Cilu Lake

Cilu Lake

Cilu Lake is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a national water conservancy scenic area, and a national wetland park.

Cilu Lake is located in Baojiaqiao Village, Cilushu Town, Changtu County, covering an area of 2,548 mu, with a water surface area of 170 mu and a total length of 8.5 kilometers. It is one of the important tourist attractions in Changtu County. In the past, this area was a marshy waterbody, abundant with aquatic plants, surrounded by dense forests, secluded and tranquil, seldom visited by people. As a result, water birds such as egrets often made their homes among the trees, hence the name “Cilu Lake.”

This is the hometown of Duanmu Hongliang, a renowned modern writer and Redology scholar. During the War of Resistance against Japan, he published his breakthrough work “Melancholy of Cilu Lake.” In his later years, he returned to his hometown, leaving behind his footprints and many touching anecdotes here. By the lakeshore of Cilu Lake, there is a small pavilion called “Kuqin Pavilion,” with “Kuqin” being another pen name once used by Duanmu Hongliang. Although he achieved great success, the esteemed writer always kept his hometown close to his heart. He wrote letters or sent greeting cards to Cilu Central Primary School on multiple occasions, showing constant concern for the growth of the local children and the development of his hometown. In 1986, at the age of 74, Duanmu Hongliang and his wife Zhong Yaogroup returned to Cilu — their long-missed homeland. He inscribed a dedication for Cilu Central Primary School and gave a speech. In the talk, he shared his own experience of diligent study, encouraging the local children to study hard, serve the country with their knowledge, and placing great hopes on the children of his hometown. He also mailed copies of his works to the schoolchildren on several occasions. After Duanmu Hongliang passed away, his wife Zhong Yaogroup also returned to Cilu Township, the late writer’s hometown, multiple times in accordance with his wishes, to revisit the landscapes, care for the local residents, and visit the teachers and students of Cilu Central Primary School. The deep attachment Duanmu Hongliang had for his hometown is truly moving. Though he has passed away, his longing for his roots remains rooted in the land of Cilu. He once said, “The first milk I ever tasted came from the nourishment of Cilu Tree, and the first water I ever drank was from Cilu Lake.” Such deep love for his hometown shines as brightly as the sun and moon.

Currently, the Cilu Lake Scenic Area has taken initial shape, with ample water storage and beautiful scenery. It is a tourist destination integrating leisure fishing, recreational sightseeing, and aquaculture.

Baojiaqiao Village: Baojiaqiao Village... More details about Baojiaqiao Village++