Xuanwu Lake Travel Guide

Brief Introduction
Xuanwu Lake lies northeast of Nanjing near the railway station, out of the city wall. It covers an area of 444 hectares with a coastline of 15 kilometers in circumferences. It is a beautiful scenic spot protected by Chinese government. The history of Xuanwu Lake can be traced back to the Pre-Qin period (21century BC-221 BC) when it used to be the drilling camp of the imperial navy and recreation center of aristocrats.

The lake is surrounded by mountains. In the lake, there are five isles which are connected by bridges or mounds, each of them having a very attractive and unique flavor. Huan Isle is famous for its willow trees in the mist in spring, while Ying Isle is popular for its cherry blossom; Liang Isle is noted for its chrysanthemums in autumn; Cui Isle wins fame for its varieties of trees and quietness; Ling Isle attracts people for its purple and golden clouds. Enjoy the beautiful scenery here.

Features
There are two beautiful legends about the lake. the first one said in the Southern Dynasty a black dragon was seen in the lake. Chinese Daoists believed that the black dragon was a water god appeared appearing as the uniform of a turtle and snake, called Xuanwu. Hence the lake was called Xuwu Lake.

Another legend said stated that when Sun Quan, the King of the Eastern Wu Kingdom settled down in the region, he brought water in and made this lake.