Yuanjiang Yanzi Lake

　　Nestled in the water town of Yuanjiang, southwest of Dongting Lake where waves crash, and east of the Changsha-Changde Expressway, lies the long-hidden Yanzi Lake. Just before people stepped into the new century, its mysterious veil was finally lifted. A body of azure water surrounded by lush greenery, the crowing of roosters, barking dogs, and curling wisps of cooking smoke enchant every visitor drawn by its fame.

　　The vast expanse of Yanzi Lake's emerald waters embodies the saying, "Dongting Lake boasts the finest water, but Yanzi Lake is uniquely beautiful." The lake basin covers nearly 90 square kilometers, with a surface area of over 21,500 mu. Its waters are crystal clear, meeting national Class I water quality standards. Whether shimmering under the sun or shrouded in misty rain, it remains eternally picturesque and enchanting. The lake teems with aquatic resources, home to the renowned Yanzi fish, precious whitebait and mandarin fish, as well as over 220 other species such as black carp, softshell turtles, and clams, all coexisting harmoniously in this transparent aquatic paradise. Along the crimson shores of Yanzi Lake, endless groves of citrus and tea trees remain evergreen, exuding a refreshing fragrance. Tens of thousands of wild ducks freely soar and swim amidst the green mountains and clear waters, while kingfishers, herons, and egrets dart or gather overhead. Together with enchanting spots like "Crocodile’s Mouth," "Two Turtles Paying Homage to Beauty," "Jade Clam Holding a Pearl," and "Yin-Yang Mountain," they form an incomparably beautiful pastoral painting. Legend has it that during the Spring and Autumn period, Fan Li, a minister of the Yue Kingdom who helped King Goujian achieve victory before retiring in seclusion on Dongting’s Red Mountain, often cruised this lake with the beauty Xi Shi. Delighted by the lake’s nectar-like clarity, Xi Shi joyfully swam and bathed in its waters. Her fragrant cosmetics gradually drifted to the shore, dyeing the banks red—thus giving Yanzi Lake its name inspired by the beauty.

　　The nostalgic Home of the Educated Youth is nestled at Dashanzui by Yanzi Lake. Two simply constructed thatched cottages replicate typical rural homes from northern Yuanjiang in the 1970s, while two blue-tiled houses represent the typical dwellings of southern hilly areas. The Home of the Educated Youth recreates the production and daily life of educated youths sent to the lake region between 1965 and 1976. In the exhibition room of educated youth artifacts, farming tools and daily necessities used by the youths are displayed. Step into the paddy fields, walk the sloped lands, wander along the lotus pond paths, or rest beneath the citrus groves. The unique era, the harsh years, and the indelible memories of a generation silently teach the younger generation to strive diligently and create a brighter future.

　　The romantic and captivating sandy swimming beach spans over 160 acres of natural lakeshore, featuring thick silver sand. There’s a deep-water swimming area for adventurous swimmers, a shallow play zone for splashing fun, as well as beach volleyball courts, vibrant sun umbrellas, and endless stretches of white sand… This area will become the largest inland lake swimming and water recreation base in Hunan Province, with the most ideal environment and most complete facilities.

　　The rustic Farmhouse Paradise and the romantic Sandy Swimming Beach bring to mind the poetic lines: “My old friend prepares chicken and rice, inviting me to his countryside home; green trees encircle the village, as we drink and chat about mulberry and hemp.” Amidst the dense woods and bamboo groves along Yanzi Lake’s shores, over a dozen lakeside farmsteads like “Peach Grove Cottage,” “Bamboo Grove Cottage,” and “Heqing Garden” peek through the foliage. Following quiet country paths, you’ll discover each home nestled in a beautiful setting with its own unique charm. The hospitable hosts will serve you sesame-bean tea and authentic farmhouse meals, chat with you about rural anecdotes, invite you fishing, teach you gardening, or take you fruit-picking—letting you fully experience life as a farmer and enjoy the pleasures of the countryside.

　　The majestic Tourist Dam spans between the beautiful Yanzi Lake and the picturesque Baisha River, a water corridor. Originally a flood-control dam holding back the turbulent waves of Dongting Lake, it was upgraded in autumn 2000 with meticulously crafted granite railings and docks, funded by the water conservancy department. The dam slope was planted with lush velvet grass, creating a harmonious contrast between the dam’s grandeur and the lake’s delicate beauty—like a steady harmony in a serenade. Now, the dam serves as a dedicated tourist dock on Yanzi Lake’s northern shore. Standing atop the dam and gazing into the distance, the seamless blend of water and sky on both sides is truly uplifting.

　　The Lakeside Residential Garden, Peach Grove Villa, Lakeside Farmers’ Museum, Dream Water Town, —, and Water Activity Center… The blueprints are ready. The Yanzi Lake Scenic Area is striving to create a utopian paradise for your leisure and vacation.