Hongfeng Lake (红枫湖), also known as Red Maple Lake, is a scenic area located in the western suburbs of Guiyang City, covering an expansive area of 200 square kilometers. This picturesque destination seamlessly integrates the beauty of highland lakes, karst landscapes, and the rich cultural diversity of ethnic minorities. The highlight of the lake is the Red Maple Ridge along its shores, where maple trees densely populate the landscape. During late autumn, from early November to early December, the maple leaves turn a vibrant shade of red, creating a spectacular contrast against the crystal-clear waters, earning the lake its distinctive name, “Red Marple Lake.”
The vast expanse of Hongfeng Lake is divided into four main regions: North Lake, Central Lake, South Lake, and Rear Lake. The North Lake boasts expansive azure waters, while the Central Lake is nestled between steep and majestic mountains. The South Lake features a combination of rugged mountains and abundant karst caves, while the Rear Lake is surrounded by numerous peaks and a network of bays and inlets. Over a hundred islands and peninsulas are scattered throughout the lake, enhancing its natural charm.
The lakeside of Hongfeng is not only blessed with natural beauty but also hosts several ethnic minority villages, including Miao, Dong, and Buyi. These villages showcase the unique architectural styles of each ethnic group, such as the stilted houses of the Miao, the drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges of the Dong, and the distinctive stone houses of the Buyi. Visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural richness by exploring these villages, witnessing captivating ethnic performances like “Knife Mountain” and “Fire Sea,” and experiencing traditional customs like the ceremony of toasting and road-blocking rituals.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Hongfeng Lake
- Vlog about Hongfeng Park
- Other Attractions in Guiyang Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | 40 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 20.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0851-82624639 0086-0851-82522669 |
Location and Transportation
The Hongfeng Lake Scenic Area is situated to the west of the city center of Qingzhen, which is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou Province in southwestern China. The scenic area is only 25 kilometers away from the urban center of Guiyang and is easily accessible from there.
- Tourist Shuttle from Riverside Park: Take a tourist shuttle from Riverside Park in Guiyang city. The dedicated tourist line will transport you to Hongfeng Lake Scenic Area in just over 20 minutes.
- Social Bus Station at Yan’an West Road and Shanlin Road: Head to the social bus station located at Yan’an West Road and Shanlin Road. There, you can catch a bus heading to Qingzhen between 8:00 and 17:00. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes with a ticket price of 5 yuan. Upon reaching Qingzhen, transfer to a special car service bound for Hongfeng Lake, available for a nominal fee of 1 yuan.
Highlights of Hongfeng Lake
Fishing Cave (Da Yu Dong)
Nestled within the mountains surrounding Hongfeng Lake, the Fishing Cave is a cascading karst cave system with seven distinct layers, each offering a unique and mesmerizing view. The cave bottom is adorned with the meandering Yin River, while the interior showcases breathtaking limestone formations. Stalactites take on a dazzling array of shapes and colors, resembling a subterranean palace adorned with brilliant golden hues and pristine white formations. The cave provides an enchanting journey through nature’s artistry.
On the mountainside where Fishing Cave is located, there is a Miao ethnic village. The Miao people residing here add a cultural touch to the surroundings. Women don vibrant indigo-colored jackets with pleated skirts adorned with intricate embroidered patterns on collars, sleeves, backs, and hemlines. Their traditional attire, complemented by black-and-white beaded headdresses, silver earrings, and necklaces, showcases the strong ethnic identity of the Miao community.
Ancient Battlefield Sites
Hongfeng Lake preserves several ancient battlefield sites, offering a glimpse into the historical conflicts that shaped the region. Notable sites include Ludisha (芦荻哨), Xiaoguanbao (小关堡), Yingpan (营盘), and Shicheng (石城). These areas witnessed wars during the Ming dynasty against a coalition of southwestern ethnic groups and battles during the early Qing dynasty involving Wu Sangui’s separatist forces, the Qing army, and local warlords. Among these, Ludisha Ancient City Ruins, built in 1872 during the Qing Dynasty, stands out as a significant symbol of local uprisings against Qing rule.
Dong Ethnic Village
Dating back to 1991, the Dong ethnic village in Hongfeng Lake has been a cultural gem, welcoming visitors from around the world. Comprising Dong institutions, residences, drum towers, flower bridges, squares, courtyards, flower fences, lawns, and docks, the village spans over 3,000 square meters. The architecture, featuring spacious corridors, stilted houses, and distinctive blue-tiled roofs with eaves, reflects the unique characteristics of the Dong minority. The village offers an immersive experience into Dong culture, allowing visitors to appreciate the rich heritage of this ethnic group.
Drum Tower
The Drum Tower stands as an iconic architectural symbol in Dong ethnic villages, and it is an integral part of the cultural landscape. Described by Dong elders as the “shade tree” of the village, the Drum Tower is considered crucial for fostering unity and prosperity. The unique design features a square base and a multi-faceted roof with an odd number of levels, such as 9, 11, 13, 15, or 17, topped by auspicious gourds. Constructed entirely without the use of nails, the Drum Tower was historically used for drumming alarms and discussions. Today, it has transformed into a space for entertainment activities, becoming a focal point for festive gatherings where villagers come together to celebrate, dance, sing, and enjoy lively festivities.
Miao Ethnic Culture
The Miao ethnic villages around Hongfeng Lake showcase the distinctive characteristics of the Miao people in Southeast Guizhou. The village architecture harmoniously integrates with the surrounding landscape, employing a combination of whole and half-stilted structures. The layout centers around small open squares, often featuring reconstructed Miao king platforms and village gates. Known for their hospitality, the Miao people warmly welcome visitors. When guests arrive, young women don their finest attire adorned with silver ornaments on their heads and chests. Accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of various instruments, including the distinctive lusheng, the Miao youth play welcoming tunes as a signal for the festivities to begin. The atmosphere comes alive with traditional songs, dances, and the offering of sweet rice wine, creating a heartwarming and culturally rich experience for visitors.
