Dripping Lake

滴水湖

An artificial lake located in the center of Lingang New City in Pudong New Area. Its water source is the Huangpu River and its area is equivalent to that of West Lake in Hangzhou.
There are three islands in the lake. The North Island is an entertainment island, the West Island is a tourist accommodation area, and the South Island has facilities such as a yacht club and yacht harbor.
It's a quiet, fresh-air place with few people. You can fly kites, go fishing, and ride a bicycle around the lake. You can also rent a bicycle or take a speedboat around the lake.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Lingang New City, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (上海市浦东新区临港新城)

  • History: Dishui Lake is China’s largest man-made lake, designed by a German architecture firm and completed in 2004. It was created as the central feature of Lingang New City, part of Shanghai’s urban expansion and coastal development strategy.

  • Architecture & Design: The lake is a perfect circle with a diameter of 2.5 km and covers an area of 5.56 square kilometers. Surrounding it are landscaped parks, squares, bridges, and leisure facilities. Its circular layout symbolizes harmony and balance, integrating modern engineering with ecological planning.

  • Cultural Value: Dishui Lake is not just a scenic attraction but also an urban planning model of Shanghai’s future. It symbolizes innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration. The area hosts cultural festivals, outdoor concerts, and yachting events.

  • Other Information: The lake serves as a leisure destination for cycling, jogging, photography, and family activities, especially on weekends. It is also connected to the Shanghai Astronomy Museum (上海天文馆) and Ocean Aquarium nearby.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (public space), nearby attractions may have separate schedules.

  • Ticket Price: Free entry
    Some activities like yacht rentals or amusement rides: 50–200 RMB

  • Best Photo Spots: Central Island Bridge (中心岛大桥)
    East Coast Park (东海岸公园)
    Yacht Harbor (游艇码头)
    Sunset on the west side of the lake

  • Time Reference: 2–4 hours for sightseeing; half day if combined with nearby attractions.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: The Qube Hotel Shanghai Lingang (上海临港美爵酒店)
    Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Pudong South Shanghai (上海浦东南区华美达广场酒店)
  • Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Lingang (上海临港智选假日酒店)
    Lingang Hotel (临港宾馆)
  • Budget & Boutique: Local boutique inns around Lingang Avenue (临港大道)
    Yuehu Lake Guesthouse (悦湖民宿)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Fresh seafood (海鲜 Haixian) from the nearby coast
    Shanghai-style braised pork (红烧肉 Hong Shao Rou)
    Lingang fish dishes (临港鱼宴)
  • Famous Spots: Dishui Lake Seafood Restaurant (滴水湖海鲜楼)
    Lingang 88 Food Street (临港88美食街)
    Donghai Fishing Village Restaurant (东海渔村餐厅)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Marine-themed handicrafts
  • Postcards and artwork featuring Dishui Lake’s circular design
  • Local specialty snacks (Chongming rice cake 崇明糕 often sold in Lingang markets)
  • Miniature models of Shanghai Astronomy Museum (上海天文馆) and Dishui Lake landmarks

Transportation

  • By Metro: Take Metro Line 16 to Dishui Lake Station (滴水湖站), then walk or take a short bus ride to the lake.
  • By Bus: Several Lingang district buses stop near Dishui Lake (滴水湖公交站).
  • By Car: From downtown Shanghai, drive via S2 Expressway (沪芦高速), approx. 1–1.5 hours.
  • By Taxi: Around 200–250 RMB from city center, ~70 km distance.

Nearby Attractions

  • Shanghai Astronomy Museum (上海天文馆) – 1 km, 15 min walk
  • Lingang Ocean Park (临港海洋公园) – 1.5 km, 5 min taxi
  • East China Sea Viewing Platform (东海观景台) – 2 km, 20 min walk

Tips for Visitors

  • Best time to visit: late afternoon for sunset photography.
  • Bring sun protection as the lake area has wide open spaces with little shade.
  • Rent a bicycle for a full circle tour around the lake (~8 km).
  • Weekends and public holidays can be crowded with families.
  • Combine with Shanghai Astronomy Museum for a full-day cultural and leisure experience.
  • Pack snacks and water as restaurants are mainly clustered in certain areas.

