Xuanwu Lake – the largest royal garden lake in China
Last Update: 15th October 2020
With an area of 502 hectares, Xuanwu Lake is the largest royal garden lake in China and the largest city lake in the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Dating back to Pre-Qin Era, the lake had worked as the royal garden since the Six Dynasties (220 – 589).
Xuanwu Lake Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Xuanwuhu (玄武湖)
- Area: 502 hectares
- Things to do there: Photography, Adventure, Hiking, Cruise
- Who visits: Photographers, Adventure Enthusiasts
- Time required: 2 – 3 x hours
Interested in visiting Xuanwu Lake on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Xuanwu Lake, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
What to expect at Xuanwu Lake
Xuanwu Lake offers five islands all of them are connected by bridges or causeways.
Huan Island features several cultural spots, including Nuona Buddha Pagoda in the Tang (618 -907) and Song (960 – 1279) style, Fenghe Estate with the Six Dynasties style, Guo Pu Memorial Hall (Guo Pu, (276 – 324) a famous writer and scientist in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 – 420)) and a Chinese rose garden with 200 species of roses.
Liang Island is the oldest one featuring the most beautiful scenery. You can see colorful azaleas, and bonsai landscape there. Different flowers shows are regularly held around the year on the island. The most stunning is the chrysanthemum show in autumn.
Cui Island is dotted with green pines, cypress, bamboo and willows. It is a relatively quiet environment. From March to May, views there are also amazing. If interested, you can experience cruise on the Xuanwu Lake.
Best time to visit Xuanwu Lake
If you’d love to visit Xuanwu Lake for photography purposes, the best time to visit is at sunset.
The best months to visit are from March to October.
How to get to Xuanwu Lake
Several buses pass by the lake. Thus, there are several options.
- Rent a vehicle to the lake. This is the quickest and most direct optioon.
- Take Bus 1, 25, 28, 30, 33, 35, 47, 56, or Bus 201 to the Stop of Xuanwuhu Gongyuan (玄武湖公园). Then walk to Xuanwu Lake.
Additional Xuanwu Lake Travel Advice
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 21:00
- Tourists can visit the lake for free.
- Please wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Interested in visiting Xuanwu Lake on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Xuanwu Lake among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.