SDICC Video| Poetic and Picturesque 72 Springs: Baimai Spring

At the source of Xiujiang River, The blue sky is reflected by the pure lake water surrounded by lush green foliage. The water of Baimai Spring is bubbling between three pools. It is Zhangqiu's most significant spring.

In Zhangqiu, east of Jinan, many springs can be found. In front of the Fanwang Palace,  three spring pools are located, with water crystal clear. The water is a lovely blue and green, as if it were a painting of the sky.

The small square pools swirl with waves, without a moment of silence. Pearl-like bubbles rise from the pool’s bottom,  giving the impression that the water is slightly boiling. The pool appears to be glinting with stars inside in the sunlight. A closer examination reveals that it is the water bubbles in the sky’s reflection.

Commentary on the Water Classic described it 1,500 years ago, saying, “The spring water emerges from numerous openings to the land surface, hence it is called Baimai Spring (a spring with numerous openings)”. The name “Baimai Spring” has remained unchanged since then.

“Pearls rolling in Baimai Spring pool” is one of the “Eight Views of Zhangqiu”. For the entire park, Baimai Spring does not compare to the Dongma Lake in terms of size; the Plum Blossom Spring in terms of appearance; or the Ink Spring in terms of momentum. Despite its secluded location, Baimai Spring enjoys high recognition. Together with other springs, it becomes a part of the well-known “Baimai Spring Scenic Spot”.

In fact, Baimai Spring is the first of all the springs in Zhangqiu. Countless pearls sprout from the ground. They transform into a string of pearls, which ultimately form a silk piece. It resembles the bead curtain in mythology’s Dragon Palace, as well as a dazzling galaxy. Water droplets glisten as they ascend from the ground, stunningly brilliant, exuding an endless amount of vigor.

“Is the fabled seaman pondering the inaccessible cosmos under the waves? His tears become pearls. The pearls speed skywards, their paths as random as the universe.” Longquan Temple is home to Baimai Spring, which is encircled by tall ancient trees. The structure retains its original appearance in the Ming Dynasty, lending the spring water an antique splendor.

The Baimai Spring, however, is neither bound or kept from the outer world by the temple's high walls.

Underground, it is joined to Dongma Lake, which together create the Xiujiang River's source. “Bamboo takes on a lovely hue after the rain. Rice is aromatic when wind blows.” The spring-watered rice is full, shiny, with a particular fragrance. It’s known as the “spring water-blessed rice”. “The yellow bird chirps in the willow-filled yard. The creek runs past the rice-growing and lotus-flowering village.” The writer Pu Songling fell in love with the beauty of the Xiujiang River at first sight.

Blessed, the water is free of mortal world dust. That is why the lotus comes out of mud unstained. The water continues to rise and flow, enriching the towns it passes through.