West Lake in Chaozhou

West Lake in Chaozhou (潮州西湖) is one of the thirty-six major West Lakes in China. It is also the location of one of the “Eight Sights of Chaozhou,” namely the “West Lake Fishermen’s Rafts” (西湖渔筏).

The mountain stands tall with lush greenery, and the lake lies beside the mountain, reflecting deep hues of indigo. In ancient times, West Lake was the moat of the old city of Chaozhou (潮州), commonly referred to as the “city moat pond” (城壕池). With the shift of the city’s focus to the west, this area has now become the green boundary between the old and new city districts, linking the city’s rich history with its modern development. West Lake serves as a verdant lung for the ancient city area and is considered a green jewel in the modern environmental cityscape. In the past, it was a tributary of the Han River (韩江) and formed as a result of a collapsed dam, creating what is now a narrow lake.

Location: West suburb of Chaozhou City (潮州城西郊), Guangdong Province (广东省潮州市)

Scenic Spot Level: AAA level (AAA级)

Historical Background of West Lake in Chaozhou

West Lake in Chaozhou (潮州西湖) has a long history, dating back more than 1,200 years. In ancient times, it was a tributary of the Han River (韩江) and formed as a result of a collapsed dam, creating a narrow lake. According to the “Fangyu Jiyao” (方舆纪要), the lake stretched over more than ten miles. During the Tang Dynasty (唐代), the northern dam was built, cutting off the lake from the Han River, thus forming the wide, long lake we see today.

During the reign of Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty (唐肃宗, 758-759 AD), an imperial edict was issued, declaring West Lake as one of the eighty-one fish release ponds (放生池) (nowadays, a fish release pond is located south of the central pavilion of the lake).

In the Yuan Dynasty (元代), the frequent wars in Chaozhou destroyed many of West Lake’s scenic spots. During the early years of the Ming Dynasty (明朝), large quantities of stone were removed to renovate the city walls, and half of the lake was filled in, becoming known as the city moat (城壕).

Although some scenic spots were rebuilt in subsequent years, many were again destroyed during the Qing Dynasty (清朝) due to frequent military conflicts. In the 12th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (清康熙十二年, 1673), a waist city was built around West Lake to defend against the “Three Feudatories Rebellion” (三藩之乱). During the revolt led by Liu Jinzhong (刘进忠) against the Qing Dynasty, West Lake was turned into a military stronghold with trenches, barriers, and artillery positions.

In the Republic of China (民国时期), the warlord Hong Zhaolin (洪兆麟) claimed control over West Lake, leading some to summarize the lake’s brief history as follows: “It began in the Tang Dynasty, flourished in the Song Dynasty, was destroyed in the Yuan Dynasty, prospered in the Ming Dynasty, became desolate in the Qing Dynasty, and was unclear during the Republic. Today, the lake is tranquil and green.”

Scenic Area Introduction

Besides the poetic “West Lake Fishing Raft” (西湖渔筏) scenery, the lakeside and surrounding hills are rich with historic sites, pavilions, and towers. Some are naturally formed, while others are man-made, all contributing to the lake’s beauty and creating a “garden with an inviting appearance.” Each scenic spot is given an elegant name, such as “Ancient Cave Buddha Lamp” (古洞佛灯), “Narcissus Under the Moon” (水仙夜月), “New Snow at Plum Villa” (梅庄新雪), “Sound of the Bamboo Bells” (紫竹钟声), and “Autumn View from the Fishing Platform” (钓台秋色). Though many of these spots are now lost to time, the captivating legends still delight visitors.

Hanbi Tower (涵碧楼)

Hanbi Tower, located within the West Lake Park of Chaozhou, was built in 1922 (the 11th year of the Republic of China). It is a Western-style two-story building with a plaque written by Guo Moruo (郭沫若) reading “Hanbi Tower.” During the Nanchang Uprising in 1927, prominent leaders such as Zhou Enlai (周恩来), Zhu De (朱德), He Long (贺龙), Ye Ting (叶挺), Liu Bocheng (刘伯承), and Guo Moruo stayed in this building for seven days, an event known as the “Seven Days of Chaozhou.” Hanbi Tower is now a patriotic education base for Chaozhou and has been designated a provincial-level cultural heritage site.

Living Cave (活人洞)

The “Living Cave” is legendary for its unique structure. Behind Li Gong Pavilion (李公亭) lies a narrow stone cave, just under 3 meters tall, which can hold up to ten people. Inside the cave, inscriptions tell stories of a child who fell into the lake and was rescued by a group of heroes, who later named the cave “Living Cave” in honor of the event. The stone carvings inside include a memorial inscription from the Ming dynasty (1592) commemorating the rescue.

