Originally known as Chen Village Reservoir, Taiping Lake (太平湖) was renamed after its location in the former Taiping County (now Huangshan District). As the largest artificial lake in Anhui Province, it is a high-mountain, canyon-type lake and is a dazzling gem along the “Huangshan-Taiping Lake-Jiu Hua Mountain” golden tourist route, often referred to as the “Jiangnan Emerald.”
Taiping Lake presents a captivating landscape with its broad areas reminiscent of the serene Dongting Lake and narrow, winding sections comparable to the stunning Li River. The lake features numerous scenic islands scattered across its surface, each adorned with lush forests and vibrant flora. The waters remain crystal-clear and emerald green throughout the year, while the surrounding shores, with their white walls and green tiles, and the reflections of pine trees and bamboo, create a picturesque setting akin to a magnificent treasure tower or a magical crystal palace.
The lake area is divided into five major scenic zones: Gongxing, Guangyang, Huangjing, Longmen, and Sanmen. Key attractions include the Fish Viewing at West Mountain, Tea Picking at Pinglong Mountain, Water Fun at Three Gorges, Guilin-like Scenery, Crocodile Play, Mushroom Pine, Eyebrow Peak, and the Immortal Cave at Qiao Mountain. Newer additions to the area are the Egrets Island Park, Golden Island Botanical Garden, Monkey Island, Deer Island, Snake Island, and the Jinpen Bay Resort Area.
Travel Information about Taiping Lake
Ticket and Opening Hours
- Ticket Price: 70 RMB
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Best Time to Visit
Taiping Lake offers stunning scenery year-round, with spring, summer, and autumn being the most beautiful seasons, attracting the highest number of visitors.
Transportation to Taiping Lake
Location: Taiping Lake Town, Huangshan City, Huangshan District.
By Bus: Numerous buses operate from Tunxi to Taiping. You can transfer at Huangshan District to a bus heading towards Qingyang or Guichi and get off at Taiping Lake. (Tip: The scenic views along the route from Tunxi to Taiping Lake are breathtaking, so try to find a window seat.)
Shuttle Bus: There are direct shuttle buses from the North Gate of Huangshan Scenic Area to Taiping Lake.
Scenic Ratings
- Cultural Experience: ★★
- Local Characteristics: ★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★
- Natural Beauty: ★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★
- Adventure Opportunities: ★★
Highlights of Taiping Lake
Golden Island
Golden Island, located in the heart of Taiping Lake, spans over 200,000 square meters. This enchanting island features more than a dozen small hills, arranged harmoniously to resemble the legendary “Eighteen Arhats” reclining on the shimmering waters, earning it the nickname “Eighteen Arhats Resting on the South Sea.” The island is adorned with lush greenery and stunning peaks, creating a picturesque landscape that is enveloped in shade year-round. This natural beauty has led to its reputation as a dazzling pearl on Taiping Lake. As an emerging tourist attraction, Golden Island offers a unique and distinctive scenery, where lakes exist within the island and islands exist within the lake, often referred to as a “Fairyland of Yingzhou.”
Taiping Bay
Taiping Bay, also known as Crescent Bay due to its crescent-shaped outline, is a stunning natural feature of Taiping Lake. The bay is surrounded by terraced, modern tea gardens that cascade down the mountainside, creating a visually appealing landscape. Inside the bay, the winding gorges add a sense of mystery and depth. The bay is encircled by mountains on three sides, with lush forests on the left bank and charming villages and tea gardens on the right. Notable Karst geological formations, including Yanshan, Yan Cliff, Yaolong Cave, and Cross Sky, are found along the inner shores of the bay, making Taiping Bay one of the most famous scenic spots in Taiping Lake.
Monkey King Island
Monkey King Island consists of two small islands that appear to be close yet distinct. During low water levels, the two islands merge into one, while rising water levels separate them again, giving each island its own identity. This close proximity has earned them the nickname “Sister Islands.” The islands run parallel to each other, connected by a wooden bridge.