Recommended itineraries

  • 1-Day Leisure Tour:
    Downtown Shanghai → Metro Line 16 → Dishui Lake (滴水湖) → Cycling and sightseeing → Lunch at Dishui Lake Seafood Restaurant → Visit Shanghai Astronomy Museum (上海天文馆) → Return by metro.
  • 2-Day Nature & Science Tour:
    D1: Shanghai → Dishui Lake → Boating and photography → Stay overnight at The Qube Hotel Shanghai Lingang (美爵酒店).
    D2: Shanghai Astronomy Museum (上海天文馆) → Lingang Ocean Park (临港海洋公园) → Return to downtown.
  • 3-Day Coastal Discovery Tour:
    D1: Dishui Lake (滴水湖) – cycling and sunset walk.
    D2: Donghai Bridge (东海大桥, 30 min by car) – explore sea-crossing views.
    D3: Nanhui Peach Blossom Village (南汇桃花村, 40 min drive) – seasonal flower-viewing → Return to Shanghai.

User Reviews

By Car |

Dishui Lake was quite popular during the May Day holiday. You can take Metro Line 16 to Dishui Lake Terminal, then take the elevator outside to see the lake. You can take photos of several iconic buildings. The only thing missing is a whale sculpture, which you need to take Bus No. 33 to Guanhai Pier, which takes about 20 minutes. Then you can go into the sea to experience it!

By monk |

For Shanghai, it is indeed a rare natural place, with empty roads, white clouds and blue sky. When driving into the Lingang District, the road next to it actually feels like driving in Sanya.



The area around the lake is still under construction, but the lack of people is nice, and the clouds are beautiful. The other artificial islands are pretty good, too. It's nice to just drop by, but there's no need to go there specifically.



There is a Hong Kong-style dessert shop by the lake on Xidao Island that is pretty good, and there is also a Chaoshan beef hotpot restaurant nearby that is also pretty good.

By Hedwig Sugar |

When I first heard the name Dishui Lake, I thought it was very poetic - tears from the sky, drops of water forming a lake.

I'd mentioned kite flying to my son before, so I took advantage of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday to fulfill my promise. Dishui Lake is located in Lingang New City, Pudong New Area. Because of its remote location, it feels like it's outside the city. We drove from the northwest to the southeast of Shanghai, a full two hours.

Perhaps due to its remote suburban location and proximity to the lake, the air near the scenic area is incredibly fresh, evoking the feeling of "after a fresh rain in the empty mountains, the weather turns to autumn late." However, the wind was quite strong, with a hint of dampness and chill, so even on a sunny day, it's best to bring a jacket. Along the way, there were vendors selling kites and fruit. We chose a vibrantly colored kite featuring a touhou (a Chinese macaque) with colorful streamers. The islands of Dishui Lake are truly a perfect place for kite flying, with a clear, turquoise sky and lush green grass beneath our feet. I grabbed the reel and ran across the grass. The wind was strong, and the skirts of my mist-blue dress fluttered. My child, following behind me, screamed with excitement. The kite, riding the wind, soared into the air. We continued running, slowly loosening our grip on the reel. The kite soared higher and higher, its colorful streamers dancing in the wind, and the touhou monkey's mouth gradually faded from view. Perhaps inspired by our actions, a little girl about our child's age also started running after us. Across the green lawn, we could see the silhouettes of a large kite and two smaller ones, racing in the wind. Soon, our kite, joined by many others, soared into the distant sky. The sky became increasingly crowded with kites: besides triangular ones like ours, there were also diamond-shaped ones, traditional kites, and hawks, creating a lively atmosphere. Our child seemed to have a special passion for flying kites: he loved to fly them down, then fly them up again, then fly them down again, watching them rise and fall, a joyous experience. When we were tired, we rested on chairs made from tree trunks, ate watermelon, and let the wind carry our thoughts. The lawn was dotted with charming sculptures of polar bears, penguins, sea lions, and more, and the children, keen to pose for photos, were eager to pose.

As the temperature gradually dropped in the evening, we reeled in our kites. My child removed the kite's support rod and used it as a pen to sketch on the ground, occasionally tapping on the reeds by the roadside. I wasn't quite sure what the meaning was, but perhaps it was a unique child's joy. It was the Lingang Ocean Festival, and the decorations around Dishui Lake were filled with marine elements. The azure wind chimes and the blue balls adorning the trees all enhanced the atmosphere.

I can't remember the last time I flew a kite, perhaps when I was very young. As we grow older, with more and more entertainment options available, these things seem to have been forgotten. Sometimes, perhaps we should really be grateful to our children; they allow us to relive the simplest yet most beautiful joys of childhood.

By hyacinth! |

When taking off from Pudong Airport and heading south, you can see Dishui Lake if you sit on the right side.

By Zheng Zizai |

A very large and round artificial lake, but the hotel is expensive!

By Watercolor car and Melaleuca |

It is very far from downtown Shanghai, but now it is directly accessible by subway. It is a large place with a circular lake. It is best to drive there. This was taken ten years ago.

