Page:Peking the Beautiful.pdf/110

 The Nan Hu Island - Gem of the Southern Sea

E AR the southern shores of the K'un Ming Lake, and joined to the mainland by a remarkable old seventeen-arch marble bridge, we find a pretty verdure-clad isle. This miniature island, resting like a bright gem on the silver waters of the lake, shelters a celebrated temple "dedicated to the most famous dragon in China." This interesting temple is mounted high above the surface of the lake, on natural stone foundations, upon the lower sides of which are to be found some fascinating caves and cool, dark grottoes, so well liked by the Chinese sovereigns. The whole island, a square acre or two in size, is surrounded by a broad stone terrace, and protected by an ornate marble balustrade. The luxuriant foliage, which has been planted here to adorn and beautify the place is fast encroaching upon this pretty terrace, and soon the delightful promenade with its mang excellent lakeside views, will be hope lessly blocked. Our view, taken from the top of one of the interesting stone grottoes, shows a tiny comer in this fascinating woodland. It also gives one a glimpse of the beautiful landscape lying to the West - the shimmering waters of the lake at our feet, the Camel-back Bridge in the distance, while miles beyond, in the gathering haze of the hot summer day, rise the abrupt slopes of the Yü Ch'uan Shan, or "Jade Fountain Hill," capped so artistically by its graceful pagoda. Beyond these still, in the dim distance, rise the impressive peaks and rugged outlines of the Western Hills. for a further study of the Summer Palace monuments, see paqes 20, 38, 40, 58, 68, 80, 90, 94, 216, 218, and 130.