A Hidden Gem at the Summit of Fuzhou: Encountering "Angel's Tears" at 987 Meters

Fuzhou’s summer always holds surprises! Deep in the Chixi Grand Canyon of Yongtai, 37 kilometers away, at an altitude of 987 meters, lies a lake known locally as "Angel's Tears"—Douhu Tianchi. Never dried up for hundreds of millions of years, it is the largest alpine lake in East China and a natural wonder left by ancient volcanic eruptions. 🚶‍♀️Hiking: A 3-Hour Journey on Ancient Trails The path to the lake is hidden deep in the Chixi Grand Canyon. Following the winding ancient trails trodden by generations, you’ll walk on a soft carpet of fallen leaves, accompanied by the symphony of birdsong and babbling streams. Though the three-hour trek tests your stamina, the reward is breathtaking—when the view suddenly opens up, vast grasslands stretch like a green carpet to the horizon. Herds of cattle and sheep roam leisurely, creating an illusion of the grasslands beyond the Great Wall. 🌊Tianchi: Twin Emerald Lakes at the Summit Beyond the grasslands, two emerald lakes come into view. The mirror-like waters, spanning dozens of acres, reflect drifting clouds and blue skies, while century-old cryptomeria trees stand silently along the shore—the largest one takes five or six adults to encircle. The crystal-clear lake is dotted with delicate water lilies swaying gently, and when ripples form, it feels as if you can hear the heartbeat of the earth. Nearby lies an almost forgotten village, now home to just two families: Old Huang, a cattle herder whose wrinkles tell stories of mountain winds, and a grandmother who guards her stone house with a smile as pure as the lake’s waters. The village’s only water source is an old well above the houses. At dusk, smoke rises from the stone chimneys, and Old Huang’s call brings the scattered cattle ambling back to their shed—time here moves as slowly as if it’s standing still. 🌌Overnight: Conversations with the Earth Under the Milky Way To fully immerse in the lake’s beauty, stay until nightfall. Camp on abandoned terraces, gather dried cow dung for fuel, and let the crackling bonfire ward off the mountain chill. Above, the Milky Way cascades across the sky, the stars so close they seem within reach. With no phone signal in the valley, your mind finds an unprecedented peace. At dawn, the lake becomes even more dreamlike. Mist drifts over the water, and as the first sunlight pierces the clouds, dewdrops on the grass sparkle like rainbows. Old Huang passes by the campsite with his cattle, chuckling, "Don’t leave food out—the cows have a keen nose!" His figure gradually blends into the golden morning light, creating the most touching scene. 📍Practical Tips • Location: Douhu Tianchi, Chixi Grand Canyon, Yongtai County, Fuzhou • Transportation: Drive to near Chixi Scenic Area, then hike (plan your route in advance and bring proper gear) • Notes: The trail is steep—wear anti-slip shoes; no supplies on the mountain, so bring food and water; large temperature swings—pack a jacket even in summer • Accommodation: Camp (bring a tent and sleeping bag) or return to the city After the adventure, head back to Xiamen and unwind at Jinjiang Inn Xiamen Airport Jimei School District Hotel. Its clean, cozy rooms will wash away your fatigue, and the nearby food street offers a comforting bowl of noodle soup. Stroll along Jimei School District’s seaside to cap off your nature retreat perfectly. As Old Huang says, "This lake is an angel’s tear, washing away the world’s dust." If you crave an escape from urban chaos, come to this mountaintop lake—let the wind and water show you true freedom and tranquility. ✨