Egret Isle, located in the center of North Lake, was originally named Hudun. Every late summer and early autumn, numerous egrets fly to and inhabit this small island, hence the name Egret Isle.
The history of this place is long-standing, and it has been a prime location for moon viewing since ancient times. Throughout the dynasties, literati and scholars have visited the island to appreciate the scenery, drink tea, and enjoy wine, while composing poetry under the moonlight.
Originally, Egret Isle was only three acres in area. In 1984, during the dredging of North and South Lake, the island was expanded to 11 acres. The island is lush with greenery and offers a wide view. The lake water shimmers, and the surrounding mountains are elegantly serene, all visible from the island.
Various structures are built on the island, including a boat dock, long corridors, tea houses, stone arch bridges, and thatched pavilions. The architecture is compact, exquisite, and simple, forming a delicate and unpretentious garden architectural style. The ‘Moon Dew Pond’ in Egret Isle creates a unique landscape feature of a lake with an island and an island with a lake.
The water surface is calm, reflecting the lake and mountain scenery, making it an excellent spot for moon viewing in North and South Lake. Next to it, there is a stele inscribed with ‘Ganhu Autumn Moon’ by Mr. Chen Congzhou. Stone lanterns stand by the water, with faint lights reflected in the water, complementing the clear moon in the sky, forming a natural picture described as ‘Full moon clear light condenses dew, illuminating the water color more brightly’. ‘Ganhu Autumn Moon’ is one of the ‘Ganchuan Eight Scenic Spots’.
Literati such as Xu Xiangqing and Sun Yiyuan have become famous for their boat trips on the lake, reciting and singing poems. The founder of Haiyan Tune, Yang Zi, often performed with his family and singing girls in the pavilion, bringing music to North and South Lake, enhancing its fame.
Egret Isle is open all year round, accessible 24 hours a day.
