Erzi Lake Scenic Area

Erzi Lake Scenic Area

Erzi Lake Scenic Area

Erzi Lake is located within the Donghu District of Manzhouli City. It is a natural freshwater lake with a water surface area of approximately 5 square kilometers. Erzi Lake is 21 kilometers west of downtown Manzhouli, 6 kilometers south of Zhalainuoer District, and just 2 kilometers north of the China-Russia border. National Highway 301 runs along the southern side of Erzi Lake. Asphalt roads from both downtown Manzhouli and Zhalainuoer District to the Erzi Lake Scenic Area have been successively opened, making transportation to the scenic area very convenient.

The blue waters of Erzi Lake complement the clear sky, creating a stunning view. Reed marshes teem with fish, offering a wild and delightful atmosphere. Notable sights include “Clear Waves at Sunset,” “Mist-Shrouded Fishing Songs,” “Exploring the Reed Lake,” and “Fragrant Cloud Lake.” Erzi Lake resembles a green silk ribbon draped across the Hulunbuir Grassland and a precious gem embedded in the blue sky and green grass of the Donghu District. The famous poet Su Dongpo once wrote of West Lake: “The water brims with brightness when the sun’s up; / Hills take a veil when rain-clouds spread aloft. / I’d liken West Lake to a beauty fair, / Whether she decks with light or heavy make-up.” In the eyes of poets, the boundlessly blue Erzi Lake is also celebrated as “bright waters cradled by emerald shores, verdant grass caressed by sapphire hues, endless plains of jade, and waves that shimmer blue all year round.” The ocean has its vastness, and lakes have their own charm. Though not an ocean, Erzi Lake possesses the unique allure of the sea and the serene beauty of a mirror-like lake.

For thousands of years, Erzi Lake has nurtured one nomadic people after another on the grasslands. These peoples grew and thrived here, stepping onto the stage of history. Thus, Erzi Lake is revered by nomadic tribes as the “Sacred Lake.” In summer, Erzi Lake is crystal-clear and radiant, like a flawless piece of jade. The name “Erzi Lake” is beautiful, and its formation is steeped in legendary tales. In ancient times, a Mongolian tribe lived in the present-day Er’ka area of the Donghu District. Generation after generation of herders passed down a single jade bowl.

This bowl was exquisitely transparent; when filled with water, the water tasted sweet and mellow, and it never dried up. The herders regarded this jade bowl as a source of life and worshipped it as a sacred object. The bowl was entrusted to a young herdsman named Hu Erzi, who was known for his exceptional martial skills and bravery. The fame of the precious bowl spread far and wide across the grasslands, but due to fear of Hu Erzi, those few villains driven by envy and greed dared not act rashly. However, one day, a group of bandits took advantage of a dark and windy night to sneak into Hu Erzi’s yurt to steal the treasure. Awakened from his sleep, Hu Erzi fought fiercely to protect the jade bowl. During the struggle, the precious bowl was unfortunately shattered, and the water inside instantly transformed into a vast expanse of water. The surging waves not only swallowed the bandits but also drowned the heroic young man, Hu Erzi. Since then, this area has been home to a vast, misty lake. To commemorate this brave youth, the lake was named “Erzi Lake.”

When visiting Erzi Lake for sightseeing, you will notice two connected and adjacent peaks near the lakeshore, which locals call “Erzi Mountain.” The origin of the name “Erzi Mountain” comes from a legend: long ago, an itinerant old Taoist priest floated into the region and arrived at the banks of the Dalan E’luomu River. With his unique insight, he discovered this piece of auspicious land. The old Taoist thought, “I’ve wandered the four seas, yet never found such a heavenly place. If I were to build a humble hut here and immerse myself in the green hills and clear waters every day, how delightful that would be!” But the old Taoist didn’t know that this area was often plagued by evildoers. On a pitch-black night, two villains, waiting for the old Taoist to fall asleep, quietly approached his hut and set it on fire. The flames quickly began to engulf the hut. In desperation, the old Taoist summoned his divine power, leapt into the air as if springing from dry land, and grabbed the two villains, throwing them into the water. Then, pointing two fingers at them, he suddenly moved two small mountains to press the villains firmly underneath. Sadly, by this time, the wildfire had consumed the mountains, destroying all vegetation, and the lake water was no longer as clear as before. Saddened by the desolation, and with no desire to remain among the villains, the old Taoist left with a heavy heart. After the old Taoist departed, people named the two connected small mountains that had pinned down the villains “Erzi Mountain.”

Erzi Lake is part of the Er’ka Wetland Nature Reserve, home to a rich variety of birds and abundant fish and shrimp. The scenery of Erzi Lake is unique, filled with tranquility and serenity between the mountains and waters. Summer and the transition between summer and autumn are the best seasons to visit Erzi Lake. Gazing into the distance, Erzi Mountain appears lush and hazy; up close, vast reed marshes and interconnected islets stretch out; climbing to a high vantage point, the Russian landscape on the other side of the border comes clearly into view.

After visiting Erzi Lake, visitors

can head to the “Water Park” restaurant standing by the lakeshore, which can accommodate 300 diners at once. The Water Park Restaurant offers a clean, elegant environment, with exquisitely prepared dishes of a high standard. Its signature dishes, such as the Erzi Lake Whole Fish Banquet, Mongolian Roast Whole Lamb, and Hand-Pulled Meat, are well-known far and wide.

Russian-style tourist villas have been built by Erzi Lake, and a series of attractions including a Russian-style holiday village, Black Dragon Temple, cultural corridor, museum, and fishing platform have been successively developed. These provide visitors with a full experience of the joys of eco-tourism and sightseeing.