park that started it all over
Chaohu Lake
Chaohu Lake takes the shape of a bird’s nest. In Chinese, birds’ nest is called “Chao”, and that’s why Chaohu Lake got its name.
Stretching about 800 square km, Chaohu Lake is one of the five largest freshwater lakes in China. It absorbs water from rivers in the near, including Tuogao River, Nanfei River, Fengle River, Hangbu River and Zhao River, etc.
As one of national-level tourist attractions in the central province, Chaohu Lake has exquisite scenery, characterized by the atmosphere of mystery and tranquility, with mists and waves stretching far into the horizon.
In the middle of the lake lies Mt. Mushan, floating on the water like a coach. To the south stands Silver Screen Mountain, well-known for the wonderful white peonies that grow on the mountain.
Besides the graceful scenery, there are quite a few historical landscapes around Chaohu Lake. Among the attractions are the Dragon Cave Site of Hexian, Xiangyu Temple in Wujiang River, where Xiangyu, an ancient self-proclaimed king, committed suicide with a sword, Zhou Yu Tomb, where Zhou Yu, the famous general in the period of the Three Kindoms was buried, Temple of Lord Mi which was built in honor of the great calligrapher Mi Fu in the Song Dynasty, and Shabby House of Liu Yuxi, a great poet in the Tang Dynasty, etc.
Mingjiao Temple
Mingjiao Temple is located in the east part of Hefei City within the ancient moat system. Built in the Tang dynasty, it is one of China’s important Buddhist complexes.
The temple is well-known for the fact that during the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao of the Wei Dynasty trained his soldiers here. In ancient times, numerous wars were fought over this strategic location. The Archery Training Terrace is right the place where Emperor Caocao trained his troops to use crossbows. Besides, on the frequent windy days here, the bells in the eaves peal, and that the halls here house over 30 Buddhist statues stably.
Leisure Ford Park
Unlike its name, Leisure Ford Park is not a place for people to relax themselves in ancient times. Actually, it is well-known in modern China as a famous battlefield.
In the last years of the Eastern Han dynasty, a general called Sun Quan, later to become king of the Wu Kingdom, led a troop of 100,000 soldiers towards Hefei to take the city. The city general, a subordinate of the famous Cao Cao, named Zhang Liao, had only 7,000 troops under his command. Soldiers were fearful and worried awaiting the battle that would certainly result in sacking of the city. Seeing this, Zhang thought he would try to even up the odds.
Gethering almost all of his troops, Zhang initiated a night blitz upon the unprepared Sun barracks and finally drove Sun’s troops away.
Now the park has been turned into a park covering a total area of 31.3 hectares.
Baohe Park
Baohe Park is one of the parks that surrounded the ancient walls of Hefei City. It consists of the Xinghua Park, Hei Pond, and the Leisure Ford Park.
The park is named after a famous Northern Song dynasty official, Bao Zheng, who was well-known for his incorruptible and honest character. Bao worked as an official in Kaifeng and did a lot of things to defend local people’s rights.
Most of the park is covered by a graceful lake. In the middle of the park is a statue of Lord Bao, the powerful and wise administrator, behind which stands the tools of his highest authority, 3 fixed hay cutters (Zhadao). Each cutter is marked differently, one dragon headed, one tiger headed and one dog headed, indicating the condemned man's social status. The statue's face is painted black, a color that in opera tradition is the symbol of honesty.
There are also some other sights of interest. The hexagonal pavilion, the garden houses, in typical Anhui architectural style, that Bao and his progeny used to live in, etc.
Mt. Jiuhua
Mt. Jiuhua is situated in the southwest of Qingyang County, with the Yangtze River in the north and Mt. Huangshan in the south. The Mountain covers an area of 334 square km with many peaks and temples. It is one of the 4 famous holy mountains for Buddhism in China. As early as 5th century, Buddhism was introduced to Jiuhua Mountain. During the reign of Kaiyuan of the Tang dynasty, Jin Qiaojue from South Korea came to China, and stayed for 70 years. He died in 794 m Mt. Jiuhua. There are more than 80 temples of different sizes in the mountain, among which 9 are major temples under council protection. Every year, on the July 30th on lunar calendar, grand temple fairs would be held and last for several days.
Moreover, Mt. Jiuhua is also a famous scenic spot. The mountain peaks and hills are covered by ancient cypresses, waterfalls and springs. One can enjoy a beautiful view of the suburb area of Hefei.
Memorial Temple of Lord Bao 
Memorial Temple of Lord Bao is located in Baohe Park just southwest of the city center. It was initially built in 1066 in memory of Baozheng, a famous upright officer during the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127).
The temple is a typical ancient architectural complex with style imitating that of the Song Dynasty. Covering an area of one hectare, it mainly consists of Entrance Gate, the Second Gate, the Stele Pavilion, the Main Hall, the Second Hall and the east and west exhibition rooms.
In the main hall, a bronze statue of Lord Bao, which is three meters in height and 2.5 tons in weight, is displayed. With his hat and waist band on, Baozheng sits upright. One of his hands placed on the chair with the other clenched. In the second hall, the historical materials and classic books about Lord Bao, the poems made by Lord Bao, monument inscription, and 'Kaifeng Residence and Office monument inscription' are exhibited.
The eastern and western halls, using some pictures and essays, show visitors many stories
and tales about Lord Bao.
The Tomb Garden of Lord Bao is situated on the southern bank of the Baohe River. It is a group of buildings following the architectural style of the Song Dynasty, including the main burial zone and the subsidiary burial zone. The whole garden is sheltered with dark green pine and cypress trees and the ground is carpeted by soft green grass. Quiet and secluded, the buildings here are prevailed by an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence
