West Lake Park in Chaozhou

West Lake in Chaozhou is one of the thirty-six great West Lakes of China, and it is the location of one of Chaozhou’s eight scenic spots, “The Fisherman’s Raft on West Lake” (西湖渔筏). The lake is nestled between lush mountains and clear waters, offering a serene landscape. Historically, Chaozhou West Lake was once the protective moat surrounding the ancient city, commonly known as the “City Moat Pond” (城壕池). With the city’s development shifting westward, the lake has become the dividing line between the old and new cities, symbolizing the continuity of the city’s legacy. The lake is a green gem of the ancient city, embodying a harmonious blend of nature and culture.

Geographical Location

Chaozhou West Lake is located in the western suburbs of Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province. It is a scenic AAA-level area, situated at the intersection of the old and new city areas.

Historical Background

Chaozhou West Lake has a history that spans over 1,200 years. Originally a tributary of the Han River, it was formed by a collapsed dam, creating a shallow large lake. According to the “Fangyu Jiyao” (方舆纪要), it stretched for over ten miles. During the Tang Dynasty, a northern dike was built, separating the lake from the Han River and transforming it into a long and wide lake.

In the reign of Emperor Suzong during the Tang Dynasty (758-759), an imperial decree designated West Lake as one of the 81 release ponds (放生池) where fish were released, an activity still commemorated by the inscriptions near the lake. During the Yuan Dynasty, wars destroyed many of the lake’s scenic spots. In the early Ming Dynasty, due to the large-scale reconstruction of Chaozhou’s city walls, much of the lake was filled in, and it became known as the city moat.

Despite subsequent rebuilding efforts, much of the lake was destroyed again during the Qing Dynasty due to repeated military conflicts. The lake was fortified to defend against the “Sanfan Rebellion” (三藩之乱). During the Republican era, local warlord Hong Zhaolin claimed West Lake as his own. The lake’s history is often summarized as: “Started in the Tang Dynasty, flourished in the Song Dynasty, destroyed in the Yuan Dynasty, thrived in the Ming Dynasty, decayed in the Qing Dynasty, and was unclear during the Republic, now calm and green.”

Scenic Attractions

The Fisherman’s Raft on West Lake (西湖渔筏)

In addition to the picturesque “Fisherman’s Raft on West Lake” scene, the lakeside features numerous ancient monuments, pavilions, and scenic spots. Some of these natural wonders and man-made creations give the lake its charming character, with each spot having its own poetic name, such as “Ancient Cave and Buddha Lamp” (古洞佛灯), “Water Narcissus Under the Night Moon” (水仙夜月), “Plum Grove and New Snow” (梅庄新雪), “Purple Bamboo and Bell Sounds” (紫竹钟声), and “Fishing Platform in Autumn” (钓台秋色).

Many of these landmarks no longer exist, but the legends and stories surrounding them continue to captivate visitors.

Hanbi Lou (涵碧楼)

Located within Chaozhou West Lake Park, Hanbi Lou was built in the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922). This two-story building, designed in Western style, was inscribed with the words “Hanbi Lou” by the famous scholar Guo Moruo. It served as the headquarters for the leaders of the Nanchang Uprising, including Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, and He Long, who stayed here from September 23 to 30, 1927, during the “Seven Days of Chaozhou” (潮州七日红) historical event. Today, Hanbi Lou houses important wartime artifacts and is a designated provincial cultural heritage site and a base for patriotic education.

Huo Ren Cave (活人洞)

Huo Ren Cave, with its unique historical background, is a narrow cave under three meters in height that could accommodate over ten people. It got its name during the Ming Dynasty, when it was said that a child fell into the lake, and four locals saved him. A stone inscription commemorates this act of heroism. The cave features inscriptions from the period that detail the event.

Shou’an Rock (寿安岩)

Located northeast of Huo Ren Cave, Shou’an Rock is famous for its odd rock formations and ancient trees. The site is often compared to a large bonsai garden. Several stone inscriptions are found here, documenting various historical events.

Shou’an Temple (寿安寺)

Originally the site of the state academy during the Song Dynasty, Shou’an Temple was later destroyed during the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt in 1593. It was the scene of a dramatic event involving a county magistrate and a monk during the Ming Dynasty. The temple was demolished again during the Qing Dynasty, with only a wall remaining. Today, the site has been transformed into a small restaurant where visitors can enjoy local West Lake fish and Chaozhou cuisine.

Qishi Pavilion (奇石馆)

Visitors can also explore Qishi Pavilion, located near the Furuang Pond (芙蓉池). The pavilion showcases naturally sculpted stones and adds to the lake’s charm, much like the classical gardens of Suzhou.

Virgin Spring (处女泉)

Virgin Spring is one of the most famous sites at West Lake. The spring is a deep, clear wellspring located in a secluded area of the hillside, said to resemble a maiden shyly hiding in a valley. It is renowned for its purity and sweetness, and locals believe it makes the best water for brewing tea.

Lake Center Pavilion (湖心亭)

Southeast of Hanbi Lou, the newly built “Lake Center Pavilion” is a six-cornered, three-bay pavilion surrounded by a protective wooden fence. The pavilion is connected to the shore by a curved red bridge. The pavilion marks an important historical site, where leaders such as Zhou Enlai and Chiang Kai-shek stayed during various military campaigns. The area is also home to a historic “Hero Tree,” a 400-year-old cotton tree.

West Lake Stone Archway (西湖石坊)

Built in 1989, this stone archway is inscribed with the words “Chaozhou West Lake” and features a poetic couplet. The inscription reads: “The name of the lake matches that of Hangzhou’s West Lake. The waters and trees are so clear that it’s a pity that Su Shi didn’t visit. The mountains divide the village in half, with pavilions gleaming in golden splendor, needing only General Li’s painting to complete the view.”

Fengqi Tower (凤栖楼)

Situated on the main peak of Hulushan (葫芦山) in Chaozhou, Fengqi Tower consists of two parts: the “Four-Way Tower” and a large sculpture of a phoenix seat. Originally, the Four-Way Tower allowed for a panoramic view of Chaozhou’s mountains and waters. After the original structure fell into disrepair, the Fengqi Tower was rebuilt in 1985. The phoenix seat, a 28-meter long, 19-meter high, and 3.8-meter wide sculpture, is a symbol of Chaozhou and serves as an artistic monument to the city’s culture.

Furong Pond (芙蓉池)

An artificial pond where five-colored lotuses are grown, Furong Pond is a beautifully tranquil place. With a bridge crossing the pond, it is a serene spot to enjoy the fragrance of the blooming lotuses during the summer months.

Jinghan Pavilion (景韩亭)

Built during the Republic of China period, this pavilion is dedicated to the admiration of the famous poet Han Yu (韩愈). Inside, there is a calligraphic stone inscription of the “White Parrot Ode” (白鹦鹉赋) attributed to Han Yu. The pavilion also bears an inscription: “Jing Mountain’s beautiful scenery reflects the elegance of the Yanshi market, and Han Shui’s jade light meets the clear waters of Meng’s Pavilion.”