Jianhu Lake (鉴湖, Jian Lake), nestled within the Keyan Scenic Area, is known as the “mother lake” of Shaoxing. Renowned for its stunning scenery, it’s also the source of water for brewing Shaoxing’s famous aged wine. Thanks to its unique water quality, the wine produced from Jianhu Lake is characterized by its smoothness, making tasting an authentic Shaoxing wine a compelling reason for many to visit.
Exploring Jianhu Lake requires purchasing a joint ticket for the Keyan Scenic Area. Several small islands within the lake feature attractions such as the Donghan Flute Pavilion, Nanyang Autumn Float, Wuqiao Step Moon, and Hulu Drunken Island. Visitors can choose to walk to the islands from the western entrance of the Keyan Scenic Area, though this can be tiring. Alternatively, a delightful experience is to board the complimentary boats and leisurely cruise around the lake.
A typical itinerary starts with exploring the Keyan Scenic Area, followed by a boat ride to Jianhu Lake. After enjoying the lake, visitors can continue their boat journey to Luzhen. Upon entering Jianhu Lake from Keyan, the first attraction is the Donghan Flute Pavilion, a replica of Han architecture featuring bamboo carvings and crafts. Nearby, the Bai Chuan Pier offers free boat rides into the lake, or visitors can opt to hire a traditional boat for a fee.
If taking the boat, the first stop is the Wuqiao Step Moon, a charming park with five bridges offering picturesque views. The highlight here is a long straight causeway, dubbed the “White Jade Causeway,” which leads to the main attraction of Jianhu Lake, Hulu Drunken Island. This causeway, an ancient towpath, is meticulously preserved and integrates seamlessly with the lake’s surroundings, offering visitors a sense of harmony with nature.
Hulu Drunken Island, the largest island in the lake, resembles a giant wine gourd, and its attractions are all related to Shaoxing’s renowned wine culture. Visitors can reflect on the historical tale of King Goujian of Yue, who strived to achieve his goals, at the “Tou Lao Lao Shi” sculpture. The main building on the island, the Hushang Tower, houses a museum dedicated to wine culture, where exhibits and displays offer insights into the history and craftsmanship of Shaoxing wine. Don’t miss the wine tasting session, where visitors can sample authentic Shaoxing yellow wine brewed from Jianhu Lake water, ensuring a delightful experience.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Included in ticket for Keyan Scenic Area, which costs 100 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.00 (1st May – 30th September) 8.30 – 16.30 (1st October – 30th April) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0575-84367863 0086-0575-84361555 |
Location and Transportation
Jianhu Lake is located at No. 518 Keyan Avenue, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, China, about 1.5 kilometers to the southwest of the city seat. To get there, you can take bus 177A, 177, 811A, 812, 816A, 822, 823A, or 831A and get off at Mujiwan Bridge Stop (木屐湾桥站).
