Get to Know Baofeng Lake
An emerald gem hidden in Zhangjiajie's Wulingyuan
Baofeng Lake lies within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie, one of the core sites of a World Natural Heritage area. About 2.5 km long and 72 m deep on average, its water is clear as a mirror, with the surrounding cliffs and peaks reflected in it — acclaimed as a "world classic lake".
Baofeng Lake is no ordinary lake — above the high-gorge water you boat amid the scenery; below the peaks and waterfalls you hear Tujia folk songs. It is also an outdoor filming location for the 1986 TV series Journey to the West, where landscape and culture intertwine.
Highlights:
① Baofeng Lake Main Lake— the mirror-calm surface is ringed by peaks; boating feels like gliding through a painting while authentic Tujia folk songs rise — the park's most unmissable experience.
② Peaks & Waterfall— a 100-meter waterfall plunges down with great force. This is the Water Curtain Cave filming location from Journey to the West and Baofeng Lake's most recognizable landmark.
Must-See Spots
Every spot is worth pausing for
Baofeng Lake Main Area
The water shifts with the light, in clear layers from emerald to deep blue. Boating, you see cliffs and peaks mirrored on the surface, as if in a fairyland. In mid-lake, enjoy antiphonal Tujia folk songs — the park's signature experience.
Peaks & Waterfall
The 100-meter waterfall at the entrance cascades down amid drifting mist. As a filming location for Journey to the West, it is a must-photograph spot.
Yingwo Village
One of the park's high points — climb to the top for a panorama of Baofeng Lake. On the way, cross Yixiantian Gorge and feel how narrow it is where only one person can pass sideways.
Yixiantian Gorge
A natural stone-split gorge with walls on both sides; looking up you see only a sliver of sky. At its narrowest, only one person can pass sideways — scenery at every step, wonder within the danger.
Best Season to Visit
A scene in every season, each with its own charm
| Season | Time | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | March–May | Profuse mountain flowers, shimmering lake, fewer visitors | Photographers, leisure travelers |
| ☀️ Summer | June–August | Mirror-clear water, cool and pleasant boating, summer peak season | Families, summer-escape travelers |
| 🍂 Autumn | September–November | Clear skies, deep-blue lake, comfortable temperatures — best of the year | Photographers, in-depth travelers |
| ❄️ Winter | December–February | Few visitors, a serene lake, a distinctive charm | Travelers seeking quiet |
May Day and National Day Golden Weeks and summer are peak seasons; book tickets early and plan your trip well.
Entry Notes
📋 Know before you visit
① Real-name entry: The park uses real-name management; enter by scanning your own valid ID, so be sure to bring the original.
② Opening hours: Daily opening hours follow the park's announcements; entering in the morning gives the best experience.
③ Boats: The core experience is boating on the lake; boats depart on schedule, so plan your time accordingly.
④ Children and seniors: Age and height are verified on site; please fill in booking details truthfully.
⑤ Safety: Take care near the lake, watch children and seniors with you, and follow the guidance of park staff.
Practical Travel Tips
💡 Prepare well for an easier visit
Documents: An ID card is required for entry; carry the original — screenshots and copies are not accepted.
Clothing: Visiting Baofeng Lake involves climbing and boating; comfortable sneakers and light clothing are recommended.
Sun protection: UV is strong in the mountains; a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are advisable.
Weather: Zhangjiajie's mountains have changeable weather; check the forecast and bring rain gear.
Peak season: May Day, National Day, and summer are busy; book tickets and lodging early and travel off-peak for a better experience.
A Geological Marvel of Ages
Every rock layer is a mark of time
The landscape of Baofeng Lake did not form overnight. This is classic quartz-sandstone peak-forest terrain, shaped over hundreds of millions of years by crustal uplift, water erosion, and weathering into today's scenery of encircling cliffs and lake nestled among peaks.
