Dianshan Lake, located on the border between Qingpu District in Shanghai and Kunshan City in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, covers an area of 62 to 63 square kilometers. It is the largest freshwater lake in Shanghai and the source of the Huangpu River. Known for its beautiful scenery, it is often referred to as the “Lake Geneva of the East.”
The area around the lake is dotted with renowned attractions, including the historic towns of Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, and Jinxi, as well as the Shanghai Grand View Garden, Oriental Green Boat, Shanghai Sun Island, and the Chen Yun Memorial Hall. These sites are rated as 5A national scenic spots.
Dianshan Lake is also a major center for water sports in Shanghai, including rowing, dragon boating, and sailing. The Dianshan Lake Scenic Area, located on the west side of the lake, is 20 kilometers from Qingpu Town and has been a popular tourist destination since its development began in 1979, reaching a significant scale by the 1990s.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Dianshan Lake
- Vlog about Dianshan Lake
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Sceneries in Shanghai
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Over 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | The lake itself is accessible 24 hours a day, but most attractions and entertainment operate from 9.00 – 17.00 |
Location and Transportation
Dianshan Lake is located in the western part of Shanghai, in Qingpu District. It is approximately 60 kilometers away from downtown Shanghai and can be easily accessed by car or public transportation. The lake is situated at the intersection of two major rivers, the Huangpu River and the Taihu River, which flow into the East China Sea.
Bus:
- Take bus Qingpu 15 or Zhujiajiao 7 and get off at Lvhu Road Dianshanhu Avenue (绿湖路淀山湖大道)
- Take bus Zhujiajiao 1 and get off at Fuxing Road Xinhua Village (复兴路新华村)
- Take bus Zhujiajiao 8 and get off at Lvhu Road Lvzhou Road (绿湖路绿舟路)
Highlights of Dianshan Lake
Daguanyuan Scenic Area
The Daguanyuan Scenic Area covers over 1,300 acres, situated to the east of Dianshan Lake and to the west of Yuandang Lake. Originally part of Jinzhe Yangshe Village, it is bordered by the Huqingping Highway to the south and Shangta Township’s Huxue Village to the north, with Qing商 Road passing through. The area features over ten scenic spots designed in the style of the “Grand View Garden” from the classic novel “Dream of the Red Chamber,” creating a blend of ancient charm and picturesque scenery.
The scenic area includes a modern water sports center with international facilities, the city’s first comprehensive recreational site with a youth camping base, and a fish farming area with netted fish ponds.
Meiyuan (Plum Garden)
Located in the northeast of Daguanyuan, adjacent to Dianshan Lake, Meiyuan, also known as “Meiwu Spring,” covers 170 acres. It is home to over 4,000 plum trees of more than 20 varieties. Its scale rivals that of the “Fragrant Snow Sea” in the suburbs of Suzhou, making it a notable spot for visitors interested in plum blossoms.
Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
Zhouzhuang, known as “China’s No. 1 Water Town,” is located in the southwest of Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. Covering an area of 38.96 square kilometers, with 20.8 square kilometers of land and 18.16 square kilometers of water, it is a quintessential “land of fish and rice.” The town features interconnected lakes and rivers, including Xiaodian Lake, Tianhua Lake, and Taishi Lake. Zhouzhuang is celebrated for its picturesque canals, traditional architecture, and cultural heritage. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site tentative candidate, and has been recognized as one of the first historical and cultural towns in China, a national 5A-level tourist attraction, and a top scenic town in China. Notable sites include the Twin Bridges, Shen Hall, Zhang Hall, Fu’an Bridge, Mi Tower, Yi Fei’s Residence, Zhouzhuang Museum, Zhouzhuang Boat, Chengxu Daoist Temple, and the Former Residence of Ye Chucang.
Jinxi Ancient Town
Jinxi, located in the southwest of Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, covers 90.69 square kilometers and boasts a history of over 2,500 years. The town features a dense network of lakes and rivers, reflecting its rich water town heritage. Tourism began in 1995, and Jinxi passed the national 4A-level scenic area inspection in December 2004. It was awarded the title of “National Environmentally Beautiful Township” in 2006.
Bao Guo Temple (Guan Wang Temple)
Bao Guo Temple, also known as Guan Wang Temple, is situated in Xudong Village on the shores of Dianshan Lake. Originally built during the Ming Jiajing period (1522-1566) to protect against Japanese pirates and ensure safe navigation, it was constructed on the site of a former Guanyin Temple from the Northern Song Dynasty. The original Guanyin Temple fell into disrepair over time and was destroyed by fire in the early Republic of China period. In 1990, the temple was expanded and renamed Bao Guo Temple, serving as a branch of the Jade Buddha Temple. The temple grounds feature an ancient ginkgo tree, planted during the Northern Song Dynasty, which is about 1,000 years old with a circumference of 6 meters.
Vlog about Dianshan Lake
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Scenic Drive: Starting from Banma Grassland in Dianshan Lake Town, the 15km lakeside road is absolutely stunning. With vast camping lawns, pink flower seas, and winding roads along the lake, the sunset view is breathtaking. It’s a photographer’s paradise, and you may find it hard to leave. However, note that this area can get congested on weekends and holidays, so it’s best not to drive here.
Bicycle Rentals: There are several places around the scenic area where you can rent bicycles. Prices and bike models may vary, so it’s a good idea to inquire at multiple places before renting.
Sunset Viewing: For the best sunset experience, aim to arrive around 4:00 PM. Watching the sunset casting golden reflections on the water surface is incredibly beautiful.
Dining Options: If you haven’t brought your own food, don’t worry. There are camping-style coffee shops, small vendors selling snacks, children’s toys, and barbecue beverages available.
Barbecue Restrictions: You can use portable stoves for cooking, but charcoal barbecues are not permitted.
Fishing Prohibition: Fishing is not allowed in the lake, as there are water patrols in the area to enforce this rule.
Accommodation: Nearby, there are hotels available for accommodation. Alternatively, you can choose to sleep in tents. Around the lake, there are public restrooms spaced at regular intervals for convenience.
