East Lake: A Place of Peace and Tranquility
Travel Information
Travelogue
Written by Nathaniel Tan - September 11, 2019
Written by Heidi Oh - October 8, 2019
Experience a relaxing afternoon stroll with Heidi Oh at Ting Tao Scenic Area in East Lake.
ocated in the Wuchang district of Wuhan, Hubei province in China, East Lake is a place of serenity in contrast to the
bustling city. It covers up to 87 square kilometres and is the second-largest urban lake in the world, also holding an important place in the hearts of many. When asked to describe East Lake in one sentence, Madam Wen Hong Hui, who has worked at East Lake for 30 years, proudly announced, “Lake of the world, greenery of the city.”
East Lake is divided into four areas, Ting Tao, Mo Shan, Luo Yan and Chui Di Scenic Areas. Ting Tao (听涛), which translates to "Listening to Surging Waves" in Mandarin, is located at the northwest portion of East Lake, spanning across a total of 13.3 square kilometres.
As I entered the Ting Tao Scenic Area, I was amazed by the beauty and vastness of the lake. The ambience was serene as the lake glimmered under the blazing sun. Along the shores stood a row of willow trees with loosely hanging leaves resembling slightly opaque curtains. Beams of sunlight penetrated through the spaces between the thin drooping leaves. I paused and absorbed all that was there. With the backdrop of the trees and the vastness of the lake, it gave me a great sense of peace.
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At Ting Tao, there are stalls along the entrance that sell food and drinks. Visitors can take a buggy ride for just 30 yuan (S$6) to explore around the area.
I noticed an enormous statue towering over me as it stands mightily in front of a three-storey high pavilion. It was a sculpture of a famous poet, Qu Yuan. This place, called Xinyinge (行吟阁), which translates to Poem Reciting at the Bank in English, was built to commemorate Qu Yuan and his literary masterpieces. As I stepped into the pavillion, my eyes immediately shifted to a spiral stairwell.
The statue of Qu Yuan erected in front of the pavilion.
I saw a few pavilions isolated in the middle of the lake. This place is called Bi Tan Guan Yu (碧潭观鱼), translating to Viewing Fishes in Green Pond in English.
The pavilions resemble the imperial palaces that are often featured in the olden day Chinese dramas. The area was surrounded by thick luscious trees in different shades of green. The breezeless weather had caused the lake to lay still without a ripple. The trees and pavilions were perfectly mirrored on the unruffled surface of the water, serving as a rest stop for visitors where they can admire the idyllic scenery and sounds of nature while resting.
Whilst staring into the vast lake, I caught sight of a bunch of Koi fish aggressively swimming over one another at the corner of my eye. It turns out there was a visitor throwing in fish food into the lake. At Ting Tao Scenic Area, one can feed the fish there for just 5 yuan (S$1).
Ting Tao was truly a sight to behold. Despite the sweltering hot weather, I enjoyed the tranquillity and scenery of the place. It was clear to me that East Lake is not merely a scenic site but a place filled with culture.
Writer's Tip
To have the best experience in Ting Tao, it is recommended to visit during spring, from late March to April, where you can catch the efflorescence of cherry, plum and peach blossoms. You can also drop by during autumn, from October to November to enjoy the blooming of Osmanthus flowers and catch a whiff of its distinctive fruity and flowery aroma.
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