Weishanhu Lake, the largest fresh water lake in northern China, is located in the southern part of Shandong province. It is made up of four connecting lakes - Weishan, zhaoyang, Dushan, and Nanyang - and is shaped like a dumbbell. Its huge size - 1,266 square kilometers (473 sq mi) - makes it seem boundless.
The lake is surrounded by woods, reeds, and lotuses ponds; fishing boats float beneath gorgeous sunsets as smoke rises from kitchen chimneys and fishing girls play the traditional lute. It is a scene almost pictured perfect. Among which, miles of dazzling lotuses are the highlights in the lake.
The crystal dewdrops dot the green leaves; frogs jump from the leaves into the water. Some leaves are large and grow high up out of the water; some leaves look as if they are sleeping; some sway with the breeze; some stay afloat. The green leaves serve as a foil for the lotus flowers. Translucent and spotless, they stand in the center of the green lake, proud and self-admiring with enormous blooms of either pink or white. The lines of each flower are so graceful and elegant, as if they are artificially drawn. The flowers are so close, and so numerous that you don't have enough time to appreciate each one. No matter if it is red, pink, yellow or white, all of the flowers are equally beautiful. Tender yellow pistils are surrounded by small lotus buds. Each blossom is unique, but all are perfectly stunning. Dragonflies rest on some of their tips, or hide behind their leaves. Some of the flowers are standing alone. Some are side by side. Some are leaning against and reflecting each other.
Such a nice place must have great appeal to those insects in the surrounding area. You will see clumps of bees, butterflies, and dragonflies playing amongst the lotuses. The bees collect the pollens; the butterflies dance in between; the dragonflies stand on leaves. Mirrored in the water surface, this is like a wonderful ink painting with just a few strokes.
The water of Weishanhu Lake is clear as crystal. Lotus roots grow under the water, and lotus stalks compete for their length above the water. If you listen carefully, you could hear the squeaks produced by the buds as the blossoming flowers spread. The withered leaves too are somewhat enchanting, as their leaves lose the color yet their flowers stay afloat. The petals blown off the lotus don't drift away; they lingered and mingled with the newer plants on the water surface.
Weishanhu Lake is rich in natural resources. There is profusion of fishes, shrimps, aquatic plants, waterfowl, birds etc. It is not exaggerated to call it the natural museum. In addition, the mineral resources that have abundantly deposited include coal, rare earth, limestone, yellow sand, coal gangue.
There is one big island called Weishan Island in the lake. A number of historic relics including the tombs, temples, pavilions, steles with inscriptions are all kept in good state.
Weishanhu Lake also witnessed the fierce fight against the Japanese during the war time. At that time, the armed forces had their bases settled at Weishanhu Lake. They haunted reed marshes and struggled bravely against the enemies, which created countless heroic achievements.
What Weishanhu Lake brings to you is the visual enjoyment and the pleasant mood. It is comparable to the West Lake in Hangzhou, which is famous for its 'three-fall osmanthus flowers and ten-kilometer lotuses'. Those who have been here must agree that Mount Huangshan is the best mountain; the Jiuzhaigou Valley has the best water; and Weishanhu Lake has the best lotuses.
Entrance Fee: CNY 50 for adults; CNY 25 for kids
Transportation:
A. From Xuzhou: Take the long-distance buses from Xuzhou and get off at Zhang'a (Weishan Island) Long-distance Bus Station, and then take a motor tricycle or walk to the Weishan Island Port and take the ferries to Weishan Island;
B. From Qufu: Take the long-distance buses to Weishan County, and then take buses or taxies to Weishan Lake Port.
