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Golden Shuttle Island
Jinsuodao
(Golden Shuttle Island), also called the Island of the
Sea, lies in the southeast part of Erhai Lake and stands
far apart opposite the Erhai Park at a distance. Lying
13 km. away from Xiaguan Harbour, it is one of the scenic
spots for a boat ride in the lake. The island is 1,500
metres in length and 20 m. to 500 m. in width. The west
is wide and the middle is narrow, so it looks like a
shuttle or floating calabash, hence its name. The island
is full of caverns and precipitious cliffs. The "Annals
of Yunnan" by Fan Zhuo, a historian, recorded that:
"The island lies in the centre of the lake, and
is embraced by water on the four sides. It was cool
and comfortable in summer, and was a summer resort of
the royal family of Nanzhao Kingdom." The island
is inhabited by the Bai people whose professions are
fishing and water transportation. Rocks are used in
building their walls and grey-coloured bricks are dominantly
used in building their houses. In front of the gate
there is a screen wall. The courtyard, decorated with
trees and flowers, gives a graceful atmosphere. The
island commands a wide view of the lake with Cangshan
Mountain as the beautiful background. It is on the island
that one can taste the flavour of "fresh fish cooked
in fresh water" in the style of the Bai nationality.
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