Jingcui Lake, nestled within the Jingyi Garden of Xiangshan Park in Beijing, lies just south of the Qinzheng Hall. Originally known as ‘Belt Water and Screen Mountain’, it was renamed Jingcui Lake following a renovation. The name ‘Belt Water and Screen Mountain’ captures the essence of the area’s natural beauty, with the scenery shielded by mountains and adorned with flowing water that resembles a jade belt. This phrase was inscribed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, while the three characters ‘Jingcui Lake’ on the stone at the lake’s northern entrance were written by the renowned calligrapher Zhang Qingyuan.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Jingcui Lake presents a vivid contrast of lush green pines and cypresses against the fiery red leaves, creating a magnificent scene. To the west, ancient pines stand tall; to the south, red leaves blaze; to the east, distant hills stretch out; and to the north, cypresses guard the landscape. Emperor Qianlong also commissioned a pavilion here, where he personally inscribed the plaque ‘Facing the Waterfall’. This pavilion serves as an ideal spot for visitors to rest, enjoy the view, and listen to the sound of flowing water. Its convenient location near the entrance makes it an accessible and energy-saving destination within Xiangshan Park.
Jingcui Lake is one of the park’s scenic spots, offering a unique combination of mountains, water, and long-lasting red leaf viewing effects. It is open to visitors all year round, with the park welcoming guests around the clock.
