Huainan: The Scenic Charm of Jiaogang Lake Draws Visitors

Bathed in the gentle coolness of an early summer morning, visitors step into the lotus pond of Jiaogang Lake with hearts full of anticipation. In that very moment, it feels as though they’ve crossed a barrier of time and space, entering a vivid and dreamlike ink-wash painting of Jiangnan. Guided by the subtle, elegant fragrance of lotus blossoms, people embark on a romantic encounter with this ethereal flower.

Leaning against a railing, a round fan in hand, one waits for the breeze, and for you. Gazing into the distance, the lake blooms with lotus flowers like a host of celestial maidens descending to earth, each flaunting its unique, otherworldly beauty. Some stand tall with heads held high, radiating confidence and elegance, others shyly conceal their pink petals, like young girls in the throes of first love, full of bashfulness and charm. Amid layers upon layers of emerald-green lotus leaves, their elegance stands out all the more. Like beauties in pink blouses and green skirts, they dance gracefully, swaying in the gentle breeze in the caress of the breeze. Their graceful movements seem to embody all the beauty the world has.

Each lotus flower and every leaf embodies a self-contained scene of natural beauty; every poem and painting reveals a unique realm. The lotus leaves stretch out like a vast green ocean across the lake. Layered and overlapping, they crowd together, covering the lake surface with vibrant life. Some leaves spread wide like green parasols, floating steadily on the water. Some resemble smooth, round platters, with surfaces dotted with sparkling dew. These glistening drops dance like tiny spirits across the leaves.  When a gentle breeze passes through, the lotus leaves rustle softly, as if murmuring tales of summer. Every rustling note is an expression of deep love and reverence for the vitality of nature.

Located in the Maoji Experimental Zone, Jiaogang Lake is a national wetland park and a 4A-rated tourist attraction, renowned as the “Great Wetland of the Huai River” and the “Baiyang Lake of East China.” At present, 56 varieties of lotus, including white lotus, yellow lotus, and wild red lotus, are in full bloom, with the flowering season stretching from June through September. The Maoji Experimental Zone has actively promoted a coordinated approach to wetland conservation and ecological tourism. With continual enhancements to the scenic beauty of Jiaogang Lake, visitors can now enjoy not only the lotus pond but also reed meadows and other attractions. Here, amid the most splendid scenes of summer, travelers experience the cultural charm of “the Vast Ecological Wetland and the Picturesque Jiaogang Lake.”