The air on the islands is humid and filled with sunlight, making it a lush habitat for various plants and animals, including monkeys and sika deer. Monkey King Island features several attractions, including Monkey Palace, Water Curtain Cave, Monkey Street, and Deer Park, where visitors can enjoy trained monkey performances.
The island is home to over 100 Chinese macaques, divided into eight families, all belonging to the “Huangshan Macaque” population, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts alike.
Taiping Island
Taiping Island, located in the center of Taiping Lake, is also known as “City of Peace.” This comprehensive tourist destination has been developed based on the original Bagua City and offers a variety of amenities for dining, accommodation, transportation, recreation, and shopping. The architecture of Taiping Island is designed to reflect the traditional charm of old Taiping County. Visitors can explore features that represent the origins of the I Ching, such as the River Map and Luo Writing. There are also interactive attractions like the Bagua Altar for testing luck, a Fortune Wheel, and sacred items for blessing, including the Taiping Drum and Bagua Bell.
Longyao Village
Longyao Village is a new tourist destination that beautifully integrates ceramics culture, primitive landscapes, and natural scenery. Surrounded on three sides by water, the village features lush green mountains and serene forests, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The village is named after the Longyao kiln, which lies on a gentle slope and is renowned for its fragrant pottery.
The Longyao kiln stretches over 40 meters in length and has 48 flues on each side, which are used to regulate the temperature during the firing process. In addition to the two main entrances at the front and rear of the kiln, there are two smaller doors on the sides for loading and unloading pottery.
Within Longyao Village, visitors can explore a pottery workshop that showcases around 70 pieces of pottery, including jars, basins, bowls, and teapots, all crafted by visitors from various places. Here, guests can engage in the pottery-making experience, with skilled artisans providing demonstrations and explanations, making it an enjoyable and educational visit.
Various Itineraries for Taiping Lake
Boat Tour Guide to Taiping Lake
The boat ride around the lake is an excellent way to experience its beauty and explore its islands. Here’s a breakdown of the attractions and stops during the boat tour:
A. Tianxia Taiping City (天下太平城)
The first stop on the tour is Tianxia Taiping City, which is a scenic area worth visiting. The island offers beautiful views and a chance to appreciate the grandeur of the Taiping Bridge. The bridge is particularly impressive, with its majestic structure and sweeping views of the surrounding lake and mountains. Take your time to walk around and capture the beauty of this iconic landmark. You’ll have about 20 minutes to explore the area before continuing the journey.
B. Longyao Village (龙窑寨)
The second stop is Longyao Village, an island that may not be as enticing as the others. I would recommend staying on the boat and resting rather than disembarking. The island features a collection of ceramic jars and pottery, which are displayed as part of a local pottery showcase. The steep slopes on the island can also be physically demanding, and the island’s charm is limited. You’ll also find peacocks here, although they’re typically kept in cages, making the experience less enjoyable than anticipated. In all, you’ll spend about 20 minutes on this island.
C. Monkey and Deer Island (猴鹿岛)
The third island, Monkey and Deer Island, is one of the highlights of the tour. The island is home to dozens of free-roaming monkeys, and visitors can interact with them by feeding them peanuts. The monkeys are quick and eager, so be ready for a fast-paced interaction! It’s important to avoid getting too close, as the monkeys may feel their territory is being invaded and react aggressively. The island is a great spot for animal lovers and those seeking a fun experience. You’ll have 20 minutes to explore and enjoy the wildlife here.
D. Return to the Wharf
After visiting Monkey and Deer Island, it’s time to head back to the wharf. The boat ride back will take about 30 minutes, giving you the chance to relax and enjoy the lake’s peaceful ambiance. As the boat approaches the dock, the driver will perform a graceful docking maneuver, which can be quite impressive considering the narrow space available.
Two-Day Itinerary for Taiping Lake
Day 1: Explore Ancient Villages and Scenic Views
- Hotel Check-in: Arrive and settle into your hotel by the lake. Take some time to relax and absorb the peaceful environment.
