Black Pond and White Pond

　　Black Pond, also known as Black Lake, gets its name from the greenish color of its water. It is a pooled lake formed by seven interconnected lakes, stretching in a strip about a hundred meters long. The Black Lake is divided into two parts—large and small—and is commonly referred to as the Big Pond and the Small Pond. Both are located at the foot of Ma’an Mountain. The Small Pond covers an area of about 100 square meters, while the Big Pond is around 300 square meters, both oval in shape. The Small Pond flows year-round without ever drying up; the Big Pond has five springs that continuously bubble up, keeping the water abundant without overflowing. A local folk rhyme says: “Sister Springs, Sister Springs, they look black but scoop out white, never full when big, never dry when small, inexhaustible to drink, never run out in drought years.” This describes the magical scenery of the Big and Small Ponds. In years with more rainfall, the water becomes so deep that the bottom is not visible, earning praise for its beauty: “No pine shadows on the shore, only floating green algae; when the wind rises, lotuses seem to come from all sides.”

　　White Pond, also known as Mirror Lake, is the largest natural lake in the Jiangbulake Scenic Area. Its waters appear white due to the white stones lining the lakebed and the reflections of snow-capped peaks. Mirror Lake lies in the snow line zone, with snow-capped peaks as a backdrop and green pines nearby. The scenery changes with the seasons, with winter and summer being the most stunning. In winter, the silver-clad Mirror Lake lies quietly in a world of ice and snow sculptures, with thick snow covering it like a warm quilt. In summer, it is the liveliest and most beautiful season at Mirror Lake. Cool breezes from the snow peaks, lush green pines, verdant grasslands, fragrant snow lotuses, the lowing of cattle, chirping of birds, running sheep, and leaping horses make it an ideal summer retreat.