What is even more beautiful than the cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple is the Xuanwu Lake, which was almost buried by Wang Anshi due to being separated by just a wall
Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing is a dazzling pearl of the Jiangnan region, a natural lake formed by crustal movements, with a history of nearly 1 million years. Since the construction of the Yuecheng in Nanjing, it has been historically known as 'Sangpo', 'Moling Lake', 'Lian Lake', 'Hou Lake', and so on, with Huanzhou, Yingzhou, Lingzhou, Liangzhou, and Cuizhou islands within it.
The reason for renaming it Xuanwu Lake is that Xuanwu represents the north in mythological stories and is also known as the God of the North, hence the name Xuanwu Lake replaced Beihu (North Lake). The Xuanwu District in Nanjing is also named after the presence of Xuanwu Lake. Xuanwu Lake is the largest urban park in the Jiangnan region and the largest royal garden lake in China, as well as the only remaining royal garden in Jiangnan.
During the Six Dynasties period, Xuanwu Lake was much larger than it is now, directly connected to the Yangtze River, and the lake could serve as a training ground for the navy.
The shrinkage of Xuanwu Lake was due to geographical changes and also to the great statesman Wang Anshi. During the Northern Song Dynasty, when the people were suffering and the court's military and financial affairs were mired in difficulties, Wang Anshi stepped forward and initiated a sweeping reform. A major transformation that shocked the nation began, and Wang Anshi urgently needed some examples of reform to facilitate the continuation of his work, and Xuanwu Lake became one of the starting points.
In the seventh year of Xining, Wang Anshi petitioned Emperor Shenzong of Song to 'drain the lake to convert it into farmland'. This reform drained the spirit of Nanjing, turning Xuanwu Lake into fields of rice paddies, severely affecting the drainage within Nanjing city, and Xuanwu Lake disappeared for nearly 300 years. This land reclamation not only failed to benefit the people but also brought about natural and man-made disasters.
It was not until the Yuan Dynasty that two dredging efforts were made to dig out Xuanwu Lake again, but its scale could no longer match the grandeur before Wang Anshi's abandonment of the lake.
Faced with the dramatic changes in the status of Xuanwu Lake, countless literati expressed their emotions. Despite this, the rebuilt Xuanwu Lake is still regarded as the 'Pearl of Jinling' by the people of Nanjing, loved with complex feelings for thousands of years.
At the end of the cherry blossom avenue of Jiming Temple is an entrance to Xuanwu Lake, Jiefangmen. Stepping through this gate, you officially enter the Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area.
In March, the plum blossoms at Xuanwu Lake are in full bloom, the early cherry blossoms are just beginning to open, and spring flowers such as cherry blossoms, camellias, February orchids, and crabapples are successively blooming, with the prelude to a riot of spring flowers slowly unfolding. Besides the earlier blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms, early cherry varieties such as the Chumeiren and Yingchun are successively blooming. Come to Xuanwu Lake to enjoy the spring and admire the cherry blossoms!
It's a place where you can relax in the afternoon. there are no Entry fee so you can enjoy your time here anytime. 👌
One of my favourite hang out places in Nanjing. Wonderful nature where you can be alone in peace or come with a group of friends. It is great for anyone. Especially sunset time, against the lake it is a stunning view
This playground is still very good. Next to Xuanwu Lake, there are a lot of people. If you go on weekends, you have to queue up. Well, but the things to play are still quite a bit of courage for children, but I think the price is really not cheap. Every line actually walks a little bit. It's still a bit expensive for seven or eighty yuan
Nanjing Xuanwu Lake, this pearl inlaid in the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties, attracts thousands of tourists with its clear water, blue sky and ancient charm. Tour Xuanwu Lake and feel the charm of the Jiangnan water town, so that the body and mind can be completely relaxed here. Xuanwu Lake is located in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, one of the largest urban lakes in China and is a symbol of Nanjing. The lake area is about 435 hectares, surrounded by the winding Zijin Mountain, picturesque and beautiful. When you walk into Xuanwu Lake, you will be attracted by the lake and mountains. The lake is blue and rippling, the water and the sky are the same color, like a flowing ink painting. The willow trees by the lake are hanging silk, and the lotus flowers in the lake are in full bloom and beautiful. Touring Xuanwu Lake, you can take a boat on the lake and appreciate the poetic "good south of the Yangtze River, old scenery Zengcuo"; You can also stroll around the lake and feel the blend of history and modernity. In addition, Xuanwu Lake is a famous leisure resort in Nanjing. Here, you can appreciate the exquisiteness and elegance of Jiangnan gardens. There are many attractions in the park, such as Cuizhou, Liangzhou, Pazhou, etc. Each attraction has its own characteristics and is fascinating. Here, you can taste authentic Nanjing snacks and experience the hospitality of the people of Nanjing. Nanjing Xuanwu Lake is still a treasure trove of cultural history. The Jiming Temple, Ming City Wall, Nanjing City Museum, etc. on the shore of the lake are all must-visit places for tourists. Here, you can learn about Nanjing's history and culture and feel the vicissitudes and charm of the ancient capitals of the Six Dynasties. Dear tourists, Nanjing Xuanwu Lake is the best choice for you to visit Nanjing. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of Jiangnan water town and feel the influence of history and culture. Welcome to Nanjing Xuanwu Lake for an unforgettable trip!
Xuanwu Lake, located outside Xuanwu Gate in the north of Nanjing, is swamped in autumn water and blue waves. You can rent an electric cruise to travel the lake by car. Although the time is limited and the scope is not very large, the fun of the lake can be fully appreciated. The total area of Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area is 5.13 square kilometers, and the lake area is 3.78 square kilometers. The lake is divided into three major blocks by Wuzhou (Huanzhou, Sakurazhou, Pazhou, Liangzhou, Cuizhou). Therefore, the five continents connected by walking tours feel very good, and you can also fully appreciate the scenery and water of Xuanwu Lake.