West Lake is not only found in Hangzhou, but the West Lake here is also very beautiful!
Huizhou boasts picturesque landscapes, magnificent seas, endless silver beaches, and rare cultural attractions.
Huizhou West Lake, located in Huicheng District, is characterized by its elegant and profound natural scenery, historical and cultural heritage, and leisure tourism as its main function, making it a national scenic area.
Huizhou West Lake was established during the Northern Song Dynasty. The governor Chen Qiao 'introduced water from the lake to irrigate fields, benefiting from fish, lotus roots, bulrushes, and reeds', which brought abundance to the people, hence it was called Feng Lake at the time. Dikes and bridges were built on the lake, along with pavilions and towers, earning Feng Lake the reputation of 'Guangdong's finest'.
In the first year of the Shaosheng era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1094 AD), Su Shi was exiled to Huizhou. He was captivated by the beauty of Feng Lake and felt it was as beautiful as the West Lake in Hangzhou, which he was familiar with and fond of, so he named it West Lake. Since then, Huizhou West Lake has become increasingly well-known.
The Huizhou West Lake scenic area is known for its exquisite and secluded landscapes, with four floating islets, green hills like ink, and ancient-style pavilions and towers hidden among lush trees. The beauty of the scenery is natural, earning it the nickname 'Pearl of Lingnan'. Poets and scholars like Li Shangyin, Yang Wanli, and Zhu Zhishan have also set foot in Huizhou, leaving precious calligraphy in West Lake.
When visiting Huizhou, in addition to seeing the sea, you can stay in the city for two nights, take a walk by the West Lake, eat Hakka cuisine, and enjoy a leisurely time.
Recommended tour route: Fenghu Academy - Sizhou Tower - Liuru Pavilion - Dongpo Garden - Zhunti Temple - Crocodile Island - Fengzhu Garden - Zhuwu Alley - Yuanmiao Ancient Observatory - Baihua Islet - Pinghu Gate. You can adjust the route according to your physical condition.
Huizhou has convenient transportation, with options to take high-speed trains or intercity railways. This time, I took a road trip with my parents and stayed at the Kangdi International Hotel by West Lake, where we could overlook the beautiful scenery of the lake from our room. Behind the hotel is Chaojing Gate, with a beautiful environment, attentive service, and a rich buffet breakfast. It's quiet, clean, and reassuring. My father, who usually has poor sleep quality, slept very well these two nights, and both of my elderly parents were in good spirits and very happy.
The hotel has both above-ground and underground parking, with free parking for guests.
For dining, I recommend Deji Dapaidang (Ciyun Road branch), also by West Lake, serving authentic Hakka cuisine with good taste.