Yanqi Lake

　　Yanqi Lake is located to the west of Yidou Town and beneath Yanxiang Cave. It stretches about 2,000 meters in length, around 50 meters in width, and has an average depth of approximately 2 meters, covering a water area of about 100,000 square meters. Far from the hustle and bustle and untouched by pollution, it is a serene and sacred sanctuary. Here, one can enjoy the freshness of “a mountain freshly bathed in rain” in the early morning, and the ethereal beauty of “birds chirping making the mountains even more tranquil” at dusk. Being there feels like being in a paradise on earth.

　　At both the eastern and western ends of the lake, there are waterside pavilions and docks where visitors can take bamboo rafts to enjoy recreational activities or drift along the water. The lake is home to schools of fish, ducks playing in the water, elegant water birds gliding above, and bamboo rafts weaving through. The blue sky and white clouds dot the surface, while green mountains and lush peaks are reflected in the water. Looming mountains stand opposite each other along the shores. Cruising on the lake allows you to admire blooming flowers in spring, enjoy cool breezes in summer, appreciate crimson leaves in autumn, and view auspicious snow in winter—each season offers different scenery and unique charms. A zigzagging boardwalk winds gracefully along the left side of the lake, leading to tranquil, hidden spots. The lakeside pavilions are elegant, and the bamboo pavilions are remarkably lifelike, serving as the perfect finishing touches.