Winter Morning at Qiyeshi Reservoir: Light, Life, and Tranquility

January 13, 2026

Winter Morning at Qiyeshi Reservoir: Light, Life, and Tranquility

On a cold, clear winter morning, I stepped into the Qiyeshi Reservoir in Qingxi Town, Dongguan. The frosty air was filled with fresh moisture, and the rising sun, with its warm glow, was painting vivid pictures across this tranquil space.

Overture: The Symphony of the Sunrise and the Statues

Sun Rises in the East, Longevity Abounds: On the hillside opposite the reservoir, the massive statues of the Three Immortals of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity (Fu Lu Shou) stood majestically in the dawn light. A red sun slowly broke free from the trees, bathing the sky in a magnificent, warm red, seemingly heralding a day of auspiciousness and brightness.

Silhouette of a Water Spirit: In front of a small island at the reservoir's center, an elegant water bird—most likely an Oriental Darter—skimmed the water's surface, leaving a perfect black silhouette against the glare, contrasting sharply with the shimmering water.

Wings Ablaze: Not far away, another Oriental Darter entered the frame, its outstretched wings perfectly rimmed with gold by the rising sun. Adding more charm, a line of small birds flew below, leaving a spectacular flight path in the background.

The Colors and Details of the Season

The Maple's Farewell: On the branches of a maple tree, residual red leaves were especially striking in the morning sun, creating a picture of warm and cool tones against the sky's gradually deepening light blue.

The Glow of Reed Plumes: Deep within the thicket, the sunlight gently penetrated the plumes of Miscanthus, making the flower heads appear lit from behind, shining with a delicate, translucent light—ethereal and dreamlike.

A Warm Carpet of Fallen Leaves: Underneath a maple tree, sunlight filtered through the branches, scattering onto the orange-brown fallen leaves, creating a warm and bright atmosphere, as if the earth were covered in a soft carpet.

The Silhouette of the Guardian: Against the backdrop of the huge Fu Lu Shou statues, a reservoir patrol officer navigated a small boat across the water on a routine check. The vessel appeared tiny but carried the responsibility of safeguarding this area.

Maple Leaf on a Palette: A single maple leaf, undergoing its seasonal transition, displayed a mixed hue of orange, yellow, and red, like a color swatch personally blended by nature.

A Spiky Home: On a branch covered in thorns, a bird's nest was discovered. It cleverly incorporated natural materials and a small piece of white plastic left by humans, demonstrating the resilience of life on the edge of the city.

White Cogongrass in the Morning Breeze: On the reservoir's embankment, a large expanse of pristine white cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) swayed in the morning sun and breeze, becoming a prominent feature of the open landscape.

The Desolation and Vitality of the Lotus Pond

Zen Reflection in the Water: In the lotus pond below the reservoir's embankment, a dead lotus pod stalk was quietly reflected in the water. The simple lines held a sense of calm, Zen tranquility.

The Deep Blue Thoughts of Withered Lotus: On the surface of the lotus pond, withered lotus stems and a remnant leaf cast clear reflections on the deep blue water, narrating the season's bleakness.

Floating Memories: Dead lotus heads, floating or half-submerged on the water, acted as temporal markers, reflecting the cyclical change of seasons in the natural world.

Busy on the Morning Glory: A bee rested on a not-yet-withered morning glory flower, capturing a moment of vibrant life in nature.

Unexpected Encounters and the Micro World

Trapped Relics: A dried leaf hanging on a branch was unfortunately entangled with a fishing hook and line lost by an angler, a subtle reminder of the small impact of human activity on the natural environment.

The "Vampire's" Camouflage: In the grass beside the lotus pond, an Indian Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor) entered the frame. The male of this species is nicknamed "Vampire" because its head and neck turn a bright red during the breeding season. The change in its body color is a subtle reflection of environment, emotion, and temperature.

Side Profile Close-up: This is another angle of the Indian Garden Lizard, showcasing its unique skin texture and vigilant posture.

Resting on a Lotus Stalk: Two small birds, likely Himalayan or Brown Wren-Warblers, perched on a withered lotus stem in the water, adding a lively spirit to the serene reservoir.

This morning at Qiyeshi Reservoir was a beautiful story interwoven with light, life, and tranquility. It not only documented the natural scenery but also captured the vitality hidden in the corners.

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