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Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Erlang Lake, take a stroll around the scenic pathways, visit the local pavilions, and relax in the beautiful park areas. The lake also offers great spots for fishing and photography.
The Erlang Lake Scenic Area is located in Yaopu Town, Nanqiao District, 9 kilometers south of Chuzhou City. The Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway has a Chuzhou stop within its boundaries, offering convenient transportation, comprehensive infrastructure, and fast communications. Key attractions include Erlang Lake, the ancient battlefield, the ancient tomb path, and the Erlang Temple. The temple is adjacent to the Langya Mountain Scenic Area in Chuzhou City.
Erlang Mountain is rich in tourism resources, including beautiful and charming water resources, cultural landscapes and woodlands and mountains with great development value.
This ancient battlefield was established during the Southern Song Dynasty's war against the Jin Dynasty, around 1208 AD, making it over 800 years old. In July 1208, when the Jin army captured Nanjing, a 500,000-strong force prepared to cross the Yangtze River and advance north. Emperor Ningzong of the Southern Song Dynasty urgently ordered Generals Meng Liang and Jiao Zan to lead a 200,000-man army to meet the enemy. Meng Liang and Jiao Zan deployed their troops between Guanshan in Zhulong to the west and Erlang Lake in Yaopu to the east, digging and constructing battle formations day and night. These formations formed a "rear triangle" arrangement, tailored to the terrain. Over a hundred formations have been discovered on the south side of Erlang Lake alone, covering over 300 acres. One can only imagine the intensity of the battle.
With its subtropical monsoon climate, Erlang Mountain is rich in tourism resources, including beautiful and charming water resources, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Recommended tours:
Ancient Tomb Road
It is said that in the second year of Jiatai in the Southern Song Dynasty (1208), Emperor Ningzong of the Southern Song Dynasty built a cemetery for Meng Liang and Jiao Zan who died in the battle against the Jin Dynasty in Erlang Mountain.
Erlang Temple
Erlang Temple was first built in the 8th year of the Republic of China (1919 AD) under the supervision of Zhu Haoming, a Five Precepts lay Buddhist of Langya Temple at that time, and served as a subsidiary temple of Langya Temple.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours
free
Open all day
Erlang Lake is a famous scenic spot known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment. It is a popular destination for local residents and tourists looking for a tranquil retreat, as well as a place to enjoy nature, water activities, and local culture.
Erlang Lake is located in Chuzhou, Anhui. You can reach it by taxi or car, and public buses also have routes that stop near the lake. Walking from nearby accommodations is also possible, depending on your location.
The lake is open year-round, with the best times to visit being during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant. The lake is open during daylight hours, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The entrance fee is generally around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but online booking options may be available during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, except during peak tourist seasons. It's advisable to check the availability online before planning your visit if you are traveling during busy times.
A visit to Erlang Lake can take about 2 to 3 hours if you plan to enjoy the lake activities, stroll through the park, and take photos. For a more relaxed experience, you may want to spend half a day.
The must-see highlights include the serene boat rides on the lake, the pavilions, the well-maintained gardens, and the surrounding natural landscape that is ideal for photography. The peaceful atmosphere is also a highlight of the experience.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. However, for non-Mandarin speakers, it is best to check in advance for audio guide availability, as it may not be readily available in other languages.
Some of the best photography spots are near the lake’s edge, especially where the pavilions and trees reflect on the water. The central dock area provides a great panoramic view of the entire lake and surrounding park.
Start by exploring the lake’s edge, then visit the pavilions and other scenic spots. You can take a boat ride to experience the lake from a different perspective and enjoy a leisurely walk around the park afterward.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at Erlang Lake. The attraction is more focused on daytime visits, where the natural beauty and tranquility are at their best.
The lake can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid large crowds, visit during weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
There are public toilets, water stations, and rest areas near the lake. Some food stalls and small shops are available for snacks, and you can find cafes near the entrance for a more substantial meal.
The attraction is relatively accessible for elderly and children, with paved pathways around the lake and easy access to the pavilions. However, some areas may have uneven ground, so visitors with mobility issues may find certain spots challenging.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used and accepted in the area. Credit cards are less widely accepted in smaller shops and stalls.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the lake, serving traditional Chinese dishes and snacks. For more variety, you can find larger restaurants a short drive away in Chuzhou city center.
Vegetarian options are available at some of the local eateries. Vegan and halal food may be more limited in the immediate area, but you can find suitable options in the city center.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses near the lake, as well as more comfortable mid-range accommodations in the city center. Larger hotels can be found about 10-15 minutes' drive away from the site.
Nearby attractions include the Chuzhou Museum, local parks, and historical sites such as the Three Pagodas Temple. A day trip can also include visits to other lakes and natural scenic areas around Chuzhou.
Small souvenir shops near the lake offer local handicrafts, postcards, and small decorative items. You can also buy traditional Chinese teas and snacks as souvenirs.
After visiting Erlang Lake, taxis or local buses are the best options for continuing your trip. For longer trips, you can take a taxi or drive to other nearby attractions or return to the city center.
