Xuanwu Lake sits outside the northeast Wall of Nanjing, and is connected from the Xuanwu Gate and Liberation Gate with the city. It is called Sang Bo before the Six Dynasties, and the North Lake in the Jin dynasty, and was a place to train naval forces. In the history in addition to training of the water military, it has been a pleasure place to imperial ministers, designated a park in 1909. It was called Yuanwu Lake Park at that time, also called the Continental Park, Back Lake etc. Xuanwu Lake shore has a diamond-shape, about 10 km long, covers an area of 437 ha, the water is about 368 hectares. The lake has five islands, and is divided into four pieces, Bridges are crossing between the islands, which are easier for visotors to view.
The water depth is no more than 2 meters. In the lake there raises fishes, and there is also cultivation of the flowers. Between summer and autumn, the water is green, pink flowers are set off, full of fragrancy and charming. The lake 's five continents have their own characteristics. The first is Central Island. Central Island looks like the two great arms from the North and South sides toward the lake hugging the Sakura Island. On the corner of the Central Island opposite Xuanwu Gate there is an artificial
hill. Next to the hill there are two oddly shaped Taihu Lake Stones, one has the shape of Guanyin, the other has the shape of a Boy and named the Boy
Worship the Goddess of Mercy. Ring Island is characterized by rows of slim willows along the shore. As the wind is blowing, whirling and flying, unique style making people stop. This scene is the new Jinling 48 Scenes, called "basaltic smoke willows."
On the Sakura Island there is a 500-meter long winding veranda, north to the corridor there is a Lama Temple, next to the temple there is a seven-layer pagodas, which is called "promising." This Island is planted cherry trees, cherry flowers have also been introduced in recent years, with a wide range of varieties. In April every year it has brilliant sunshine on the Island, when there are the slightest wind and rain the flowers have fallen, charming to the extreme. This scene is called "Cherry Blossom Island."
Go north from the Central Island through the Fang bridge is Chau Island, Northeast of Chau has a two-story square of ancient building, and famous Go Sightseeing floor. The north of building has a flat floor, surrounded by iron railings to enclosure, in ancient times will be Amy Order floor. West of Floor there is Friendship Hall, Chickens Heard Pavilion, Lake Temple and other constructions. Northwest corner of the continent is a classical garden style flower beds, which is folded by the Yellowstone. Between the beds there is rain flowers stone-paved winding path, and the Pavilion Chickens is just by the flower beds side. This Island is characterized by the beauty of Ju, Gui two kinds of flowers. Each October, they are so fragrant and refreshing; this spot is called "Liang Island Chrysanthemum".
From Liang Island to the east crossing over the bridge is to Green Island, which features more secluded tree, the huge Pine, cedar and into the pagoda-shaped piece of bamboo, are all very quiet; this spot is called "Green Island cloud tree." From the Central Island east over the Bridge could reach up to Ling Chau, the Continent is close to Zhong Mountain. Zhong Mountain is like a Dragon, powerful and majestic, the Peak is often surrounded by the purple rosy clouds, the ever-changing view from the Ling Chau let it is known as "Ling Chau Purple Mountain."