By Brother |

The easternmost part of China's inland plate, the location is very remote. It is suitable for travel enthusiasts to visit.

By chencurl |

Dishui Lake, also known as Luchao Lake, is located in Nanhui New City, Pudong New District, Shanghai. It is on the coast of the East China Sea where Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River estuary meet, about 76 kilometers from the center of Shanghai. It is the central lake of Nanhui New City.

By Snow |

Located in the Yangshan Deepwater Port area, it's quite far from downtown Shanghai. Metro Line 16 provides direct access, but it's a long ride. Driving is the most convenient option. Dishui Lake, while seemingly large and expansive, is a man-made excavation, which doesn't affect the water quality, which is crystal clear. However, it can be very windy, and in the summer, it can be very hot, with no shade. During peak season, speedboats are available for circumnavigating the lake. Because of the expansive views and lack of obstructions, you'll often see people flying kites here, especially in strong winds, making it a perfect spot for kite flying. While visiting Dishui Lake, you can also visit the Maritime Museum in Lingang New City. As for food, I don't think there's much available; you can try a farmhouse in the new city.

By Swirling Water |

It's about the same size as West Lake and is located in the easternmost part of Shanghai. It used to be inconvenient to get there, but now it's connected by subway. I cycled directly from Songhong Road to here, and back again in a day, which was exhausting. I love the small streets there; the streetlights and reeds on both sides are beautiful.

By Overseas shopping e-tribe |

As the only way to get to the Donghai Bridge, the surrounding area is yet to be developed.

By Watching the clouds roll and unfold |

While residents of water towns are no strangers to lakes, they still want to see the nearby Dishui Lake. After all, it's a landmark project within the Lingang New City's core urban area. Its design derives from the master plan of the German firm GMP: a drop of water from heaven falls into the sea, creating ripples that eventually form Dishui Lake, with a diameter of 2.5 kilometers and an area of 5.66 square kilometers. It's currently the largest artificial freshwater lake in China.

From the perspective of viewing, the Dishui Lake is a scenic belt with an average width of 80 meters, with beautiful environment and pleasant scenery. There are also three islands with different positions in the lake - North Island, West Island and South Island.

By Big Bad Wolf |

There are not many projects suitable for home barbecue tourism. There is an artificial lake in the center of Lingang New City in Pudong New Area. The lake water comes from the Huangpu River and its area is equivalent to that of West Lake in Hangzhou.

By Morning Like a Dream |

Dishui Lake is an artificial lake located in the heart of Lingang New City in Pudong New Area, approximately 76 kilometers from downtown Shanghai. The scenery is picturesque, with drifting white clouds, swaying windmills, sparkling blue waters, the neighing of horses, and a clear blue sky.

Most of the visitors to Dishui Lake are local tourists from Shanghai. They bring their children or pet dogs and set up tents on the grass. Because there are few tourists, the lake is very empty even during the National Day holiday.

By Between Perseverance |

I wanted to find a less crowded place during the National Day holiday, so I went to Dishui Lake. It was worth it, the scenery was beautiful, especially around 4:00 PM when I went to West Island. The sky was particularly blue and the breeze was very comfortable, so you must choose a good spot at Dishui Lake. The Maritime Museum is not far away and closes at 4:00 PM, so I recommend going early. You can take a bus from Dishui Lake to the beach park, which is about 40 minutes away and closes to the sea. It's worth a visit, but the water is not very clear.

By Heart in the sea of stars |

Dishui Lake is an artificial lake near the Lingang New City in Pudong. I used to look at maps and wondered when Shanghai had such a lake. But it's so far from home, it's almost as far as Suzhou. Today, while wandering around Nanhui, I stopped by Dishui Lake. Parking is plentiful and convenient, but the area is under construction and there's no access to the lakefront. I should have driven straight to the Crowne Plaza. Afterward, I found a spot at the sailing club and took in the view. The sky was blue, the clouds were white, the water was clear, and the lake was green. It was a beautiful sight. And best of all, it doesn't cost any money!

By China-TravelNote users |

Dishui Lake, located at the terminus of Line 16, is one of Shanghai's newest attractions in recent years, a relatively close suburban attraction. The lake boasts a vibrant blue water and a pier perfect for taking photos. There's also a park nearby where you can rent or buy kites, making kite-flying a couple a great idea. One thing to keep in mind is that Line 16 doesn't have a very high capacity, so try transferring at the terminus, Longyang Road. If transferring at Luoshan Road, avoid rush hour. Trains departing Longyang Road for Dishui Lake are generally quite crowded starting at 4:00 PM. Get up early to visit Dishui Lake; the lake is truly stunning in the midday sun.

