Pei Gong Lake

　　    Pei Gong Lake, commonly known as Lotus Pond, is located in the western part of Cheng County. It was built during the Tianshou era of the Tang Dynasty (690–692) by Pei Shouzhen, the governor of Chengzhou, hence its name. During the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, Huang Yong, the county magistrate of Cheng County, organized labor to expand and renovate the area, enlarging the pond and adding more scenic features. This made the park larger in scale and more beautifully laid out, becoming a picturesque “Little West Lake” of southern Gansu.

　　　         Pei Gong Lake is shaped like a butterfly, covering an area of 27 mu, with the water surface spanning 23 mu. It is divided into two symmetrical sections—eastern and western lakes—resembling a pair of butterfly wings. The eastern lake is planted with red lotus, while the western lake has white lotus. At the narrow center of the lake stands a pavilion named “Lake & Mountain Flying Pavilion,” formerly called “Lake & Mountain Hall” and now known as the Lotus Bridge Pavilion, representing the body of the butterfly. On both sides of the pavilion are bridges, and at the points where they connect to the lakeshore are archways, the front one called “Cloud Brocade” and the rear one “Sunset Ripples.” In recent years, the area has been expanded with the addition of two rows of classical-style corridors, as well as the construction of an archway gate, pavilions, and fountains. A large number of rare flowers and trees have also been planted. To the west of the lake, the elegant and majestic library building and the classic lakeside pavilion of Tonggu Painting Academy add uniquely charming scenery to the park. As early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, Pei Gong Lake was already described as having “peach and willow trees lining the shores, with red lotuses glowing like rosy clouds.” Every summer and autumn, the lake is covered with lush green lotuses, their fragrance drifting for miles. Weeping willows brush the water’s surface, fish play beneath, swallows dart past the pavilions, and visitors either lean on the railings of lakeside pavilions, row small boats on the water, or stroll along the embankments. With the refreshing breeze and rich fragrances, the atmosphere is delightful and full of charm.

　　　         On the hill northeast of the lake sits an octagonal pavilion with triple eaves. From its heights, one can take in all eight scenic views of Chengzhou, hence its name “Eight Scenic Spots Pavilion.” The Eight Scenic Spots Pavilion has been famous since the Song Dynasty and, after continuous renovations through the ages, has become even more exquisitely magnificent. A poet of the Song Dynasty once wrote in its praise: “Having traveled all roads of Qin, what place compares to this? Half a lake holds endless wonders, and highest stands the pavilion of eight views.”