The lake is a narrow stretch of about 2.5 km, ringed by sheer peaks with a marked elevation drop; at its deepest it exceeds 70 m, and its emerald water is a signature blend of Wulingyuan's peak-forest terrain and lake scenery.
| Lake length | about 2.5 km |
|---|---|
| Average Depth | about 72 m |
| Water feature | High-gorge lake · mirrored emerald water |
| Terrain type | Quartz-sandstone peak forest · gorge |
More Sights on the Lake
Beyond the boat ride, don't miss these details
① Baofeng Lake Main Area— water like a mirror with peaks reflected; boating here feels like stepping into a painting, the park's signature experience.
② Lakeside folk-song stage— where Tujia singers perform native folk songs that resonate with the landscape.
③ Spectacular Peak Waterfall— the hundred-meter waterfall at the entrance, also a filming location for the Water Curtain Cave in "Journey to the West".
④ One-Line Sky Gorge— a natural rock cleft between close-pressing walls; looking up, you see only a sliver of sky.
⑤ Eagle Nest Fort Viewpoint— climb to the top for a full view of the lake and surrounding peaks.
⑥ Mid-lake rest point— a brief stop on the boat route to admire the water and peaks up close and take photos.
Four-Season Travel Guide
Every season offers a different Baofeng Lake
Spring (Mar–May)
Wildflowers bloom, the lake rises, and the weather warms; crowds are light — good for a spring outing. Bring a light jacket, as mornings and evenings are cool.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
The greenest season, with refreshing boat rides — peak summer travel. Bring sun protection and rain gear; mountain areas often see afternoon showers.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Clear skies, deep-blue water, and great visibility — the best season of the year. Wear comfortable long sleeves and add a jacket in the morning and evening.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Few visitors and a tranquil lake, with occasional frost accenting the peaks — a quiet charm of its own. Dress warmly and watch your footing.
Recommended Routes
Pick one that suits your time and energy
🚶 Half-Day Highlights Route
Photo stop at the waterfall → board at Baofeng Lake pier → lake sightseeing and folk songs → shoreline stroll and exit. Ideal for families and senior visitors; gentle and relaxed throughout.
🏔️ Full-Day Panorama Route
Entrance waterfall → climb Eagle Nest Fort → One-Line Sky Gorge → summit lake view → boat ride from the pier → mid-lake folk songs → stroll out.
📷 In-Depth Photo Route
Enter early for morning mist over the lake → shoot from multiple angles along the shore → climb for a panoramic view → take a boat in the afternoon to catch mirrored peaks. A wide-angle lens is recommended; off-peak light is best.
Visitor Notes
⚠️ Safety and Responsible Visiting
Safety:Follow staff guidance by the lake and on boats; do not climb over railings or enter the water outside designated areas.
Clothing:Visiting includes hiking and boating; wear non-slip walking shoes and avoid high heels and slippers.
Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly; check the forecast before you go and bring rain gear and sun protection.
Prohibited:No smoking or littering in the park; drones must follow the park's regulations.
Children and seniors:Keep an eye on accompanying children and seniors, and take care when boarding and leaving boats.
Documents: Entry is real-name; carry your original ID card. Screenshots and photocopies are not accepted.
Facilities
Convenient support for your visit
Dining
Several restaurants around the park and in Wulingyuan town serve Western-Hunan flavors and Tujia dishes.
Rest areas
Rest areas along the lake and at the pier are available for short breaks and photos.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available at the park entrance and key points, clearly signposted.
Parking
The park has a parking lot; spaces are tight in peak season, so arrive early or travel off-peak.
FAQ
A few questions we hear most before departure
All seasons are fine. Autumn (Sep–Nov) has clear skies and a deep-blue lake — the best of the year; summer (Jun–Aug) has clear water and cool boating; spring (Mar–May) brings profuse flowers; winter is quiet and serene.
The classic panorama route takes about 3–4 hours (including climbing and boating); the relaxed route about 2 hours (boating and a shoreline walk only). Choose based on your energy and time.
Enter by scanning your own valid resident ID original; screenshots, copies, or substitutes are not accepted. Be sure to carry your original ID.
👆 Long-press to scan the QR code