The Mother Lake of Huludao — Liaoxi Lake (also known as Gongshanzui Reservoir, the West Lake of Western Liaoning) is embedded in the southwest of Jianchang County like a dazzling dragon pearl. Though not the Jiangnan water town, it rivals Jiangnan in charm; though not a traditional riverine region, it outshines any water town. It bears a striking resemblance to Dongting Lake yet is not Dongting itself; it looks much like Tianchi Lake yet is not Tianchi either.

On the west bank of Liaoxi Lake rise towering jagged peaks dotted with grotesque rocks, and Phoenix Island boasts delightful scenery. Vertical brown cliff faces stretch out in neat rows, resembling the strings of a pipa. A massive protruding boulder on Pipa Mountain looks as if a deity leads countless celestial soldiers to guard this land. Pipa Mountain and Clam Mountain stand facing each other from afar like a tender couple exchanging loving glances.

Standing atop Clam Mountain, visitors can overlook the entire reservoir. Distant mountains, nearby waters and dense lush forests unfold into a vivid green landscape. Boats drifting on the water look like tiny floating leaves. Lone boulders cluster along the precipices between the two mountains, and red-crowned cranes make their nests in cliffside caves.