Yundang Lake and Egret Island (筼筜湖 / 白鹭洲公园)

Yundang Lake is a central lagoon in Siming District, Fujian province, China, once an inlet of the sea and now a landscaped lake ringed by roads, apartment towers and a walking path. Egret Island Park (Bailuzhou Park) lies on its southern shore along Yundang Road and is known for the white egret statue standing over the water, which has become a symbol of Xiamen. The name refers to the egrets that live in the area, and visitors may see them perched on trees and rocks around the lake, along with other waterbirds. The park has lawns, lakeside paths, small bridges, pavilions, rock features and shaded benches, and the water views include the city skyline and, in clear weather, the hills behind. It is free and open all day, and it is among the places where Xiamen residents exercise, with joggers in the morning and groups dancing, practising tai chi and playing instruments at dusk, which many visitors find one of the park's main attractions. A visit lasts about one hour for the park itself, longer for those who walk part of the lakeside path, and the best photo angles are the egret statue against the water, the reflections of lit towers after dark, and the bridges at sunset. Weekday late afternoons and evenings are lively but not crowded, while weekends bring larger groups, families and school outings. Summer afternoons are hot and humid, so the cooler hours are more comfortable. The park is reached by city bus to the Bailuzhou stop, with the current route best checked on Amap, and it is close to Zhongshan Road and the Gulangyu ferry area, so visitors can combine it with a city walk. Facilities are basic, with cafes and snack stalls nearby on the roads around the lake.