The arrangement of these seven crags in the limestone mountains matches closely that of the stars of the Big Dipper, and thus the name "Seven Star" was given to them on the basis of a legend that they were formed from the remnants of seven stars that fell out of the sky into the adjacent lake. Xinghu means 'Star Lake', and this designation is derived from the seven crags that are found along its s
hores. To get a great view of the crags, one can climb the stair step sides of one of them and view the remaining six and the lake from a pavilion built on its top. The crags are decorated with hundreds of cliff-side inscriptions dating from the Tang Dynasty (618–907), which are much studied by art historians and scientists alike. These crags have been the long-sung subject of ancient Eastern poetry, being described in many a haiku. There is also a religious significance attached to the caves in that Buddhist temples are found in and near them. Zhaoqing is located about on the Xijiang River 90 km (55 mi) west of Guangzhou and can be easily reached by bus or train from that city. Within Zhaoqing City, the Star Lake Scenic Spot is found near the city center and across from Paifang Square, between Xinghu West Road and Xinghu Avenue. It is easy to get to the scenic spot by taxi or on foot. The tourists come all year long due to a mild climate, but one may wish to avoid the hot summer monsoon and typhoon season and the somewhat cool days of winter. Thus it is more ideal to visit in the spring of the fall.
