Known as Pool of Cloud and Dream in ancient times, Dongting Lake is the second biggest freshwater lake in China. It joins the Yangtze River on the north and meets the Xiangjiang River, Zijiang River, Yuanjiang River and Lishui River on the south. Therefore, it has the reputation of “A Lake of Eight Hundred li” which figuratively means residence of the supernatural being.

Expanding widely and winding up long with towering hills alongside, the lake has the feature of one lake closely connected with another; mountains stand side by side in the lake; at the lake the reeds flourish; above the water the gulls and aigrets soar and circle in the air; in distance the water and sky merge into one color. Additionally, Dongting Lake is a famous place abundant in fish and rice.