Walking time: 2021.4

Walking method: Cycling

Address: Meihuagu Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing City

Walking route: Gate 2 of Ming Xiaoling-Yanque Lake-Taixiang Zhaoming-Meihua Valley-Lei Tingquan-Gate 3 of Ming Xiaoling-Meihua Valley Road-Gate 2 of Ming Xiaoling

There is a Plum Blossom Valley Road in the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area. I drive this road once a week. Year after year, I have seen its beauty all year round. In spring, willows float, peaches are red and willows are green, and February orchids are dotted on the grassland. In summer, it is lush and full of natural wildness. In autumn, this place is colorful and the oil painting effect is dyed by the forest. In winter, the leaves are gone, and there is a different artistic conception here. No matter what season or time, I am grateful for the beauty here. Every time I pass here, it is a kind of enjoyment.

Meihuagu Road follows Yanque Lake, which also serves as the enclosure of the Ming Xiaoling Scenic Area. The south side of Yanque Lake is an open space, and vehicles pass by the Ming Xiaoling Scenic Area. The north side of Yanque Lake, including Yanque Lake, has become part of the Ming Xiaoling Scenic Area.

When I was writing this travel note, I searched the bird Lake through Baidu, and suddenly found that the bird Lake I had always thought was called Plum Blossom Lake on the Gaode map. The Yanque Lake in Nanjing's history is the current Qianhu Lake and Biwa Lake. The Yanque Lake I think is a newly dug artificial lake during the construction of Plum Blossom Valley in 2005. Today, Qianhu, Biwa Lake and modern Swallow Lake have become the three pearls at the southern foot of Zijin Mountain and at the foot of the Ming City Wall. People in Nanjing are still accustomed to calling this place Yanque Lake.

On weekdays, I always drive by here in a hurry and enjoy the beauty of the four seasons through the car window. I came out of the Zhongshan Botanical Garden today. Due to the freedom of electric vehicles, it was already past six o'clock on the way back. However, I saw that there were still staff at Gate 2 of the Ming Xiaoling Scenic Area on Meihua Valley Road, so the scenic area was probably not closed. After parking the car, the park was not closed yet. She showed her medical staff garden card and entered through Gate 2. Gate 2 should be regarded as the west gate of the Ming Xiaoling Scenic Area, on Meihua Valley Road. Blue-purple February orchids are in full bloom on the hillside on the right hand side of the door.

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Scenic Area covers a large area and is rich in content. Tickets for purchasing the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Scenic Area include Dajinmen, Sifang City, Shixiang Road, Wengzhong Road, Xiaoling Mausoleum, Dongling Ruins, Xiaoling Museum, Yan Zhenqing Stele Forest, Zixia Lake, Honglou Art Garden, Meihua Mountain and this Plum Blossom Valley. Plum blossoms are the city flower of Nanjing. Nanjing's Plum Blossom Mountain has been famous since the Republic of China. During February and March every year, a month-long Plum Blossom Festival is held here, attracting millions of tourists to flock there to trek in the snow and find plum blossoms. The expansion of Meihua Mountain to the south extends the Meihua Mountain Plum Appreciation Scenic Area to the famous Ming Xiaoling Shixiang Road, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Cemetery Avenue and the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway Link, and borders the Ming City Wall Scenic Belt, Qianhu and other scenic spots, making the plum appreciation base from a mountain top-Meihua Mountain has become the entire southern valley of Zijin Mountain-Meihua Valley.

This is the southern slope of Plum Blossom Valley

The water of Yanque Lake surrounded by Plum Blossom Valley ripples, and the vegetation on the slopes of the lake changes in all four seasons. There are pavilions by the lake, strange islands in the lake, and graceful black swans.

The tall and straight branches of the Metasequoia forest are densely covered on the hillside, and the mountains are covered with February orchids.

The colors of the hillside are even more magical under the sunset.

The light under the sunset and the light under the sun are so different in the photos.

A large number of color-leafed tree species such as Taxus sylvestris, Pinus sylvestris, and Metasequoia sylvestris are planted on the shores of Yanque Lake. February orchid on the lawn works with tall tree species to

The Yanque Lake at the foot of the slope cooperates with the Meihua Mountain expanding to the south to form a rich landscape with mountains and rivers and high and low vegetation.

Such a beautiful place attracts people who refuse to leave for a long time. The children bargained with their parents, and the adults agreed: "Tomorrow you finish your homework early and we will come again."

Professional photographers capture every change here

Freezing the picture from the two trees, the close-up view of February orchid, the mid-view of Yanque Lake and small island in the lake, as well as the winding water track on the south bank form a landscape of waterfront and water.

Fresh and elegant February orchid.

Go through the woods to the lake and face the 80-acre artificial lake-Yanque Lake, which is artificially enclosed by the existing terrain. The entire lake surface is curved, the lake water is clear and transparent, the lake surface is calm and vast, and the reflection in the water reflects the interdependence of mountains and rivers more thoroughly.

