Vast Misty Waters — Moon Lake

Originally named Yueliangpao, Moon Lake lies in the northeastern part of Da’an City, 30 kilometres from the urban area, at the confluence of the Tao’er River and the Nenjiang River. Boasting a long history, it was historically known as Yu’erpo (Fish Lake). It was the venue for the Spring Nabo rituals held by emperors of the Liao and Jin dynasties, leaving numerous cultural relics on the surrounding sand hills.

Moon Lake is exceptionally bountiful. Covering a water area of more than 200 square kilometres with an average depth of 10 metres, it is a well-known plain reservoir in Jilin Province. The lake teems with over 30 fish species across 9 families, including common carp, crucian carp, bighead carp, silver carp, grass carp, bream, bluntnose black bream, Wuchang fish, whitefish, catfish, minnow, mandarin fish and snakehead. The lake boasts both rich diversity and high output. The annual catch normally reaches 300,000 kilograms, with a peak of 600,000 kilograms. Hence the local folk ballad: "Once Yueliangpao is dammed up, silver money piles up to people’s waists."

Moon Lake is breathtakingly beautiful. When spring comes and all life revives, ripples stretch for a hundred li. If you cruise upstream by yacht, you can enjoy scenic spots along the route: Longkeng Historic Site, Rare Birds Island at Xiaoshaoguo, the thousand-year-old elm tree at Wild Goose Mound, and the Moon-viewing Pavilion on Oboo Hill. When you reach Moon Lake and climb the large Hajin Sluice Gate, you can gaze far into the distance where the lake merges with the sky. Flocks of sand gulls soar above the water, making you feel the boundless beauty of the rivers and mountains with an open heart.

In summer, the lake stretches out in thousands of hectares of blue waves, with birds soaring and fish leaping. You may head to Langtaopao Beach Resort, where the sand is fine and soft and the water crystal-clear and calm. Lie on the beach and bury yourself in warm fine sand; it feels as if countless hands are giving you a massage, soothing every muscle and bone. Then you jump up and plunge into the transparent lake water, feeling fully merged with nature. If you wish, visit the One-Kilometre Fishing Platform. Sit beneath willow branches with your fishing rod raised high, savouring the peace of angling. You can chat quietly with fellow anglers about fishing skills, or close your eyes to calm your mind. This is the true way to blend into nature, experience nature and embrace nature.

If you come in autumn, take a tourist boat to tour the whole lake. Under clear crisp skies, rolling blue waves will refresh your mind and lift your spirits. Spend the night in a Mongolian yurt, and taste the world-famous sour and spicy raw fish from the Nenjiang River, together with mutton soup and boiled mutton eaten by hand. On autumn nights, fishing lights dot the lake surface, frogs croak one after another, and the jade moon rises slowly. Visitors can row boats freely, taste wine and admire the bright moon to their hearts’ content.

In winter, the lake freezes into a smooth mirror-like ice sheet. Willows on the bank hang down with frosted silver twigs, turning the place into a crystal wonderland. You can ride a horse-drawn sleigh on the ice, listening to the clatter of horse hooves and the creaking of the sled, which may bring back the joy of your lost childhood. You can also witness the northern spectacle: ice fishing