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Suoxi Town, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China
Baofeng Lake is a veritable place of graceful mountains and charming waterway
World natural heritage Baofeng Lake is reputed as "a classical lake in the world". It is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, 8km away from Tianzi Mountain and 8km away from Yellow Dragon Cave. Baofeng Lake Scenic Area integrates natural scenery and folk custom together, especially featuring the mirror-like lake, the marvelous Befeng waterfall, the mysterious temple.
Baofeng Lake is a veritable place of graceful mountains and charming waterway and for all the kind, good gracious and wise people. Baofeng Lake is such a paradise that you would like to visit again and again, whether you have been here or not.
Located in the high gorges, a body of crystalline and calm water is surrounded by the emerald mountains. The lake is situated part way up the mountain range, 85 meters above the ground, and attains an altitude of 585 meters. Because of its association with the Baofeng Mountain Range, the lake bears the name of Baofeng.
With an average depth of 72 meters, Baofeng Lake covers an area of 15 hectares, and can hold 6 million cubic meters of water at full capacity. This water is produced by rainfall, mountain springs and underground streams, and stays emerald all year around, so it is reputed as Paradise in the Human World.
Beautiful scenery in this area include: Baofeng Waterfall, Stone Gate Welcoming Guests, Peacock Displaying Colorful Tail, Golden Toad Biting the Moon, Fairy Lady Reflected in the Lake, and so on.
Some 20 sight-spots spread around the Baofeng Lake, including Baofeng Waterfall, One Line Valley, Baofeng Temple,etc.
► Located at the mouth of the Baofeng Lake, the Baofeng Waterfall pours down from midair of a hundred meters high with thunderous sound.
► One Line Valley, which is less than 4 meters wide on average, is another wonderful scenic spot. Only a line of the sky can be seen from the bottom of the valley, which resembles a silk thread, seemingly long and thin. The length, narrowness, and depth here are rare in national scenic spots.
► Baofeng Temple is also located within Baofeng Lake Scenic Area, discreetly hidden in among the surrounding verdure. It is an old, graceful temple, constructed for monks in search of isolation in order better to devote themselves to contemplation.
Baofeng Lake Scenic Area is relatively compact, and a typical visit takes around 2 to 3 hours. For those who wish to enjoy a deeper experience — such as attending Tujia folk performances or hiking up the mountain trails — it’s recommended to plan for half a day. Since most of the visit involves a relaxing boat cruise, the experience requires little physical exertion, making it an ideal add-on after touring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, especially for families traveling with seniors or young children.
Entrance → Sightseeing Shuttle → Baofeng Lake Pier → Boat Tour on Baofeng Lake → On-foot Exploration of Surrounding Scenic Spots → Exit
By Boat & Walk
After entering the scenic area, take the eco-friendly sightseeing shuttle (ticket required) to reach the pier. Begin your journey with a leisurely boat cruise across the crystal-clear lake. Along the way, admire iconic rock formations such as Stone Gate Welcoming Guests, Golden Toad Biting the Moon, Half-face Bajie, and Fairy Lady Reflected in the Lake. The cruise is often accompanied by traditional Tujia ethnic songs, performed live by local singers on the boat.
After disembarking, take a walk to the majestic Baofeng Waterfall, where water plunges from over a hundred meters high with thunderous force — this site was also used as the filming location for the Water Curtain Cave in Journey to the West. Continue your visit with a stop at the Chinese Giant Salamander Ecological Park, where you can learn about the rare and ancient “living fossil” species.
Finally, head toward Eagle Nest Village (Yingwo Zhai), where you'll find dramatic sights like One Line Valley, a narrow gorge where only a ribbon of sky is visible overhead, leaving a lasting impression of nature’s incredible artistry.
Hiking Route (Optional)
For energetic travelers with more time, a hiking route is available. Start from the entrance and follow the mountain path on foot. As you ascend, enjoy breathtaking views from the Cliffside Trail, and explore peaceful spots like South Sea (Nanhai) and Cloud Cliff Walkway. Please note that while the trail is well-maintained, it can be steep in sections, so proper footwear and caution are advised.
The entrance fee to Baofeng Lake Scenic Area is approximately CNY 96 per person, which includes the boat cruise. It’s advised to allocate 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxing visit including the cruise and photo stops.
During Chinese public holidays, especially the Golden Week (early October) and May Day Holiday, the site can be quite crowded. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance through official channels or local travel agencies. Visitors can also find combo ticket options that include Baofeng Lake and nearby attractions such as Yellow Dragon Cave or Ten-Mile Gallery for added value.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Baofeng Lake, it’s helpful to make some basic preparations in advance:
► Travel Documents: International visitors are advised to carry a valid passport at all times for identity verification and ticket purchase if required.
► Clothing: Baofeng Lake lies within a subtropical mountain monsoon climate zone, characterized by high humidity and fluctuating temperatures. Visitors are recommended to wear light jackets or layered clothing, and bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of sudden showers. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are also essential, as the area involves some walking paths and boat boarding.
► Other Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, portable charger, and a camera or smartphone will come in handy for both comfort and capturing the stunning scenery.
For both international and domestic travelers, Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport provides direct tourist shuttle buses to Baofeng Lake Scenic Area, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, if arriving by train, you can take a minibus from Zhangjiajie Railway Station to Wulingyuan District (about 40 minutes), followed by a quick 10-minute taxi ride to reach the scenic area entrance.
Within the Scenic Area: Once inside the Baofeng Lake Scenic Area, eco-friendly shuttle buses are available (an extra charge of 25 RMB/person applies). These vehicles take visitors from the main entrance directly to the boat dock, where the lake cruise begins.
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