South Lake Island 南湖岛

This was supposed to have gone together with the Summer Palace series. Attached to the Seventeen Arch Bridge is the small South Lake Island. So named because it is located at the southern portion of the lake. Recalling how Kunming Lake itself is artificial, the presence of South Lake Island makes it rather curious and a source of amazement. The island was made as a reflection of the Wanshou Hill just across the lake. Places of interest here with colorful names are a few temples such as the Dragon King Temple, a few halls such as the Hall of Embracing the Universe, Hall of Foresight and naturally its own Tower of Moonlit Ripples.

The island is tiny enough to breeze through but was big enough to accomodate the tourists streaming inside. Probably because there wasn’t much to see anyway. For me, the biggest draw of South Lake Island is the wonderful view it has of Wanshou Hill. It was almost full front view of the entire temple and palace complex. No doubt this spot was planned right from the very start. Surprisingly, not a lot of tourists seem to find this spot. I guess they were discouraged when they didn’t find anything interesting on the island.

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