Xiazhu Lake in Deqing
3 min readXiazhu Lake, also called Fangfeng Lake, is situated in the suburban district of Wukang town, the County seat of Deqing. It is a typical original wetland lake with a wide stretch of landscapes. The whole water area occupies 3.4 square kilometers. The central part of the lake has an area of 1.26 square kilometers with the water depth of 3-5 meters. The lake comes into being naturally, and it is the 5th largest inland lake in Zhejiang Province. Within the bounds of the lake, about one thousand river branches intertwined each other to form a crisscross network as a maze.More than 600 large and small islets are scattered near and far over thelake, which present a wonderful sight of “islets in lakes and lakes among islets”.
To the east of Xiazhu Lake stand Mt. Daoguan and Mt. Heshang. The two mountains are connected by Mt. Biandan. Xiazhu Lake, as a natural flood-diversion lake, has the function of retaining water to adjust waterlevel of rivers.200 years ago, Hong Sheng figuratively described in lines that “the God opened up the Heaven Lake, the Earth created Fangfeng State, the water mirrors three mountains, thousands rivulets go crisscross in reeds”. The dramatist vividly delineated its long history, its natural geography, and its beautiful scenery.
The mystery of the lake lies in its vast view of water that extends to the horizon, and its long and narrow body of water that holds so many islets and mounds. When tourists row boats to the center of the lake, they will find themselves in pleasant ecological surroundings with the unique sights ofwetland. When one boats through reed marshes, passes the islets dwelled by waterfowls, and watches flocks of egrets flying and landing freely, an unforgettable impression of the rustic charm would remain in one’s memory. Tourists might truely understand the profound implications of the wetland, and come to know the value of the lake that becomes a well-protected habitat for wild birds.
In terms of tourism, Xiazhu Lake now can be mainly divided into three parts according to their own characteristics: Wetland Maze, Egret Islet , and Wetland Exploration.Wetland Maze is for tourists to experience the joy of boating on the lake, and the feelings of walking through a stretch of mysterious wetland. Xiazhu Lake Wetl and fully shows its natural charm in various aspects. All the types of wetland in China except the coastal wetland can be found when tourists closelyappreciate the sight of wetland. Egret Islet(Heshang Mountain) is the paradise for partridges, skylarks, and other wetland birds. Hundreds and thousands of egrets perch on the islet from April to October every year.
When a large swarm of egrets are flying up into the air, or landing down, the magnificent scene is beyond for words. There is an exhibition center on Egret Islet. The specimens and samples of the wetland animals, birds, insects and plants are displayed in the exhibition halls of the center. To the surprise of everyone, crested ibises can be found on the islet. This kind of bird is listed in the species of rare birds on the brink of extinction, and they are at the utmost dangerous state in the world. Xiazhu Lake has become the species amelioration and protection base of the crested ibis in Zhejiang Province. Wetland Explorartion provides an opportunity for tourists to get in touch with the primeval wetland. The special area for tourists to appreciate the flora of wetland is open to the public, and the facilities to barbecue are also set. With the alternation of four seasons, some different recreations are served. Tourists are allowed to take part in the activities as they want.
