Floating gently, pink lotus blossoms greet us at Lotus Lake. This is Lianhuachi Park. It is more than just a pretty place. Lotus Lake is the cradle of Beijing. Legend says Beijing owes its existence to this very water. Locals call it the source of life.
We stand at Lotus Lake. It spans 53.6 hectares in western Beijing. That is about 133 acres. It sits next to the Beijing West railway station and the Third Ring Road. The lake’s name Lianhuachi literally means Lotus Pond.
Did you know Lotus Lake is Beijing’s oldest water source? Since the Zhou dynasty in 1045 B.C. this lake sustained the city. The Commentary on the Water Classic mentions this. It is an ancient geographic record of China. The lake supported Beijing until the Yuan dynasty. That was from 1276 to 1368. The city shifted northeast then. Lotus Lake lost its vital role.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Lotus Lake transformed. It became a royal attraction. Noblemen enjoyed the natural beauty here. However in 1982, the Beijing government rebuilt it. It became a major city park for everyone. The park was renovated in 2000. Landscapes and scenic areas were added.
Let’s imagine the past. Picture royal families boating here. They escaped the city’s hustle. They found peace among the lotus flowers. It’s a far cry from its original purpose as a water source.
The Lotus Pool itself covers about 150,000 square meters. That is roughly 37 acres. An arching causeway divides it at its northern bank. A bridge and pavilion complement the islands and flowers. Pines, cedars, lilacs, and pomegranates line the banks. Together they create a tranquil scene.
In summer, Lotus Lake bursts into color. Pink lotus flowers blanket the water. A gentle breeze carries their sweet fragrance. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Can you imagine the lotus-scented air?
There is a local legend about Lotus Lake. It tells of the Lotus Goddess. The Heavenly Emperor’s daughter fell for Lotus Root Boy. He was a mortal man. The emperor sent troops to arrest her. The Goddess hid under the water. She gave her lover a pearl for protection. He swallowed it. Soldiers beheaded him. But the pearl’s magic reattached his head. Defeated, the Emperor let him live. The couple settled by the pool. They gave lotus roots, seeds, and flowers to people.
Lotus Lake is encircled by four hills. The East Hill is narrow and tall. Stone trails wind through pines and cypresses. They lead to the Lotus Wind Pavilion. The West Hill slopes gently. Locust and ash trees grow there. The South and North Hills are artificial. They feature abundant plant life.
Today, Lotus Lake is a place for recreation. There are fitness facilities for the elderly. Children enjoy the recreation equipment. There is even a dance square. It is equipped with an amplifier. People dance to their hearts’ content there. Fishing is permitted in a designated area.
Every spring, the park hosts temple fairs. These fairs take place from the 1st to 7th of the first lunar month. In June and July, the Lotus Festival occurs. This is when the lotus flowers are in full bloom.
Take the time to row on the lake. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of Lotus Lake. The air smells sweet. The views are stunning. It is easy to forget you are in a major city. This place provides a serene escape. Enjoy the atmosphere of Lotus Lake. It is a vibrant part of Beijing’s story.