Shou’an Rock (寿安岩)

Shou’an Rock, located to the northeast of the Living Cave, is a place with a striking arrangement of boulders and ancient trees, resembling a giant garden landscape. On the rock, the name “Shou’an Rock” (寿安岩) and historical inscriptions are found. The most interesting feature is a stone wall in front of the rock, etched with two lines of poetry: “Visitors will come again to the mountain’s evergreen pines, who will not admire the clear lake in the cave.” A large stone in front of the rock bears the names of twelve successful candidates from the Ming dynasty, also known as “The Scholar’s Stone” (举子石), which is linked to an intriguing legend.

Shou’an Temple (寿安寺)

Shou’an Temple (寿安寺) was originally a state school in the Song dynasty but was later rebuilt during the Ming dynasty. A tragic story is tied to the temple, where a local official named Gao (高) murdered his concubine, accusing her of having an affair with a monk. The official then had her body placed in a coffin, which he claimed contained valuable jewels. The case led to a series of events, including the destruction of the temple, and it was rebuilt later as a small shrine, which now serves as a place for visitors to sample local fish and Chaozhou cuisine.

Curious Stones Museum (奇石馆)

Visitors to West Lake may also enjoy a visit to the Curious Stones Museum located near the Furong Pond (芙蓉池), which displays nature’s stunning formations. The museum is housed in a pavilion, and beside it, the “Shou’an Ancient Wall” (寿安古墙) is a 360-year-old historical relic, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s fascinating past.

Virgin Spring (处女泉)

Located just north of a local restaurant, Virgin Spring (处女泉) is one of the most famous sites at West Lake. The spring, which resembles a well, provides crystal-clear water known for its sweet taste. The spring got its name from its hidden location, once thought to be a secluded spot in a valley. Local people use the water for making tea, particularly Chaozhou Gongfu tea, known for its rich flavor. A local poet, Lin Dachuan (林大川), once wrote a poem here praising the spring: “I wonder if Lu Yu ever visited here, would he call this the best spring in the world?”

Lake Pavilion (湖心亭)

Located southeast of Hanbi Tower, the newly constructed “Lake Pavilion” (湖心亭) is a hexagonal pavilion with three sections and a protective carved railing. It features a red curved bridge leading to the shore. In the past, the area was known for the “Footprints of Immortals” (仙人脚迹), which are no longer visible. However, the rebuilt Hanbi Tower stands tall. This site was also a station for leaders such as Zhou Enlai (周恩来) and others during the early 20th-century military campaigns.

West Lake Fishing Raft (西湖渔筏)

West Lake (西湖) in Chaozhou is surrounded by Hulukou Mountain (葫芦山) and is a stunning scenic area. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, the people of Chaozhou have enjoyed relaxing here, drinking tea, and sharing stories. One of the most well-known tales is about the West Lake Fishing Raft, passed down through generations in the form of these stories.

West Lake Stone Archway (西湖石坊)

The West Lake Stone Archway (西湖石坊) is located on the east side of the Hongqiao Bridge (虹桥) and was built in 1989. The inscription on the arch reads “Chaozhou West Lake” (潮州西湖), and the couplet describes the lake’s beauty: “The lake’s name rivals Hangzhou’s West Lake, the waters and trees are elegant, but it’s a pity that Su Shi (苏轼) never visited here; the mountains divide the village from the city, with towers and palaces shining, and only General Li (李将军) could capture this view in a painting.”

Phoenix Perch Tower (凤栖楼)

Phoenix Perch Tower (凤栖楼) is located on the main peak of Hulukou Mountain (葫芦山) in Chaozhou and consists of the “Four Views Tower” (四望楼) and the large Phoenix Throne sculpture (凤座). The tower provides panoramic views of the city, and the Phoenix Throne, which measures 28 meters long and 19 meters high, is a symbolic art piece representing Chaozhou. The tower’s top offers a viewing platform for the beauty of the surrounding area.

Furong Pond (芙蓉池)

Furong Pond (芙蓉池) is artificially created, filled with five-color lotus flowers (水芙蓉). The pond features a pavilion and curved bridges connecting both shores. In the summer, the lotus flowers bloom beautifully, filling the air with fragrance.

Jinghan Pavilion (景韩亭)

Built during the Republic of China era, Jinghan Pavilion (景韩亭) is dedicated to the admiration of Han Yu (韩愈). The pavilion features a stone engraving of the “White Parrot Ode” (白鹦鹉赋) written in cursive by Han Yu, and it includes the signature “Tui Zhi” (退之), thought to be his handwriting. The pavilion has a couplet: “The beauty of Jing Mountain echoes the sights of the Yan market, the light of Han water connects with Meng’s Pavilion.”

“White Parrot Ode” (白鹦鹉赋)

The ode describes the beauty and unique characteristics of a white parrot from the West. It highlights the bird’s elegance, colors, and graceful movements, all while providing reflections on life, nature, and the cycles of existence. The poem is a classic piece of Chinese literature that portrays the bird’s regal appearance and symbolic significance.