Spring Dawn on Su Causeway
West Lake: Su Causeway and Spring Dawn
West Lake, the soul of Hangzhou, holds countless historical and cultural treasures and natural wonders. Among them, the most iconic scene is undoubtedly the beauty of Su Causeway and Spring Dawn. Su Causeway, spanning across the lake, resembles an emerald necklace, stringing together the shimmering waters of West Lake into pearls, capturing the vibrant spring scenery in its entirety.
I. Su Causeway: A Bridge Connecting History and Nature
The construction of Su Causeway dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty, commissioned by Su Dongpo to dredge the West Lake and improve its water system. However, it’s more than just a dike; it’s a bridge connecting history and nature, enriching West Lake with unique cultural connotations and humanistic landscapes.
1. Construction and History of Su Causeway
The construction of Su Causeway is truly legendary. During the Xi Ning reign of Emperor Shenzong of Song, West Lake suffered frequent floods, causing silting and degrading water quality. Su Dongpo, appointed as the prefect of Hangzhou, identified the root of the problem and decided to dredge the lake. He utilized the excavated soil to build a long causeway, improving the water system while beautifying the environment. This long causeway is what posterity calls "Su Causeway."
2. Scenery and Culture of Su Causeway
Su Causeway is lined with willow trees. Every spring when flowers bloom, the willow branches hang gracefully, like smoke and mist, reflecting beautifully in the azure waters of West Lake, creating a breathtaking scene of "Willow Waves and Singing Orioles." The causeway also features bridges like Broken Bridge, Long Bridge, and East Port Bridge, connecting the two sides of the lake, offering the best vantage points for visitors to admire the beauty of West Lake. Notably, Su Causeway also preserves historical relics like Su Dongpo’s "Su Gong Causeway" stele and the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, adding layers of historical weight and cultural significance to this long causeway.
II. Spring Dawn: The Most Beautiful Season on Su Causeway
Su Causeway and Spring Dawn, as the name suggests, refers to the most beautiful scenery of Su Causeway during springtime. When the spring breeze blows, the willow branches on Su Causeway sway gently, the lake surface shimmers, and the peach and apricot blossoms along the shore bloom in full glory, creating a scene of vibrant flowers that fills one with joy and peace.
1. Orioles Singing, Flowers Blooming Abundantly
Su Causeway in spring is like a vibrant painting. Pink peach blossoms, white apricot blossoms, and golden yellow forsythia blossoms adorn the green willow branches, composing a lively picture of spring. The clear chirping of birds, accompanied by the fragrant scent of flowers, creates a beautiful symphony of spring.
2. Boating on the Lake, Embracing the Spring Scenery
Taking a small boat and gliding gently along the lake beside Su Causeway, admiring the beauty of both sides, feels like being immersed in a flowing ink painting. The cool breeze caresses your face, the sun shines brightly, filling you with joy and comfort. This is the unique experience that Su Causeway and Spring Dawn offer.
3. Poetry and Painting, Lingering and Unwilling to Leave
The beauty of Su Causeway and Spring Dawn has captivated countless literati and artists to come and appreciate it, composing poetry and painting it. Bai Juyi's “North of Lonely Mountain Temple, West of Jia Pavilion, the water level is calm, clouds hang low. Several early orioles vie for warmth on the trees, who’s the new swallow pecking at the spring mud?” depicts the scenery of Su Causeway and Spring Dawn. The beauty of Su Causeway and Spring Dawn is not just a visual delight but a spiritual cleansing, immersing people in poetry and painting, making them linger and unwilling to leave.
III. Eternal Charm, Inherited Spirit
Su Causeway and Spring Dawn is not just a beautiful landscape painting but a valuable cultural heritage. It carries historical memories, showcases the charm of nature, and embodies people's yearning for a better life.
1. The Significance of Su Causeway and Spring Dawn
Su Causeway and Spring Dawn are not just the essence of West Lake but a treasure of Chinese culture. It reflects the aesthetic taste of ancient Chinese literati and demonstrates the Chinese people’s love for nature and culture.
2. Inheritance of Su Causeway and Spring Dawn
Today, Su Causeway and Spring Dawn remain one of the most beautiful landscapes in people’s minds, attracting tourists from all over the world. The protection and inheritance of West Lake ensures that the beauty and charm of Su Causeway and Spring Dawn are preserved and passed down from generation to generation.
Su Causeway and Spring Dawn is a flowing painting, a beautiful melody, and an eternal memory. It brings people beauty, transmits a cultural spirit, and allows people to appreciate the charm of culture and the meaning of life while admiring the beautiful scenery.