Hecheng Garden

　　 The Fengchi water area is divided into two parts. To the west is "Lovers' Bay," where visitors can boat on the lake. With blue skies and clear water, and a gentle breeze wafting by, paddling along while listening to the symphony of oars and splashing water brings a sense of peace and relaxation. To the east of the water area is "Mandarin Duck Lake," formed by the merging of two lakes, one in front of the other, seemingly embracing like a pair of inseparable mandarin ducks. In the lake, there are two ecological islands that serve as habitats for birds. Lush with green trees, these islands attract large numbers of egrets, wild geese, and ducks from autumn to the following spring for nesting and breeding, making it the best urban spot to observe wildlife. Between Lovers' Bay and Mandarin Duck Lake lies the largest island in Fengchi Garden, which houses the "Fengchi Academy." With its classic pavilions exuding an ancient charm, it offers literati and artists a serene setting for poetry, calligraphy, and sharing ideas. To the south of the island is the park’s largest stone arch bridge—the Six-Arch Bridge. Modeled after the Lugou Bridge, it is over 30 meters long and carved with 64 stone lions and six semicircular arches. Standing on the bridge at night, with soft lake water below and a bright moon above, the moon’s reflection ripples along, as if accompanied by the haunting sound of a flute. “The bright moon above, the tranquil lake below, a gentle breeze in the air; the continuous notes of the flute, each sound touching the heart, filled with deep emotion”—it’s reminiscent of the scene “By twenty-four bridges under the moonlit sky, a fair maiden plays the flute by the lake, pouring out her heart.” To the north of the island is the Jade Belt Bridge, made of eight rectangular stone slabs arranged in a zigzag pattern like a diamond-shaped jade belt embedded in the lake, connecting the island and the willow-lined embankment. The embankment leads directly to the corridor by the lakeshore. Under the willow trees on both sides are stone benches for resting or fishing. Whether taking a leisurely stroll along the willow bank or fishing under the trees, with the breeze gently blowing and the willow branches dancing, it offers a uniquely delightful experience. On bleak late autumn days, the mist rising from the lake surface shimmers under the light of the new moon, adding a desolate yet beautiful charm like “willows by the shore in the morning breeze and the waning moon.” In the middle of the embankment stands a flat curved bridge with 34 stone pillars, with higher arches and a flatter curve, resembling a water gate when viewed from the front. The waterside walkway on the east of Mandarin Duck Lake is uniquely built, with railings and pathways entirely constructed from pine wood. This area marks the boundary, with a lotus pond to the east of the park—like a green ocean dotted with elegant white lotus flowers standing gracefully, “unstained by the mud, yet untainted by the clear ripples.” On the land north of Mandarin Duck Lake, there is also a small pond, with a waterside pavilion in the center connected to the shore by a wooden bridge. The pavilion, built of timber with a thatched roof, is a perfect spot for tea or a game of chess, offering tranquility and delight.

　　 Fengchi Waterside Park not only provides a place for leisure and sightseeing but also improves the urban ecological environment of Liupanshui, adding a beautiful highlight to the city, which previously lacked recreational water areas.