Direct Metro Access! Chengdu's Hidden "Maldives" - Free Sand Play and Sea Views Featured on CCTV

In Chengdu, the thousand-year-old city steeped in hot pot aromas, lies a "marine paradise" that amazes even locals. Riding the Metro Line 1 southward, as the train emerges from the underground tunnel, a shimmering expanse of blue suddenly appears outside the window—this is Xinglong Lake, an ecological marvel growing within the urban fabric that has captured CCTV's attention. I. A Blue Adventure Through the City Exiting Science City Metro Station's Exit B, the humid lake breeze carrying fresh woodland scents greets you. Walking along the 1.5km lakeside greenway, modern buildings rise in orderly fashion on your left, while an endless stretch of blue waters extends to the horizon on your right. Morning joggers' footsteps startle flocks of egrets, these elegant dancers sometimes skimming the water's surface, sometimes perching on floating ecological islands, forming a flowing ink painting with the swaying underwater vegetation. The "Silver Beach" on the north shore holds the most delightful surprise. On this dreamlike coastline covered with 6,000 tons of fine white sand, children build castles with plastic shovels while newlyweds' wedding dresses form romantic curves in the breeze. Standing on the waterfront platform, the lake's central island appears like jade embedded in a mirror, with occasional kayaks breaking the cloud-reflecting surface, creating ripples of golden wavelets. II. Decoding the Ecological Secret Behind CCTV's Lens This lake, with a water area equivalent to 18 People's Parks, was once an "ecological scar" that troubled experts. The "sewage interception, dredging, and water replenishment" triple project launched in 2013 brought new life to the stagnant waters. Today, submerged plants cover over 80% of the lake bottom, water quality consistently meets Class II standards, and the lake has become a paradise for over 200 bird species. The images of black swan families gliding peacefully, captured by CCTV cameras, are the best interpretation of Chengdu's ecological governance. The wisdom of the ecological island is remarkable: "breathing" surfaces paved with permeable concrete, rain gardens cleverly collecting and purifying runoff, and swaying reeds along the shore serving as both natural water purifiers and shelters for fish and shrimp. As the sun sets, the lake surface sparkles with golden light and birds glide across the skyline, making it difficult to distinguish whether this is a tech-driven new city or a pristine wetland. III. A 24-Hour Guide to Poetic Living At 6 a.m., the lake is shrouded in veil-like morning mist, with photography enthusiasts already setting up tripods, waiting for the first ray of sunlight to pierce through the clouds. At noon, take refuge in the underwater bookstore by the lake, watching fish swim overhead through glass walls while the rich aroma of coffee mingles wonderfully with the ink scent of books. As lights begin to shine, the Western China International Expo City casts brilliant reflections on the lake surface, and night runners' fluorescent wristbands form a flowing river of stars. The sand play area offers free washing facilities—parents should bring extra clothes for children. Birdwatching enthusiasts are advised to bring binoculars, with chances to encounter rare migratory birds in April and May. For cycling around the lake, shared bikes are recommended, with six supply stations along the route. For "sky mirror" effect photos, head to the southeast shore on a windless sunny day—even smartphones can easily capture stunning images. This "sea" growing on the Chengdu Plain weaves urban and natural harmonies with 34 species of trees and 42 species of shrubs. When you write your wishes on the beach and watch the gentle waves carry them away, you suddenly understand: poetry and distant dreams are just a metro ride away.