Liuye Lake offers peace and beauty in downtown Changde

Those who have been to West Lake in Hangzhou often marvel at its size but few people know a vast body of water almost four times that size lies in Changde, Hunan province.

Covering 21.8 square kilometers, Liuye Lake, named after its shape that resembles a willow leaf, is the largest lake within a city's downtown area in China.

Nestled among the mountains, the lake glitters like a giant diamond when the sun shines.

Islets on the lake are covered with luxuriant plants. Seen from afar, they look like emeralds embedded on a giant hairpin some goddess might have dropped.

The surrounding mountains add to the charm of the lake. To its north is Baihe Mountain, a long-time habitat of white cranes.

From May to September each year, thousands of cranes and egrets feed, nest, mate and raise their young around the lake, making it a world of birds.

To the southwest of the Liuye Lake stands Huashan Mountain. Literally meaning a mountain of flowers, it is covered with a sea of wildflowers in a large range of bright colors.

The lake is also an excellent place for water sports. Since 1995, it has hosted a number of international events, including the Asian canoeing championships, Sino-US water-skiing competition and the Dongting Lake dragon boat competition.

Local authorities in Changde are investing to make the lake a tourist destination with modern entertainment facilities.

On June 6, a 333-hectare water park opened on an island in the lake. With investment of 2 billion yuan ($322.1 million), the park offers a selection of rides and attractions, including musical fountains, golden beaches and a 120-meter-tall Ferris wheel.

Lovers of plants can also enjoy the 133 hectares of flowerbeds in the park.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 07/29/2015 page22)