White Crane Lake

　　   The White Crane Lake Scenic Area is situated in Sanmiao Town in the northwest of Hechuan District and can be directly reached from downtown Hechuan via National Highway 212. It lies 36 kilometers from downtown Hechuan. This is a reservoir-type natural scenic area, artificially excavated and dammed in the 1970s. It earned its name due to the large number of white cranes that reside here year-round, their calls melodious like songs.

　　   The dam blocking the lake is 208 meters long, 32 meters high, and 10 meters wide at the top. The lake covers an area of over 5,000 mu, with clear water surrounded by green mountains and dotted with small islands. The lake area is divided into two main parts by land: one side is Zengjiagou, and the other is Qinjiagou. The Zengjiagou channel is narrow, while Qinjiagou features a wider expanse of water. The scenic area combines “oddity, peril, and serenity.” The lakeshores are marked by steep cliffs, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, bizarre rocks, and numerous caves. Schools of fish swim in the water, while mandarin ducks and wild ducks gather on the surface, and flocks of white cranes soar overhead. The shores are lined with peach blossoms and willows, showcasing rich vegetation. Notably, there is a unique attraction called “Fighting Bull Rock,” where two massive stones—one large and one small—are stacked atop each other. When a breeze blows, they appear to sway slightly, yet despite enduring a thousand years, they remain firmly upright, solid as Mount Tai, a marvel indeed. Ancient temples such as Baolong Temple and Jinshan Temple are also popular sites of worship.

　　   The White Crane Lake Scenic Area is an ideal destination for sightseeing, leisure, vacationing, summer retreats, and convalescence.

　　   Address: Located in Sanmiao Town in the northwest of Hechuan District, Chongqing