Dushan Island

　　 At the foot of Fushan Mountain lies a crystal-clear bay called Dushan Bay. In this bay, there is a prominent island known as Dushan Island. It resembles a dazzling pearl, quietly embellishing Dushan Bay. To its north are Peach Blossom Mountain and Phoenix Mountain from the Fushan Mountain range… The interplay of mountain hues, lake views, and the island’s silhouette creates an exceptionally beautiful scene. Viewed from the lake, Dushan Island strikingly resembles a grand ship just setting sail from Dushan Bay. Its protruding bow, clearly defined streamline hull, and tall, stout smokestack are all faintly visible. Nature’s craftsmanship is truly ingenious—the tall trees at the island’s peak also resemble the ship’s mast.

　　　　Dushan Island spans 5.4 square kilometers and is home to over 480 households. It stretches 2 kilometers from east to west and is about 1.5 kilometers wide from north to south. Geographically, it is considered an extension of the Fushan Mountain range. If the numerous peaks extending from Fushan Mountain to the shores of Dushan Bay are likened to obedient siblings, then one can easily imagine Dushan Island as a mischievous little brother who, one year, secretly sneaked away to bathe in Dushan Bay. Enchanted by the azure lake waters, the vibrant lotuses, and the shimmering fish scales… he could never return, left only to gaze longingly at his brothers from afar. But he lives freely nonetheless. Year after year, the boundless blue waves cradle and kiss the island; white sails dance beneath its feet; lotus and water chestnut offer their fragrant gifts, while green reeds sway their slender arms. Birds circle and sing around it. Nature seems to have bestowed extra blessings upon it, granting it more dawns and dusks, elevating it beyond the ordinary, enriching its spirit, cleansing its vulgarity, and filling it with serenity. For millennia, it has been adored by people. “The Graceful Silhouette of Dushan” has become one of the renowned scenic sights of Weishan Lake.

　　　　The homes on Dushan Island are mostly built with stone walls and stone houses, surrounded by lush green trees that envelop the tranquil village. Their reflections shimmer dark green in the waters below the island. Wandering through the village and ascending toward the island’s peak along rugged mountain paths—sometimes winding, sometimes steep and twisting—among jagged rocks and dense undergrowth. Upon reaching the summit and looking southward, the vast lake spreads endlessly, dotted with countless sails, veiled in misty vapors where water and sky merge into one, like an upside-down tapestry. The island is within the tapestry, the lake is within the tapestry, the sails are within the tapestry, the boats are within the tapestry. Legend has it that when gazing from the island’s peak, bustling market towns and tall commercial buildings may suddenly appear on the lake’s surface—a phenomenon likely to be a “lake mirage.” Looking north from the peak, mountains stretch continuously like colossal barriers encircling Dushan Bay. To the west, the island is lush with greenery, vibrant and dripping with life; the lake’s surface glimmers like a mirror, with vast expanses of bitterweed resembling emerald silk blankets covering the water. To the east, Peach Blossom Mountain stands gracefully, Phoenix Mountain soars as if taking flight, and amidst the green foliage, the towering Fuxi Mausoleum Platform can be faintly seen.

　　　　The scenery of Dushan Island is indeed beautiful. Looking down from the island, a 1.6-kilometer-long dam winds gently northeast and northwest. In the morning mist or evening haze, when visibility is hazy, the dam appears like a rainbow or a giant dragon lying across the waves, playing and frolicking in the water. On bright, sunny days with clear skies and limpid waters, the dam shines like a golden ribbon or a string of luminous jade, enhancing the majestic beauty of the lake and mountain landscape. To the south of the dam lies the vast, boundless expanse of the great lake; boats dot the surface like scattered gems embedded in a silver platter. Occasionally, the sound of fishermen's songs drifts over the waves, their echoes lingering faintly around the island. Near the island, the lake water gently floats with round lotus leaves and green reeds. From time to time, from the island’s shore, “a small boat emerges from the willow shade,” with fishermen wielding pitchforks or nets, paddling leisurely as their boats glide into the thickets of lotus and reeds. Peaceful, and utterly silent.

　　　　The picturesque Dushan Island also boasts a long history and a splendid culture. It is not far from the ancient seat of Gaoping Commandery—Liangcheng. As early as the Qin and Han dynasties, this area was already a prosperous and developed region. In recent years, archaeologists have successively discovered multiple ancient tomb clusters on the island, unearthing many precious Han Dynasty stone reliefs. Directly opposite the island on the northern shore lies ancient Gaoping Mountain, now called Peach Blossom Mountain. Legend has it that Peach Blossom Mountain was covered in peach orchards. In spring, when the peach blossoms bloomed competitively, the mountain was enveloped in rosy clouds. There is also a Peach Blossom Cave on the mountain. It is said that entering this cave leads out through a stone cave on the sunny side of Yishan Mountain in Zou County—though this is merely a legend highlighting the cave’s depth. Though not particularly rugged, Peach Blossom Mountain, standing by the lake with its reflection in the water, is also incredibly beautiful. Coupled with its distant view of Dushan Island, with two mountains mirrored in the water, it forms a rare and exceptional scene.

　　　　About eight li to its northeast lies the site of the Fuxi Mausoleum Temple. Behind the temple, several springs gush from the ground: Holy Mother Pool Spring, West Dragon Spring, Holy Descendant Spring, Six Small Springs, West Six Springs, Youben Spring, and Little Dragon Spring. Some springs resemble strings of pearls, others bubbling streams, and some like blooming lotuses. The cluster of springs forms a magnificent forest. Already a scenic attraction during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Er Lang Temple halfway up the island features a stone cave in its courtyard, above which the three large characters “Chaoyang Cave” are inscribed. Legend has it these were written by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty during his second southern tour when he passed the island. It is also said that here, he heard someone cutting bitter sedge and created a specific Chinese character. He is also said to have inscribed four characters: “Yellow Heaven Avenue.” The island also once had a Temple of the God of Fire and the Confucius Tower, built to commemorate Confucius’ visit to Dushan Island during his travels across the states. Although these valuable historical relics no longer exist, visiting the island and listening to these enchanting legends, while facing the lake and mountain scenery, how can one not be filled with nostalgia for the past and ponder the vastness of time and space? Near Chaoyang Cave, there is also a karst cave. According to locals, though the cave is only a dozen meters deep, its inner crevices extend unfathomably downward. Inside, the stalactites are exquisitely colorful, like vibrant murals and lifelike sculptures.

　　 Dushan Bay is a bountiful bay; Dushan Island is a beautiful island.