East Marsh Lotus Pond

　　    The East Marsh Lotus Pond, also known as the Lotus Pond, is located at the east gate of the ancient city. Originally, this area was a marshland covered with lotus roots. During the early Ming Dynasty, when the city wall was built and bricks were fired, the marshland turned into a deep pond. Since the pond is situated to the east of the city, it came to be called the East Marsh Lotus Pond. It is the only remaining scenic spot among the Eight Scenic Views of the Two Cities, consisting of a Large and a Small Lotus Pond, covering a total area of 1,000 square meters, with the main attractions located in the Small Lotus Pond. The northeastern corner of the Small Lotus Pond features the enchanting Lotus Island, connected to the shore by a zigzag bridge. To the west of the Small Lotus Pond lies a 300-meter-long Green Cultural Corridor. Classic quotes will inspire you, and exquisite paintings will lift your spirits. As you stroll through the Green Cultural Corridor, you’ll be immersed in a rich cultural atmosphere. Look, standing proudly in the middle of the Lotus Pond is a pavilion with green roof and red pillars, built on Pearl Platform. Speaking of Pearl Platform, it has quite a legendary history. Legend has it that once, the White Dragon Prince, tired of life in the dragon palace, came down to earth to explore mountains and rivers. He found the scenery of the East Marsh Lotus Pond far more beautiful than that of the dragon realm and lingered here for over ten days—truly “a trip to Miancheng, a taste of heavenly delight.” When he was about to leave, a crab spirit, regardless of his noble status, forcibly tried to snatch the two pearls he was holding and summoned countless little crab spirits to surround him. Seeing no way out, the White Dragon Prince threw the two pearls into the East Marsh. One of them landed in the south and turned into a mountain called Fuxing Mountain, while the other in the north became a platform, named Pearl Platform. Though time has passed and Fuxing Mountain has vanished, Pearl Platform still stands within the Lotus Pond, cared for by generations of locals. The command platform for the annual Dragon Boat Festival is set up right here on Pearl Platform. You could say that seeing Pearl Platform brings to mind the dragon boat races, and seeing the dragon boat races reminds you of Pearl Platform. To the south of the Small Lotus Pond is the Bagua Pavilion, which has now been moved 60 meters southward, making room for the magnificent Twin Lotus Bridge. To the east of the Bagua Pavilion is the Red Flower Dyke, which leads to the official road to the east gate. Along this road stand three ceremonial archways—Huanglian Pass, Honglian Pass, and Bailian Pass. Legend has it that during the reign of Emperor Mu of Jin, three sisters—Huanglian, Honglian, and Bailian—fought bravely against the Qin army (Former Qin), choosing death over surrender. In the end, they leapt into the East Marsh. To commemorate their bravery, these “Three Passes” were built along the official road. To the west of the Bagua Pavilion lies the site of Di Renjie’s Political Inquiry Office. In the fourth year of the Chuigong era (688 AD) during the Tang Dynasty, Di Renjie was appointed Prefect of Fuzhou (now Miancheng). He governed diligently and cared deeply for the people, often visiting the Bagua Pavilion to understand public sentiment and discuss state affairs. He also resolved legal disputes, punished evildoers, and redressed wrongs, earning him the deep respect of the citizens, who praised him as a parent-official—benevolent, honest, and loving toward the people. Later, in memory of Di Renjie’s achievements, the people of Miancheng built an octagonal pavilion to the west of the Bagua Pavilion, inscribed with the plaque “Site of Tang Prefect Di Lianggong’s Political Inquiry.” At the same time, the original east gate of Miancheng, formerly called “Dadongmen,” was renamed “Renfengmen” (Gate of Benevolent Wind). Look, the two-star hotel—Ying’enlou (Welcome Grace Building)—was built on the site of the former Political Inquiry Office. Moreover, the entrance gate of Ying’enlou is an archway inscribed with the words “Renfengmen.”

　　    The Lotus Pond is famous for producing “Jade Lotuses,” renowned far and wide. During the Ming Dynasty, Lu Zi, an official in Mianyang, once wrote a poem: “The lake reflects the bridge near the ancient town, red lotuses gleam bright in the mirror-like water. Upright and unstained by mud, their purity rivals that of the virtuous scholar.” Let’s walk together onto the zigzag bridge in the Large Lotus Pond to experience it firsthand. Strolling across the zigzag bridge feels like walking amidst emerald leaves and crimson blooms, making your blood boil with excitement. Each lotus leaf and flower stirs boundless reverie. No matter where you stand on the bridge, the view before you is always complete and exquisite. The fragrance of the lotus leaves and flowers permeates your whole being, making you want to stretch your arms, close your eyes slightly, and breathe it all in, savoring the moment. The robust lotus leaves and smiling lotus blossoms—don’t they make you think of the lotus roots beneath? The lotus roots of Miancheng are thick and long, “crisp and sweet like autumn pears when eaten raw, and as soft as chestnuts when cooked.” In the past, these roots were even presented as tribute to the emperor, thus revered as a top delicacy at banquets. Why are Miancheng lotus roots so delicious? Legend has it that the great Tang poet Li Bai, traveling from Jiangling to Miancheng, met his friend Zhang Wei and drank at a pavilion in the Lotus Pond. It was the golden month of August, the scenery and company delightful, the moon shining bright. Li Bai, drunk, collapsed in the pavilion, dreaming that he dined with Chang’e and then strolled with her to the pond behind the Moon Palace. Amazed, he noticed lotus pods as big as bowls growing among the leaves. Chang’e, noticing his curiosity, gave him a pod. Upon waking, Li Bai found the very same pod in his arms. He recounted the dream to Zhang Wei, and when leaving Miancheng, gifted the pod to him. Zhang Wei later had skilled lotus planters cultivate it in the Lotus Pond, and the next year, leaves, flowers, pods, and roots flourished. Aside from the fertile soil formed from ancient Yunmeng Marsh deposits and the high-quality water, the exceptional taste of Miancheng lotus roots may also be thanks to the “divine seeds” brought by Li Bai.

　　    With the development of Miancheng’s culinary culture, the lotus root has gradually evolved into a unique “lotus culture,” featuring steamed lotus root, stir-fried lotus root, braised lotus root, cold mixed lotus root, lotus root snacks, lotus root balls, lotus root powder, pulled sugar lotus root, and more. Wow—your mouth must be watering by now. Let’s go taste some right now.