Jade Belt Heavenly Lake

　　The main attractions of Jade Belt Heavenly Lake are the Fairy Pool and the Eight-Tone Pool. Above these two pools, two waterfalls hang in mid-air like two spotless white ribbons or two huge flowing sashes. The water cascades down gracefully, splashing like flying petals, rolling snowflakes, and scattering jade and pearls, before pouring directly into the Fairy Pool and the Eight-Tone Pool. The sound of the water is melodious and tinkling year-round, resembling two giant harps playing a beautiful symphony. Beside the Fairy Pool stands a 4-meter-tall statue of a fairy, both ethereal and lifelike, with her hair lightly fluttering and her robes billowing as if she were about to soar into the sky. In the Eight-Tone Pool, there is a lifelike stone-carved century-old turtle, its head raised above the water, as though it is warmly welcoming visitors. The waters of both pools are as clear as mirrors, transparent to the bottom, with fish visible swimming individually, as if drifting without support. In sunlight, their shadows spread across the stones, taking on diverse forms. Visitors who come here can admire their reflections in the water, with the natural light and drifting clouds adding to a fairytale-like atmosphere, making a refreshing dip truly delightful. Being in the water feels cool and invigorating, lifting spirits instantly — these are truly two natural swimming pools. It is said that bathing here regularly can ward off evil, prevent illness, enhance physical health, and even prolong life.

　　Around the two pools, along the streams and by the waters, the hills and slopes are covered with blooming wildflowers in vibrant hues — purples, reds, and bright colors as brilliant as rosy clouds, all strikingly gorgeous. The rich floral scents attract tens of thousands of butterflies dancing gracefully. Among the butterfly swarms are yellowish ones, snow-white ones, dark green ones, and light purple ones, creating a dazzling array of colors competing in beauty — this is the famous Butterfly Valley. Amidst the flowers and fluttering butterflies, attractions such as the New Green Pavilion, Bi Guang Veranda, Little Cloud Bridge, Lotus Pond, Peak-Climbing Gate, Emerald-Reflecting Tower, Flowing Crimson Pavilion, Fragrant Pavilion, Spring Blossom Pavilion, and the Immortal Riding a Crane are scattered harmoniously throughout the green mountains and clear waters, offering a uniquely beautiful and pleasing sight. Gazing at the full view of Jade Belt Heavenly Lake from the foothills of Butterfly Valley, one sees layers of verdant mountains stretching up into the sky; colorful pavilions descending to the edge of crystal-clear waters. The overall layout transitions from open and expansive, to deep and steep, rugged and majestic, then back to serene, quiet, and wide-open again, surrounded by mountains and water, dense with trees, filled with birdsong, floral fragrance, fluttering butterflies, and buzzing bees. The flowing waterfalls and springs complement the pavilions and towers, combining stillness with motion, scenes within scenes — an overwhelmingly beautiful sight. The famed Cantonese poet Liu Yisheng was so inspired here that he picked up his brush and wrote:

　　“Why envy nymphs wed to mortal men, when Eight-Tone strings play by Jade Pool’s rim? Mountain blooms style bridal hair so fine, while lovers seek the emerald pins they leave behind.”