By ear |

Dishui Lake, also known as Luchao Lake, is located in Lingang New City, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It is on the coast of the East China Sea where Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River estuary meet, about 76 kilometers from the center of Shanghai. It is the central lake of Lingang New City.

By The Prince's New Clothes |

It is located in Lingang, Shanghai, very far away from the city center, but as a suburban park it is very suitable for sightseeing and the scenery is very open.

By Tossing little meat balls |

Dishui Lake, the most famous scenic spot in Nanhui Lingang New City, resembles a teardrop from heaven falling into the sea. West Island on Dishui Lake boasts a barbecue area, perfect for gathering with friends to enjoy the lake breeze, the scenery, and a barbecue. There's also a boat dock adjacent to Dishui Lake, where you can board a yacht for a tour around the lake. The dock's design is ingenious, resembling a sailboat setting sail.

By Yaoyao |

Dishui Lake is suitable for weekend leisure, with convenient transportation and few people, making it a good place for family vacation...

By lucky star |

It's sparsely populated, so generally not many people come here. It's really considered a suburb.

By Jenny |

Dishui Lake is a truly relaxing place. Sit quietly by the lake, admire the scenery, or snap some photos. You can also rent a bicycle and cycle around the lake. There are free entrances everywhere along the lake. Watch the sunrise and sunset here, and try some water activities.

By Thriving |

As China's second-largest artificial lake, Dishui Lake boasts a modern design and is a worthwhile destination. Its popularity is steadily increasing.

By Xiao Jianxiong of PCR |

The wind is so strong and so far away, I went to listen to the Spring Wave Music Festival

By Cheng Xiaohe |

Dishui Lake is probably an artificial lake built by reclaiming land. It is located in Nanhui New City. The Crowne Plaza Hotel on the island in the lake is quite distinctive.

By Garfield |

The artificial lake near Nanhuizui is usually less crowded with cars, making it a great place for cycling around the lake.

By Victor |

The "Spring Flowers and Autumn Colors" landscape, I'll post a few photos for you to enjoy.

By Milk tea after get off work |

I didn't expect to go to Dishui Lake again after so many years. If it weren't for the activities, I really wouldn't have thought of it. After so many years, Dishui Lake is still the same, but there seem to be more houses, more shops, and more people. Of course, I don't know how much the housing prices have increased... The current Dishui Lake is really good for family travel. There is a special jogging path on the side, and it is very clean overall. However, when we arrived at the barbecue area at noon, it was really a world of its own. Fortunately, the seats were by the lake, and the air was better. It was really smoky in the middle, and the barbecued meat was really average. It was hard to tell the beef from the mutton. It was just for fun. However, Dishui Lake is still suitable for a family weekend vacation.

By seal |

The main attraction is the largest artificial lake, but I recommend you to ride a bike around the area, or if you are rich enough, you can experience the hotel. The surrounding greenery is very good.

By Chen Beiji |

Dishui Lake, a small bar, a small apartment, friends around here can prepare an afternoon, accompany their parents, bring a mat and lunch box, and enjoy an afternoon on the lawn by the lake. It is a rare tranquility and leisure in the city.

By Cape of Good Hope |

Dishui Lake is located in the southeast corner of Shanghai. In the past, it was a beach and belonged to Nanhui District of Shanghai. Now it belongs to Pudong New Area. In fact, it is a man-made lake with a perfect circular shape and a large area. After its construction, Dishui Lake changed the history of Pudong area without lakes.

By Control your heart丶Crazy°つ |

The quality of the scenery depends on the good weather. The sky is blue and the air is good. The scenery is average, but it is nice to relax.

By China-TravelNote users |

The environment is OK, similar to Houtan Park, with volunteers to show the way, and it is quite popular. However, there are fewer activities to play.

By Jonny |

It's really far away. Even in the most remote corner of Shanghai, there are still many people.

By Ling Xia |

The lake is cool in the summer, bring your tent and camp

By Matty |

An artificial lake is accessible by subway. It was very windy and cool in June.

By Fish flower |

The Lingang New City in Pudong, Shanghai, is a large artificial lake. You can take a boat ride around the lake in half an hour. The scenery is quite beautiful.

By Big Cat 2 |

Dishui Lake, the last stop of Metro Line 16

Suitable for picnics and cycling. Of course, wearing a skirt is still very beautiful and appropriate.

By Strawberry flavor 💥 |

It's very good. After getting on the elevator, you can see a large artificial lake. It's super beautiful.

By Be considerate |

It feels relatively primitive, there are many people barbecuing, and the lake is very big.