Around the lake from north to east, I feel so happy with the beautiful February orchid.

Come to the east bank of Swallow Lake and look back at the road you have come. The February orchids on the north slope of the lake are beautiful color blocks.

There are also people waiting leisurely on tripods. Photography is also a job that requires patience.

The scattered forests on the hillside in the distance and February orchids paved against the mountains, the fir forest in the middle and the withered reeds in the water, and the band-grown aquatic plants in the vicinity constitute a beautiful landscape painting.

I always look at it across the lake. It's a pleasure to be able to get close to it today and look at it carefully.

There is a hydrophilic platform in front of the pavilion above the lake. Tourists can use the fence to view the scenery.

Plum Blossom Valley Road on the east bank of the lake and looking at the west bank

Tall, thick, dense trees

Go from the hillside path to the east side of the pavilion

I didn't expect there to be a few blooming hydrangea flowers here. Snow-white flowers are clustered into snowballs, and the branches are covered vigorously. Because of these hydrangea flowers, the fragrance of flowers next to the pavilion fills the nose and fills the stage with fragrance.

Pavilions have identity-Taiwan wants to make it clear.

There is a reading statue of Xiao Tong halfway up the hill on one side of the pavilion. Xiao Tong was the eldest son of Xiao Yan, Wu of Liang Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties. He was the most famous writer of the Liang Dynasty. Unfortunately, he died young. He was diligent and studious, and many places left traces of reading, all known as the "Zhaoming Reading Desk."

Nanjing built this commemorative building "Taiwan Xiang Zhaoming" on the shores of Yanque Lake, which is the Prince Zhaoming Reading Platform.

If you look closely, hydrangea is made up of countless small flowers. Each small flower has only four petals, which is not outstanding at all, but when they are gathered together like a big family to form a beautiful big snowball

Red camellia and white hydrangea set off each other.

Tai Xiang Zhaoming is a red antique pavilion on the top of the mountain near the water, with the inscription "Literary Model" on the plaque. There are three couplets hanging on the six pillars in front of the door.

This is no longer a reading desk. It runs a store for cultural and creative supplies.

Passing through the pavilion is this large hydrophilic platform.

The west of the pavilion faces the lake directly, with the words "Taiwan wants to make clear" on the plaque. The red main building is more vivid surrounded by greenery.

Standing on the hydrophilic platform and looking north,

Not far away, Zhongshan Mountain is towering, with various levels of vegetation on the slopes, clear water and vegetation in the water, and the sparkling waves under the sunset, especially in the evening when tourists are scarce, giving it an elegant artistic conception.

Xiaojing on the Lake

Several white swans levitate on the lake

Leaving the pavilion, a few steps lead us up the stairs. There are several hydrangeas on both sides of the steps. The elegant white brings a different beauty to Nanjing's colorful spring.

Looking up, the white hydrangea flowers under the blue sky are clean and pure.

There is actually a deer garden on this hillside. At this time, he was already off work and was unable to visit it.

A small area gathers purples, red, yellow, and white to form patches of color, adjacent to each other like a color palette.

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Scenic Area is really rich in content! I just walked by, and I didn't need a ticket to enter and float across one side of the scenic area. If you want to visit a scenic spot, I suggest you prepare for a day to play.

I walked in the direction of Gate 3 of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Although Yanque Lake is artificially dug, it is not passive water. On the east side of Plum Blossom Valley, there was once a Pili Guli originating from Zhongshan. It was also the Waiyu River in the Mausoleum area of the Xiaoling Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty. It is said that the water in the ditch sounds like a thunder when it rains, hence the name-Pili Tingquan. The trickling stream that flows in sings along the Meixi River and meets here. It continues all year round and has abundant water.

The lake on the southeast side of Plum Blossom Valley forms a long and narrow area, and the scenery on the shore is more abundant. Various vegetation, combined with artificially built small bridges, white walls, and poems on the walls create a leisurely and elegant artistic conception.

Waterside trails can take us further upstream. There are various natural plants distributed on both sides of the path, including aquatic vegetation such as reed and calamus, as well as water-resistant and shade-loving trees such as poplar and Chinese tallow, full of a natural and wild wetland landscape atmosphere.

This small bridge leads to Gate 3 of the Ming Xiaoling Scenic Area

The three-arched stone arch bridge under the bridge deck is the highway bridge on Meihuagu Road

When photographed against the light, the lake surface here has become a long and narrow shape. In fact, the Swallow Lake is very similar to the shape of a stomach. The wide lake near Gate 2 is like a stomach, and to the east is a long esophagus.

At the "esophagus" of Yanque Lake, fir trees are scattered in the water.

The trunk of Metasequoia is straight and straight, gray-brown, and the tree shape is neat. In April, the branches of the fir forest are exposed, and there is no contrast between the leaves.

In autumn, this is a place for Internet celebrities to check in.

