Xiang’e Lake Ecological Tourist Area

　　    Xiang’e Lake Ecological Tourist Area is located in Jiucheng Town, Yingjiang County, 19 kilometers from the county seat. The planned area of the entire Xiang’e Lake scenic zone is 75.97 hectares (equivalent to 1,140 mu). The Xiang’e Lake scenic area uses water as its main structural element, incorporating well-preserved natural vegetation, water resources, farmland, orchards, and wild birds as key components, forming a comprehensive ecological tourist destination that integrates natural ecology, agricultural ecology, orchard ecology, and livestock ecology. Water flows out from the northeastern lakeshore area, with twelve major springs that have abundant flow year-round, never drying up, and featuring good water quality rich in various trace elements needed by the human body. The lake is home to more than ten species of wild river fish, as well as birds such as egrets, yellow ducks, and wild ducks, along with aquatic plants like lotus flowers, reeds, and water hyacinths—truly deserving the title of “Baiyangdian by the Daying River.”

　　    Xiang’e Lake, anciently known as Longtang and referred to as “Longjie Gao” in the Dai language, is situated to the southwest of Jiucheng Town. It has withstood the trials of thousands of years of history yet remains vibrant and full of life. Its source originates from the “Nanmu Xishuang” (Twelve-Eyed Wells) near the village of Longjie, which converge to form this expanse of clear blue water.

　　    Every beautiful place often comes with countless magical stories. Legend has it that long ago, there was only a small ditch flowing beside the village of Longjie, unable to irrigate the surrounding farmland. One day, a pair of immortal dragon husband and wife, accompanied by their twelve dragon daughters, were on their way to visit Lake Najiu in Myanmar when they passed through this area. They saw the farmland severely lacking in water, unable to support crops, and lying barren. Deeply saddened, the divine dragons decided after deliberation to stay and help relieve the people’s plight. Thus, they chose the site of the Dragon Palace next to the village of Longjie. The immortal dragons spat out a dragon pearl, and each of the twelve dragon daughters contributed a stream of clear spring water into the palace, forming the “Nanmu Xishuang” and the crystal-clear Dragon Palace — Xiang’e Lake. The Dragon Pond is divided into a Big Dragon Pond and a Small Dragon Pond. Legend says the Big Dragon Pond served as the residence of the divine dragon couple, while the Small Dragon Pond was the boudoir of the dragon daughters, with particularly pristine and cool water.

　　    When you stand atop Dongshan Mountain and look into the distance, you can faintly make out the phantom scene of the immortal dragons spitting out pearls — two long dragon whiskers (Jiejie Road and Xialaxiang Road) stretching out, dragon eyes (the natural village of Longjie) bulging round, the dragon mouth (areas around Xiaojiucheng and Shapo) wide open, dragon claws (lanes of Longjie) rippling, the dragon body (the main road of Jiucheng Street) coiling, and the dragon tail (current site of the town government office) slightly raised.

　　    In accordance with historical legacy, the Longtan Dock has been rebuilt on the original site. The newly constructed Longtan Dock features three terraced platforms, surrounded by railings made from polished Tengchong volcanic stones, exuding an elegant and classic charm. Standing on the dock and gazing into the distance, you’ll see the clear waves stretching endlessly, with bamboo rafts and flat boats shuttling back and forth, and fishermen singing the Dai folk love songs known as “Hanma,” responding to each other in song. Travelers find themselves relaxed and enchanted, reluctant to leave.

　　    To promote ethnic culture and strengthen the eco-friendly green industry, as well as build a “charming” brand, a new ethnic-style performance stage has been built on the flat ground of the hilltop above “Nanmu Xishuang.” Designed in traditional Dai architectural style, with a golden gourd positioned at the center of the roof flanked by carvings of a peacock and an elephant on either side. The golden gourd symbolizes love between Dai men and women, while the peacock and elephant are totems deeply revered by the Dai people. The stage is both classic and timeless, yet infused with a strong modern vibe.

　　    Looking over the Xiang’e Lake scenic area, a teacher was filled with emotion and composed the following five-character regulated verse in its praise:

　　    Xiang’e Lake vast and deep,

　　    Amidst the forests it keeps.

　　    Egrets dance with grace,

　　    Lotus blooms in full face.

　　    The dock greets guests from far,