This article was originally published on
December 10, 2010, in the Shenzhen Daily.
The information was accurate at that time, and may be outdated now. Use with caution.
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| Front gate of the Soil and Water Conservation Park |
The wonders of Xili Lake's east side are well known, including the Zoo, or "Safari Park," and the venerable Xili Lake Resort. But there's a new kid on the west side of the lake, along Shahe Xi Lu. The Shenzhen Soil and Water Conservation Park is so new that on a recent weekday afternoon, my wife and I were two of only four visitors.
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| A tranquil walkway leads up the hill |
It's a good place to stroll, climb a hill, and enjoy vistas of the lake and of the surrounding suburbs and mountains.
You can take a bus or taxi to the park gate (just north of the turn-off to the Safari Park). Inside, we turned left and walked gradually up the hill, passing signboards depicting land-use issues (alas, all in Chinese) and a turn-off to the lake (near a gorgeous log building).
At the end of the paved pathway, wooden stairs and a boardwalk lead to a summit with spectacular views in nearly all directions.
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| Relief of a Daoist immortal near the peak |
At a Thai-style wooden pavilion, we turned left to the entrance of the Linxian Overlook, which, unfortunately, was closed. We could see, though, that it affords a view to the south, and that there is a traditional building amongst the giant boulders. We could also see the bas relief of a
xian (Daoist immortal) on the north side of the rock.
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| View of the lake, suburbs, and mountains beyond |
Returning to the pavilion and veering left, we climbed again, to the Yingfeng Overlook, the highest point but one whose views are obscured by trees. From there, a series of steep stairs leads down to a beautiful water garden area with a kiddie's play area and a man-made cave-like building. This is all right next to the front gate and our way home.
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| A carved cliff over the water garden, not far from the gate |
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| Man-made caves on the other side of the pond, also near the gate |
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