Fujian Mountain and Sea Journey - Taining Great Golden Lake

The Golden Lake, short for Jinxi New Lake, is named for the gold sand contained in the riverbed. The scenic area is located 12 kilometers west of Taining County and is the largest man-made lake in Fujian. Taining Great Golden Lake is the core scenic area of Taining, mainly featuring luxury cruise tours. The vast and serene waters perfectly blend with the varied and verdant Danxia mountains. It's like a hundred-mile-long scroll of landscapes, where mountains and water integrate in a poetic and picturesque manner. The first stop of the Golden Lake cruise is the Wild Fun Park, where the mountains are clear, the water is beautiful, and the caves and rocks are fascinating. There are folk performances, scenic trails, and slides, among other attractions. Ganlu Temple is located on the west bank of Taining Golden Lake and was founded in 1146 AD. It features a unique architectural structure that uses 'one pillar into the ground, without relying on a single tile.' The entire temple is connected by 'T'-shaped arches, without using any iron nails, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, ornate beams, and painted rafters, presenting a unique style and is a masterpiece in the history of Chinese architecture. The Shuiqu Waterfall, also known as the Baishuiqu Waterfall, is divided into two layers. The waterfall cliffs are about 10 meters wide and about 20 meters deep, making it the largest waterfall in Golden Lake. Yixiantian, also known as 'Slanting Sky,' is an inclined rock fracture that has been curved and elongated by years of water erosion and weathering. The crevice is narrow like a seam, and by climbing up from 'Slanting Sky,' one can reach the top and then descend along another valley about 50 meters high, creating a 'one slant, one straight' natural landscape that is truly magical and rare. Shili Pinghu, the most open water surface of Golden Lake, is 8 kilometers long from north to south, 3 kilometers wide from east to west, and more than 60 meters deep. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with islands, the water merges with the sky, the wind sways the grass, the water moves the mountains, and it is refreshing to the mind and spirit. Zhaixia Grand Canyon is located in Zhaixia Village, 15 kilometers northwest of Taining County in Fujian. It is formed by three canyons connected end to end in a ring-shaped triangle, resembling a golden dragon lying among the mountains, hence also known as Golden Dragon Valley. The scenic area is characterized by Danxia landforms, with deep and serene valleys, towering cliffs; dense vegetation, and a tranquil environment, resembling a paradise on earth. The roads in the canyon are well constructed, with some parts paved with wooden planks and others with floor tiles, with most sections being gentle. At the top of the mountain, there is a barrier lake, named for the accumulation of collapsed cliffs that dammed the river to form a lake, also known as Yanqi Lake or Cuizhu Lake. The lake water is quiet and cool, with sheer cliffs on one side and dense bamboo on the other, creating a strong contrast. Jingu Temple in the scenic area is a Ming Dynasty temple built against the mountain. Due to its location in the deep mountains, it does not receive many visitors. Shangqing Stream is 12 kilometers from the county town, mainly offering bamboo rafting tours. The rafting distance is 16 kilometers, taking about 2 hours. The scenery on both sides of the stream is very beautiful, with birds not shying away from people, and voices echoing through the valley. The bamboo raft winds through the uninhabited red rocks and verdant peaks, with the sound of water filling the ears and beautiful scenery in sight. Returning to the ancient city of Taining, the most famous is Shangshu Alley, with ancient streets, wells, and lanes, where one can learn about Taining's cultural history and touch upon the vicissitudes of Taining's 2200 years. It's a pity that the time in Taining was too short. When I returned to the ancient city, it was already dark, and I was unable to visit Shangshu Mansion and the museum, leaving some suspense for next time. Taining·Sanming