The leaves of metasequoia have become colorful, and the fir forests are colorful, like flames that have ignited this water.

These autumn scenery were taken by me in the late autumn of 2019. Nanjing is colorful in autumn, and an ordinary highway-Meihuagu Road gives people a colorful impression.

That day, I rode an electric bike from Xiamafang Park to Shicheng Historical and Cultural Park, all the way here, taking pictures of the beautiful autumn scenery. Rows of colorful trees stand against the water, quiet and beautiful. This is the Plum Blossom Valley Taxus Wetland.

On the north bank of the lake, there is a standing fir forest. The color of the fir trees is either red, yellow, or red with yellow. It is colorful, making people dizzying, like a colorful fairy tale.

The cedar forest stands straight and straight, leaning against the water, or stopping directly in the water. The yellowed leaves are dyed red layer by layer. Under the sunlight, the slender and beautiful branches and leaves look like the tail feathers of the legendary phoenix.

The colorful colors are not only on the branches, but the red and yellow fir trees are reflected in the crystal clear lake water. The peaceful lake surface also becomes colorful and beautiful, like an oil painting with thick ink and heavy colors.

I didn't buy a ticket to enter the scenic spot. I only enjoyed the beautiful scenery that the scenic spot could not be completely closed in the open space on the south bank of Sparrow Lake. Inject these colorful autumns on the shore, at the bridgehead, and on the roadside.

Colorful autumn colors like oil paintings.

Stand on the bridge and take pictures of the finch lake in the sunset. The setting sun outlines the picture with a golden edge. This Houyanque Lake is the youngest lake in Zhongshan Scenic Area. The water system connects mountains and streams upwards, diverts water to the garden, and divides it downwards into east and west roads into Yueya Lake, creating a wonderful scene of real mountains and flowing water in this area.

Cross the small bridge and exit the No. 3 Gate of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum to a small square. Gate 3 of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum was the gate with the most tourists during the International Plum Blossom Festival. Because this is the closest door to the subway entrance. During the Plum Blossom Festival, I pass by here every day to see long lines of tourists preparing to enter the park. There is a fancy minibus parked in the square-the Republic of China Ruyi Dessert Truck.

Come to the south bank of Yanque Lake, which is the side of Plum Blossom Valley Road. The southern slope of Plum Blossom Valley is the most colorful landscape in Plum Blossom Valley, with spring, plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, fir trees, osmanthus... Looking across the bank from Plum Blossom Valley Road, there are mottled beauty of color blocks all year round.

The backlit scenery under the sunset makes it even more mysterious

Go northwest along the road and look back at the small bridge I just walked over.

Plants climbing under the bridge hung down like a waterfall.

A small bend

A big bend. The curve of the lake is beautiful and gentle, creating a full garden landscape. The four seasons here are distinct, forming a landscape of distant mountains and close to water, with mountains and rivers interdependent.

Plum Blossom Valley Road also draws a beautiful arc along the lake, with willows drooping on both sides of the road in spring.

From this perspective, I look at the north bank of Sparque Lake that I have just walked. The purple February orchids on the hillside, a tall fir forest... Green, yellow, purple... Form patches of color blocks, adjacent to each other, mottled and bright.

The vegetation here is rich and lush with water and grass, attracting birds to build nests, fish to sing, and black and white swans to wander in the water.

The pavilions under the sunset, the white hydrophilic platform, the brick-red architectural lacquer, and the black roof are hidden among the spring mountains and green waters.

As we move forward, the scenery is also different

There is a round island in the lake. The island is densely covered with plants, matched with trees, shrubs and grass. There are two strange trees on the island. One tree stands upright and upright, and the other leans forward to explore the water. It is full of movement, vivid and interesting.

The tree stretches its smooth branches and twists upward. There are many branches at the top, shaped like small dragons stretching out into the sky.

The lake rippled on one side, and the road meandered on the other side. Aquatic plants are planted in strips along the water line. There are calamus, reeds, scallions and something I can't name. The weeping willows, camellia, palms, chicken claw maple and sweet-scented osmanthus, plum blossoms, and peach blossoms on the slopes of the bank are dotted with them, and there are scenery all year round.

Yanque Lake is peaceful and elegant, and the lake surface is as calm as a mirror. The sky is clean, white clouds are blooming, and the reflection in the water is clear, just like another forest!

My electric car was parked at Gate 2, so I was close to this purple romance again. Purple February orchids, chatting about me and my lovers on the shore, and rippling black swans cut through the tranquil lake, like elves who have strayed into the secret realm of fairy tales.

A huge landscape stone on the roadside.

One afternoon during the Qingming Festival holiday, from the Botanical Garden to the Swallow Lake, I had a sudden idea of walking without planning and gained the beautiful beauty of spring, the color of spring, and what was even more pleasant was the mood. The water area of Yanque Lake is an interesting place with scenery in the morning, afternoon and evening, and is different all year round. It is worth stopping here again and again, or passing by lightly.