Mochou Lake
Classical garden park named for a legendary woman
No. 132 Mochou Road, Jianye District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Mochou Lake (Mochou Hu) is a petite classical garden park in the western part of Nanjing's old city, centered on a small lake named after a legendary woman from the Southern Dynasty whose name means "without sorrow." The park's intimate scale, traditional pavilions, arched bridges, and willow-draped shoreline create a refined, scroll-painting atmosphere quite different from Nanjing's larger, more monumental parks. It is a favorite spot for local residents seeking a quiet stroll or a morning of chess and tea in a classically beautiful setting.
Admission is around 35 yuan. The park is open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
Details
Pavilions and Gardens
The park's main structures include the Shengqi Tower (Victory Chess Tower), a multi-story pavilion rising above the lake that commemorates a legendary chess match between the Ming Dynasty founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and his general Xu Da. The tower and its surrounding garden, with carved stone railings, patterned walkways, and ornamental rockeries, represent classical Jiangnan garden design. The smaller pavilions scattered around the lakeshore offer quiet spots for contemplation.
The Lake
Mochou Lake itself is modest in size but beautifully framed by weeping willows, lotus plantings, and the traditional architecture lining its shores. In summer, lotus blossoms cover sections of the water surface. Small bridges cross narrow inlets, and the reflections of the surrounding pavilions and trees in the calm water create the picturesque scenes for which the park is known.
Local Life
The park is well used by local residents, particularly in the mornings when groups gather for tai chi, fan dancing, and calligraphy practice. Chess players — inspired by the park's legendary association with the emperor's chess match — are a regular presence. The unhurried, neighborhood-park atmosphere makes Mochou Lake a pleasant counterpoint to the city's busier tourist destinations.
Getting There
Address: No. 132 Mochou Road, Jianye District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
**Mochou Lake Station** on Line 2 exits near the park's main entrance. The park is in the western part of the old city, within reasonable distance of Chaotian Palace and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
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Mochou Lake