

Guyuan City, Ningxia