Due to the fact that this lakeside area hosts Putuo Temple (普陀禪寺), enshrined Avalokiteshvara of the South China Sea (南海觀世音菩薩), this area has become known as Xiaonanhai (小南海), translating into English as Little South China Sea. The small Xiaonanhai Suspension Bridge (小南海吊橋) unifies the Temple with the Ecological Park, and helps create a 5 kilometer long pathway which can be walked or cycled. On both sides, the verdant forest overwhelms, and even though summer may well be coming, the shade of the trees ensures that the path is somewhat cool, with the trees and water creating natural air circulation that feels like a South China Sea paradise. During the lotus flowering season, the adjacent fields are covered with blossoming lotuses, and the area is part of the larger Baihe Lotus Park. In recent years, a T-Bike station has been established in the area for the rental of bicycles, and the previously well-received bicycle trail has now become even more bustling. Plans are afoot to create an extended bicycle path around the outside of Xiaonanhai, allowing one to appreciate the Baihe Lotus Park, Lin Chu Pi (林初埤) Kapok tree path, and Wu Su Lin (烏樹林) forest area. Making these places suitable for bicycles will ensure we can capture the low-carbon trend of cyclo-tourism, and allows for a relaxing and active way of exploring the scenery.
Free entry, open all year round
