Exploring Jimei's Dragon Boat Pool

Adam: Hi Li Mei, I'm thinking about a daytrip off the island, what do you recommend?

亚当: 李梅，能推荐一个岛外一日游的地方吗？

Li Mei: Well, have you been to Jimei Longzhou Pool?

李梅:当然，你去过集美龙舟池吗？

Adam: No, what is it?

亚当:没有，是什么样呢？

Li Mei: In 1950, Chinese businessman and philanthropist Tan Kah Kee sponsored the construction of an embankment on the beach of Jimei, his hometown. They created three saltwater pools. The outer pool, commonly known as Dragon Boat or Longzhou Pool, is 300 meters wide and 800 meters long. It covers 240,000 square meters.

李梅: 华商和慈善家陈嘉庚先生于1950年在海滩上筑堤围垦外、中、内三池。外池俗称“龙舟池”，宽300米，长800米，总面积24万平方米。

Adam: What makes it stand out?

亚当: 它为什么特别呢？

Li Mei: Lining the banks of the artificial lake are seven pavilions built in the southern Fujian architectural style. Dragon boats are also moored in the middle of pool. The sparkling pool reflects the pavilions and boat and makes for a beautiful scene, especially at sunset.

李梅:池畔建有七座亭子，典型闽南特色的建筑风格，池中停泊着龙舟。波光粼粼的池面倒映着亭子和船舶，特别是夕阳时分，真是美不胜收。

Adam: Wow, where is it?

亚当:哇 它在哪里？

Li Mei: It's located next to the Huaxia College of Huaqiao University. Nandi Park is in the neighborhood.

李梅:龙舟池坐落在华侨大学华夏学院旁，南堤公园也在附近。

Adam: The area must host a lot of events.

亚当:那边肯定有不少活动。

Li Mei: True. In the run-up to Dragon Boat Festival, dragon boats race against each other for the event's annual crown. Crowds of spectators line the pool and cheer while local and foreign athletes power the colorful dragon boats. It's an amazing scene.

李梅:是的，每到端午节，这里都会举办龙舟赛，外地和本地健儿驾龙舟奋勇争先，观众人山人海，场面十分壮观。

Adam: I love that it combines traditional architecture with modern events that link us to the past. How can we get there?

亚当:这地方不仅有历史建筑还有传统活动，我喜欢。怎么去呢？

Limei: The nearest subway stop is the Jimei Xuecun station. By the way, there's also a monthly craft and music fair at Nandi Park that includes several Jimei-based bands performing live music.

李梅: 最近的地铁站是集美学村，非常方便。此外，南堤公园每月还会举办一次手工音乐市集，集美的几个乐队会在那边现场演奏。

Adam: Awesome. I can't wait to go.

亚当:太棒了，我迫不及待想去了。

By Wendy Shi