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Guiyang Tour of Hongfeng Lake
Scenic Area
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Located about 32 kilometers (20 miles) west of
Guiyang
is the Hongfeng (Red Maple) Lake. It is considered to be the pearl
of the Guizhou Plateau, and is the most fascinating among the three
lakes in this part of Guizhou. The other two are Baihua (Hundred
Flowers) Lake and Dongfeng (East Wind) Lake.
Hongfeng Lake is the largest artificial lake on the
Guizhou Plateau. Its surface covers 57.2 square kilometers (22
square miles) and in area is twelve times the size of the Ming Tombs
Reservoir in Beijing and six times as large as the famous West Lake
in Hangzhou. The lake and the surrounding scenic area occupy a total
of 240 square kilometers (93 square miles). There are many red maple
trees on the surrounding mountain ranges whose leaves turn red every
fall - hence the lake's name.
The Hongfeng Lake Scenic Area consists of four parts:
the North Lake, the South Lake, the Rear Lake and the minority
ethnic villages. The North Lake is the smallest and is famous for
its various islands such as Bird Island, Snake Island and Tortoise
Island. Along the shore there is a historic complex of ancient tombs
left by the Western Han Dynasty.
The South Lake is noted for its caves, including the
General's Cave, Fishing Cave and Underground Cave. The Rear Lake is
renowned for its picturesque countryside. The many roads along the
lake's shore offer opportunities for leisurely walks to admire the
beautiful scenery.
The area contains interesting examples of village
architecture, including a Miao traditional house (DiaoJiaolou), a
Bouyei flagstone house and a Dong drum tower which has a roofed
bridge. The drum tower can be reached by boat to enjoy a panoramic
view of the Hongfeng Lake. The minority ethnic villages on the
shores of the lake are unique. In accordance with village custom,
visitors can be assured of a warm welcome-to the extent that they
may be reluctant to leave.
Hongfeng Lake is beautiful and serene. It is an ideal
tourist destination and can be conveniently included in an itinerary
that includes the Dragon Palace and Huangguoshu Waterfall. |
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