Nanning is a very beautiful city, where a lot places of interest attract tourists from home and abroad every year. The lake of gathering folk songs is one of those interesting places, and it takes folk songs as its soul and ecology as its vein. It is not only the finishing touch of Nanning's urban landscape, but also a vivid microcosm of the integration of green city culture and nature, carrying the profound interpretation of China's Green City for ecological livability. I had a visit there one evening last October, and appreciated the beautiful scenery, delicious local food and amazing folk songs there, and I really had a wonderful time.
The Lake of Gathering Folk Songs was originally the confluence of Nanhu Lake and Zhupaichong water System. After artificial transformation, it has now become an ecological lake with a water area of 120,000 square meters. The lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the outlines of the surrounding modern buildings and echoing the emerald green of the distant Qingxiu Mountain. Tropical plants such as palm trees, banyan trees and kapok trees(木棉树) are planted along the lakeside and the kapok trees bloom all year round. Waterfowls(水禽类) like egrets and kingfishers sometimes dance on the water surface, forming a harmonious picture of the city in the forest and the water in the city.
The walkway built along the lake winds and twists, with wooden walkways, waterside platforms and landscape features arranged in an orderly manner. In the early morning, citizens go jogging and practice Tai Chi here. In the evening, the setting sun gilds the lake surface with a golden edge. Tourists either row boats on the lake or sit quietly on benches, experiencing the poetic life of half the city is green trees and the other half is buildings.
The name of the lake stems from(源于) the cultural heritage of Nanning as a place where folk songs from all over the world are cherished. This lake was once one of the birthplaces of the Zhuang ethnic group's singing fair culture. Every year during the March 3rd Folk Song Festival, the lakeside becomes a sea of folk songs. Intangible cultural heritage projects such as Zhuang ethnic group's folk songs, Dong ethnic group's songs, and Yao ethnic group's Panwang songs are performed one after another here. Singers convey their emotions and make friends through songs, allowing the thousand-year-old song charm to be rejuvenated in the modern city.
The Folk Song Square by the lake is the core area for cultural activities. The giant Zhuang ethnic bronze drum sculpture and the relief wall tell the history of the Zhuang ethnic group. The regularly held Folk Song Lake Concert invites domestic and foreign artists to take the stage, integrating traditional folk songs with modern music to create a unique cultural brand.
The Lake of Gathering Folk Songs is not only a carrier of ecology and culture, but also an urban complex integrating leisure, entertainment and business. After nightfall, the lights on the lake surface and the lighting of the surrounding buildings complement each other. The cruise boat travels through it, as if sailing into a starry river. A night cruise by boat allows people to enjoy a water screen film, presenting the history and future of Nanning through the changing light and shadow.
While we stay at the lake, we can wander the Folk Song Lake Bar Street by the lake brings together Southeast Asian-style restaurants, cafes and art spaces. Tourists can enjoy local delicacies such as Laoyou Noodles and Lemon Duck here, or visit contemporary art exhibitions. The children's park on the north side of the lake area is equipped with facilities such as sandpits and climbing frames, making it a popular choice for family outings.


The transformation of the Lake of Gathering Folk Songs is a microcosm of Nanning's progress from a green city to a livable, workable and tourist-friendly modern city. It was once a model for the management of urban rivers. Through projects such as dredging(疏浚), water diversion and ecological restoration, the original black and odorous water body was transformed into a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Nowadays, the park has become the city living room for Nanning to receive domestic and foreign guests. During the China-Asean Expo, political leaders and business people from various countries often come here to experience the charm of the Green City, Nanning. Seeing is believing and visiting is a great way to lraan and explore.