Songhua Lake

Songhua Lake is in the southeastern part of the city of Jilin, 10 kilometers from the downtown area, with the Fengman Hydropower Station built by the Japanese using a dam built in 1937 on the Songhua River, and is now a National Grade AAAA Tourist Attraction. With a total length of 180km or more, this lake is shaped like a shining dragon lying on the vast land of Jilin Province, from southeast to northwest. Covering a total area of 700 square meters, Songhua Lake boasts eight scenic spots within the lake area, ranging from islets, peaks and ponds to attractive hilly slopes.

Songhua Lake attracts a great number of domestic and foreign visitors based on its profound geographical location, its distinct four seasons as well as the bright and charming scenery of lakes and mountains. Its beauty mainly lies in the broad water, the tranquil mountains and the charming forest. The picturesque Songhua Lake is entitled with elegant environment, in which stones of amazing shapes stand like a forest and steep cliffs become common sights. The thriving trees on the mountains, the clouds in the azure sky are all reflected on the mirror-like lake, making it even more charming. The numerous wonderful sights make up 9 scenery zones, 18 scenic spots and 4 tourism villages.

This lake is surrounded by thick forests that cover 300,000 hectares, or 72 percent of the lake zone. Apart from its picturesque scenery, the lake also abounds in flora and fauna: whitefish, carp and nameless fish as well as over 160 species of herbal medicines. If you are lucky enough, you may also bump into rarer species such as roe deer, black bear and lynx. The lake even has its own myth, in a similar vein to the Loch Ness stories. In 1992 a soldier visiting the lake on leave reported being attacked by a dragon like creature. Truthful or not, the tourism industry here has never looked back.

Songhua Lake not only provides a good place for visitors to go boating, but also serves as an ideal choice for holiday. In the Lake District there are at least 200 farm houses made especially for visitors to spend holidays have been constructed. In the daylight it seems as if the lake extends to the sky, while in the evening the setting sun reddens the clouds on the horizon. Near the banks, grass bloom on the beach, while the water washes the golden sands. It is true to say “the best scenery is at one’s door and the lake is a natural summer palace.”

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