Fanghua Isle, originally an island in the lake, faces Yuanmiao Temple across the water.
During the Northern Song Dynasty, there was a Hall of Leisure on the island, with an inscription by the prefect Zhao Ruyi. Su Dongpo often visited Fanghua Isle to seek seclusion and visit friends, passing by the Hall of Leisure to inquire about the illness of Daoist He, leaving behind the verses: ‘Visiting the sick in groups of three, half a bottle to drown our sorrows’ and ‘Seeking solitude with no particular aim, alone I go, my intent stretches far, fishing at Fengle Bridge, gathering goji berries at the Hall of Leisure.’ Later, the Hall of Leisure fell into disrepair.
Liu Daqing, the commander of Huizhou, built Fanghua Pavilion on the site of the old Hall of Leisure, which also eventually collapsed. Today, a new Hall of Leisure has been rebuilt on the island, connected to Yanlong Bridge in the south and Dian Cui Island, and to Yingxian Bridge in the north, between Yuanmiao Temple. There is also a garden villa-style West Lake Hotel, hidden among the lush bamboo groves, exuding a quiet charm.
Huazhou is to the east, easily accessible by boat; Fengzhu is to the north, just a stone’s throw away. In late autumn, clusters of tall pool cypresses and dawn redwoods stand out on the island amidst the greenery, resembling flames or morning glow, contrasting with the resplendent pavilions and arbors, creating a scene of West Lake’s autumn, known as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of West Lake – Fanghua Autumn Splendor.
Fanghua Isle
Fanghua Isle, originally an island in the lake, faces Yuanmiao Temple across the water. During the N[...]
