Revisiting Weiming Lake

Peking University - Weiming Lake Today, I came to Peking University for an event. As I entered the east gate of the university, I saw the Boya Pagoda by Weiming Lake from afar. After decades, I once again visited Weiming Lake, which holds memories of my youth. Strolling along the lake, every spot is a scenic view. The stone boat's base, Boya Pagoda, and Yanyuan buildings quietly narrate the vicissitudes of history. The shimmering lake surface seems to whisper stories of youth. Looking at the clear lake water, I can't help but recall the stories of the past, the laughter and joy still echoing in my ears. During the Qing Dynasty, Weiming Lake was an artificial lake in the Shuchun Garden, a subsidiary of the Summer Palace and Heshen Garden. The formation of Weiming Lake can be traced back to the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. At that time, this area was a water town with many lakes and lush aquatic plants. During the Qianlong period, this water area was granted to Heshen, a favored minister, and became part of his private garden, Shuchun Garden. Heshen carried out extensive construction here, further excavating and expanding the original lakes, and piling up soil to form a small island in the lake and hills around the lake, making the water area more beautiful and pleasant. Heshen built 64 pavilions, 357 corridors, and thousands of rooms, indulging in luxury. After Heshen was investigated, Shuchun Garden changed hands several times. The stone boat was built according to the stone boat in the Summer Palace, but the upper structure was later burned down, leaving only the stone base. Today, I once again walked into Weiming Lake, feeling the unique youthful atmosphere. This beautiful memory will be cherished in my heart forever.