WEST LAKE

Located to the north-west of Fuzhou, at the foot of the Reclining Dragon Mountain (Wolongshan), Western Lake (Xihu) is a haven of serenity in the heart of the city. Created in 282 during the Jin period by Yan Gao, governor at the time, this artificial lake was originally part of an irrigation system. It later became the royal park of a Min king during the Five Dynasties (907-960), taking the poetic name of Crystal Palace (Shuijinggong). Although the lake silted up several times after the Song, successive dredging operations preserved its charm, making it a popular venue for social gatherings. Its name "Xihu", common in China, simply refers to its geographical position to the west of the city.

A place of inspiration for poets and scholars, Xihu became a public park in 1914. Spanning 20 hectares, it includes several islands (Kaihua, Xieping and Youjiao) linked to the shore by dykes and elegant bridges, such as the Flying Rainbow, Walking on Clouds and Jade Belt, which add a touch of poetry to the landscape.

The park is home to the Ming-dynasty Wanzai Temple and the Kaihua Temple. There's also the Li Gang memorial, Lin Zexu's studio and the Fujian Provincial Museum, founded in 1953. The latter traces the history of Fuzhou and features an exhibition on the traditional tea ceremony, a refined local custom. Popular for boat trips, sunrise tai chi sessions and cultural encounters, Xihu Park blends nature and tradition.