Journey Through a Millennium: Discover Chengdu's Mohe Pond

Hey friends! Chengdu is not just about delicious food and adorable pandas. It also boasts a place brimming with historical charm—Mohe Pond. Today, I'm sharing a guide to Mohe Pond! Attraction Introduction Mohe Pond, dating back approximately 1,450 years, is an artificial lake formed by accumulated water in a pit left from when Yang Xiu, the fourth son of Emperor Wen of Sui, excavated earth to build the city wall while guarding Chengdu. Its name, derived from Sanskrit, means "a vast pond inhabited by dragons." During the Tang Dynasty, several governors diverted rivers to supply water to Mohe Pond, establishing a comprehensive urban water system. At that time, Mohe Pond covered an area of about 1,000 mu (approximately 165 acres) and was a renowned scenic spot in Chengdu. Literati and poets often boated here, leaving behind numerous poems and literary works. During the Five Dynasties period, it became the imperial garden of the Former and Later Shu kingdoms. After expansion, palaces, pavilions, and towers were built around the pond. Over time, it was gradually filled in until its rediscovery during archaeological excavations in 2013. Today, Mohe Pond Park has been built to recreate its former glory. Must-See Spots 1. Liu Rao Terrace: An excellent spot for lakeside viewing, where you can see the interplay of water and greenery along the shore. Imagine ancient scholars composing poems and enjoying the scenery here—it's incredibly evocative. 2. Mohe Yi Cui: Lush greenery offers diverse scenery throughout the year. Begonia blossoms in spring, lotuses sway in summer, hibiscus blooms in autumn, and ginkgo leaves turn golden in winter, creating stunning photo opportunities. 3. Flower Path Stroll: Take a leisurely walk along the winding path, with flowers and greenery changing with the seasons. Feel the tranquility and imagine yourself transported back to the Mohe Pond of the Tang and Song dynasties. 4. Palace Wall Ruins Exhibition: See the ruins of the Ming Dynasty Shu Kingdom palace wall, touch the traces of history, and learn about the connection between Mohe Pond and the Shu Kingdom palace. 5. Gingko Garden: A designated gingko forest where the leaves turn golden in autumn. Taking photos under the trees is incredibly beautiful, creating a "Wizard of Oz" ambiance. Photography Tips 1. Attire: Wear Hanfu or light-colored, ancient-style clothing to blend with the scenery and achieve stunning photos. 2. Shooting Time: The soft light of early morning or evening captures the interplay of light and shadow beautifully. The sunset over the lake is breathtaking. 3. Shooting Angles: Stand on Liu Rao Terrace with the lake and opposite buildings as a backdrop; use flowers and plants as foreground elements at Mohe Yi Cui; utilize the palace wall ruins as a background to create a historical atmosphere. Nearby Attractions 1. Donghuamen Ruins: Located near Mohe Pond Park, this site contains cultural relics from over 2,000 years of history, spanning the Qin, Han, Three Kingdoms, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It offers a deeper understanding of Chengdu's history. 2. Ping'anqiao Catholic Church: Built during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, this church, located west of Mohe Pond Park, is the largest century-old Catholic church in Chengdu. Its blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles makes for great photos. 3. Chengdu Museum: Not far from the park, you can see unearthed relics from Sanxingdui and experience the charm of ancient Shu culture. Food Recommendations • Long Chao Shou: Thin-skinned dumplings with generous filling and delicious broth, easily found in nearby snack streets. • Zhong Shui Jiao: Red oil dumplings with a slightly sweet and salty, savory flavor. • Ice Jelly: Brown sugar ice jelly is a spicy palate cleanser, refreshing and sweet. Getting There • Address: No. 10, Annex 22, Section 1, Renmin Middle Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu. • Admission: Free. • Transportation: Take subway Line 1 to Luomashi Station, Exit D, and walk 300 meters. Alternatively, take bus routes 16, 45, 53, etc., to Tianfu Square East and walk about 600 meters. Friends, don't miss Mohe Pond when you visit Chengdu. Experience its history and beauty!