Xihai Lake

Xihai Lake

Xihai Lake

The name of Shenchi County originates from this lake. According to the *Shenchi Prefecture Annals*, “To the north of Shenchi lies Huanghua Ridge, where overlapping mountain ranges form a winding path like a dragon’s coils. Thirty li down the ridge, the land flattens slightly to reveal a pool of water. With no visible source or outlet, it neither dries up in drought nor overflows in flood. No fish or aquatic plants grow in it, yet it remains crystal clear. It is called the Divine Pool.” Legend has it that in ancient times, a woman gave birth to twin dragons without being married. The dragon sons soared into the sky and vanished, and the dragon mother disappeared as well. Only her amniotic fluid continued to rise until it formed Xihai Lake — the origin of the name Shenchi.

Nowadays, Xihai Lake is dotted with ripples, surrounded by reeds and flocks of wild ducks, captivating all who visit. The road encircling the lake has been paved, and plans are underway to further enhance greening efforts on the surrounding slopes, aiming to develop Xihai Lake into an ecological tourism park.