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Jinsuodao (Golden Shuttle Island), also called the
Island of the Sea, lies in the southeast part of Erhai Lake and
stands far apart opposite the Erhai Park at a distance. Lying 13
km. away from Xiaguan Harbour, it is one of the scenic spots for a
boat ride in the lake. The island is 1,500 metres in length and 20
m. to 500 m. in width. The west is wide and the middle is narrow,
so it looks like a shuttle or floating calabash, hence its name.
The island is full of caverns and precipitious cliffs. The "Annals
of Yunnan" by Fan Zhuo, a historian, recorded that: "The island
lies in the centre of the lake, and is embraced by water on the
four sides. It was cool and comfortable in summer, and was a
summer resort of the royal family of Nanzhao Kingdom." The island
is inhabited by the
 Bai people whose professions are fishing and
water transportation. Rocks are used in building their walls and
grey-coloured bricks are dominantly used in building their houses.
In front of the gate there is a screen wall. The courtyard,
decorated with trees and flowers, gives a graceful atmosphere. The
island commands a wide view of the lake with Cangshan Mountain as
the beautiful background. It is on the island that one can taste
the flavour of "fresh fish cooked in fresh water" in the style of
the Bai nationality.
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