South Lake (南湖, Nan Lake), situated in the southeastern part of Jiaxing City, is one of the three renowned lakes in Jiangnan, China. Covering an area of approximately 5.86 square kilometers, with the core area occupying 2.76 square kilometers, South Lake owes its formation to its close association with the Grand Canal, which converges various channels to form the lake. It receives water from Changshuitang and Haiyantang to the north and flows into Pinghutang and Changxiantang to the south. Surrounded by flat terrain and crisscrossed by rivers and harbors, South Lake boasts a water area of approximately 624 acres with depths ranging from 2 to 4 meters. Its unique geographical location and natural landscapes endow South Lake with abundant ecological resources and stunning scenery.
The history of South Lake can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, when it was known as Luwei Pool. It was renamed South Lake during the Tang Dynasty and has also been referred to as Bi Lake, Mandarin Duck Lake, Horse Field Lake, and Southeast Lake. South Lake holds significant historical importance as the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party’s revolutionary journey. In early August 1921, the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China concluded on a boat on South Lake, marking the establishment of the CPC. The South Lake Revolutionary Memorial Hall, located on the lakeside, houses many historical relics and photographs related to the First National Congress of the CPC, making it an important site for understanding the Party’s history and revolutionary history.
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Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 (1st April – 31st October) 8.00 -16.30 (1st November – 31st March) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0573-82532848 |
Location and Transportation
South Lake is located at 1 Nanxi Road, Nanhu District, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province. Its central geographical coordinates are approximately 120°76′ east longitude and 30°76′ north latitude. To get there, you can take bus 26, 36, 71, 81, 90, or 92 and get off at South Lake Scenic Spot Huijing Garden Stop (南湖景区会景园站).
Highlights of South Lake
Boats operate approximately every 20 minutes, allowing visitors to circumnavigate the lake, stopping at various attractions along the way. At each attraction, passengers disembark and wait for the next boat to continue the journey. There are three main docks along the shore, with boarding typically taking place at Huijing Garden on the east side of South Lake. Apart from the central island, which requires a boat ride to access, the other two docks are on the shore. Visitors can complete a full circuit back to the starting point or choose to end their journey at one of the stops.
The first stop on the boat tour is the central island of South Lake, where the Yanyu Building stands. Legend has it that this building was frequently visited by Emperor Qianlong during his travels to Jiangnan, earning it widespread fame. While the current Yanyu Building is not the original structure, its picturesque setting amidst surrounding gardens still makes it a notable architectural feature worth visiting, especially for the panoramic view from the top.
The iconic Red Boat, the site of the First National Congress of the CPC, floats on the surface of the lake in front of the Yanyu Building. Many visitors come here to witness the birthplace of the revolution. However, the Red Boat seen today is a replica, with a modern interior. Additional fees are required to board the boat, and photography is prohibited onboard, but it’s permitted to take exterior photos from the shore.
Moreover, the central island also features the Qianlong Imperial Stele Pavilion, Qinghui Hall, and several pavilions where visitors can leisurely stroll around. In the subsequent parts of the journey, attractions such as the Cangsheng Shrine and the Monument Garden commemorating Cangjie on the northern Xiaoyingzhou Island, as well as the Shuqu Tower and the Wuxiang Shrine commemorating Wu Zixu on the western side, offer relatively tranquil surroundings and picturesque views. Climbing to the top of the tower provides a bird’s-eye view of the lush trees, pavilions, and bridges dotting South Lake, with occasional trains passing by on the Zhejiang-Jiangxi Railway.