By Martian User |

It took about an hour and 20 minutes to drive from Putuo, which is quite far, but walking along the lakeside made it all worth it. It was very windy yesterday, so there were very few people and no boats were running. The Dishui Lake subway station is in the sunken square, so you can stop by and browse the duty-free shops. Overall, the surrounding commercial atmosphere is not enough, but the scenery is nice.

By Onion |

Dishui Lake is a place where people come here for its reputation. Located in the easternmost part of Shanghai, Dishui Lake is the most beautiful lake landscape in Shanghai. Standing by the lake, you will be shocked by the boundless sight, and instantly feel like you are not in Shanghai. The convenient and fast Metro Line 16 takes you directly from the city center to the edge of Dishui Lake, making the beautiful lake no longer distant and unfamiliar. The design of Dishui Lake Metro Station is very reasonable and convenient. You can see the beautiful lake as soon as you exit the subway station. This is the core area of the Lingang Development Zone. The buildings by the lake are very beautiful. Looking out from the wind, you can see the entire coastal city, Fisherman's Wharf, and the lighthouse in the distance, which is refreshing. Lingang is a window for Shanghai's high-tech development. It is home to Fortune 500 companies and large aircraft manufacturing institutions. Its booming development momentum is our hope for the future.

By Juk Chung |

Maybe I went there in autumn. The door to the lake center was locked when I went there. The sunset was particularly beautiful.

By ※※Woven※※ |

The winter scenery of Dishui Lake is truly unique. Icicles hang from the cliffs on either side of the waterfall, and icicles scatter over the bushes. The outer surface of the water freezes into a translucent "ice bucket," but the water inside continues to flow, radiating vibrant colors and fragrance under the sunlight, creating a truly spectacular sight. Because the spring water maintains a constant temperature, the grass beneath the waterfall grows green year-round.

By Happy Travel |

I went there on October 1st. There were a lot of people and activities, such as sailing and the Taiwan Food Festival.

By zermengr |

The scenery is nice, the hairtail is delicious, and we had fun.

By Magic City Sanlang |

Dishui Lake, once the world's largest artificial lake, boasts captivating early morning scenery. Watching the sun rise over the lake is a truly spiritual experience. Several friends had a blast exploring the vast expanse of the lake. I visited once, but due to time constraints, I never returned. I recommend bringing food and drinks. On sunny days, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. It's also best to have some change ready, and plan your trip carefully to avoid missing your bus.

By Mr. Meow |

It felt very majestic and magnificent, but the wind was so strong that day that the speedboat and cruise were cancelled.

By Fei Bo & Mi Xiu |

Dishui Lake is a bit out of the way, but thankfully, there's a subway line now, and Line 16 takes you right to the lake. I went there around National Day, and it was quite crowded. Many people brought their children and set up tents. We flew kites, played cards, and ate. It was quite relaxing.

By Sea breeze boat |

Dishui Lake is an artificial lake in Shanghai's Lingang New City. It is perfectly circular and has a circumference of several kilometers. There is a park on the lakeside where you can enjoy the lake view.

By dandelion seeds |

The environment is not bad, not particularly beautiful, it's just a relatively large lake with beautiful buildings along the lake. It's really pleasant to take a walk in the sunset.

By Shanghai Uncle |

The sea breeze is a bit strong, the lake water is quite eutrophic, the scenery is good, but there are few restaurants! It is a bit far from Guanhai Park

By myosotis10 |

There are also plans to build an iconic building, the Cloud Tower, in Dishui Lake. The building will soar into the clouds, and visitors can overlook Dishui Lake and the East China Sea from the top of the Cloud Tower.

By Candy |

Dishui Lake—isn't it just an artificial lake? How could it possibly be beautiful? Yet, upon arriving, I was pleasantly surprised. More importantly, I gained a sense of well-being, a feeling hard to find in the city.

Before arriving, I didn't have high expectations for this place. I thought: It's just a newly built city, full of traces of human activity. Dishui Lake is just an artificial lake, how beautiful can it be? However, after arriving, I was quite pleasantly surprised.

By Biao Biao |

Looking at Dishui Lake from a distance, the lake is very wide, and the breeze blows on the lake, causing small waves. It is a good place to relax.

By Miss Miumiu |

The Dishui Lake is just average, the water quality isn't very good, but it's a good place for couples to spend a quiet weekend together.

By The Lost Moon Girl |

We went to Dishui Lake on the first day, but it seemed disappointing. There was no one there (including staff).

By yanm |

Oh, this is not Dishui Lake, Dishui Lake - Donghai Bridge - Yangshan, this is a mountain of Yangshan Deepwater Port.