East Lake

3km/2mi to the east of the city lies the East Lake on the spot where, around two thousand years ago, a rocky hill is believed to have existed. According to legend the Qin emperor Shi Huangdi was out riding, overseeing the area, when he stopped at the foot of the hill to water his horse. In the Han period (206 BC-AD 220) the local residents began to remove stone from the hill to surface roads and build houses and bridges. Finally the hill disappeared completely, and in its place the East Lake expanded. Nowadays this area is a popular place where Chinese people can spend a day's holiday.

Nine stone bridges divide the lake into three sections. On the banks of the lake lie two secluded caves which can only be reached by boat.