- Visit Chaji Ancient Village (查济): Located around 30 minutes from Taiping Lake, Chaji Village is a must-see. Known for its preserved traditional architecture and tranquil streets, this village offers a glimpse into the old-world charm of rural China. The entrance fee is a bit steep, but it’s worth a brief visit if you’re already in the area. Be prepared for tight lanes and local markets selling dried goods and handicrafts.
- Ferry Village (轮渡村): After exploring Chaji, head to Ferry Village, a quiet and underdeveloped area by the lake. Here, you’ll find a perfect spot for camping or engaging in water activities like kayaking, swimming, and fishing. The area feels incredibly peaceful, with few tourists around, offering a real escape into nature.
Day 2: Cruise on Taiping Lake and Island Hopping
- Boat Ride on Taiping Lake: To experience Taiping Lake from a different perspective, take a boat ride around the lake. You can book tickets for the ferry service through travel apps like Trip.com, which offers regular sailings at 9:30 AM. However, arriving a little earlier (around 9:00 AM) is recommended, as boats may depart earlier depending on demand. Alternatively, there are speedboat options, costing around ¥900 per boat (with group bookings available for a more affordable price).
- Island Hopping: The boat tour takes you to three small islands, where you’ll spend about 20 minutes per island. While the islands are quaint, they are relatively undeveloped and might feel a bit uneventful if you’re expecting grand tourist attractions. However, the lake views and the peaceful atmosphere make the experience worthwhile, especially for those looking to relax and enjoy nature.
Visitor Guide for Taiping Lake
Intra-Park Transportation
Within the scenic area, there are two types of water transportation: speedboats and sightseeing boats.
- Speedboats: Priced at 200 yuan. The 9-seat speedboat can accommodate up to 5 passengers, while the 11-seat version can carry 9 passengers.
- Sightseeing Boats: Tickets are available for 30 yuan per person for both large and antique-style boats. These boats offer tours of the central lake area, covering three islands: Bagua Island, Longyao Village, and Monkey Island.
Large tour boats depart at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM from the dock. If you arrive early, consider taking a stroll along the Lake View Promenade, which is just beside the wharf. The promenade is a unique structure with floating boxes underneath and a pathway above. As the boat creates waves in the water, the floating boxes gently move with the ripples, offering an interesting, immersive experience.
Accommodation Options
At Taiping Lake and its surrounding areas, visitors can find a range of accommodation options. For those seeking a more upscale experience, places like Tanjiadayuan, Andru Meda Hotel, and Shanli Shitie Guesthouse offer comfortable stays with quality amenities. Additionally, near the Taiping Lake dock, there are several budget-friendly private guesthouses that provide basic lodging, including beds and shower facilities, making it easy for travelers to find a suitable place to rest after a day of exploring.
Entertainment and Activities
Taiping Lake offers a diverse array of water-based entertainment options that cater to adventure seekers and families alike. Visitors can enjoy activities such as parasailing, water swimming pools, butterfly boats, and water bicycles, providing a thrilling way to experience the beauty of the lake.
In addition to water sports, the resort area features the Wohu Golf Club, an 18-hole standard golf course that covers 890,000 square meters. This course creatively utilizes the surrounding landscape, incorporating wetland areas below a height of 119 meters, while avoiding dense forests and arable land above that elevation.
Photography Tips
Taiping Lake, with its expansive and picturesque setting, offers numerous excellent photography opportunities, especially for those traveling by car.
One must-see spot is the Taiping Lake Double Bridges. These two bridges, resembling a bow and arrow, create a stunning visual effect against the backdrop of the lake and surrounding mountains. For the best photo angle, head to the end of the diagonal cable-stayed bridge, behind a local farmhouse. Climb the steep concrete steps to a small pavilion at the top, where you can capture the most dramatic views of the Double Bridges.
Another great location for sunset photography is the Taiping Lake boardwalk entrance, located on the road towards the Double Bridges. The vast expanse of Taiping Lake means that sunset photos vary greatly depending on your location. Beautiful shots can be taken from the boardwalk, under the bridge, near the Dingxiang Garden Hotel, the tourist dock, or even along the lakeside main road. Each spot offers unique and captivating sunset views.