
Located between Bailuzhou Park and Nanhu Park, in the center of Xiamen Island, Yundang Inner Lake is divided into Yundang Lake and Yundang Inner Lake by Bailuzhou Park and several elevated bridges. The lake is rippling and bordered by lush green grass.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
free
All day
Yundang Inner Lake is an urban waterway in Xiamen, often regarded as the city's "green lung." The lake is surrounded by scenic parks and serves as a peaceful retreat within the bustling city. It plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and has been developed as a recreational space for both locals and tourists.
Yundang Inner Lake is located in the central part of Xiamen. It can be easily reached by taxi or public transport, including buses. The nearest metro station is Xiamen University Station (Line 1), and the lake is just a short walk from there.
The lake area is open to visitors year-round. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to visit, as the weather is more pleasant and the area is less crowded. Sunset views are particularly scenic around this time.
Entry to Yundang Inner Lake is free for the public. However, certain activities like boat rentals may incur a small fee, which can be paid on-site at the rental counters.
No advance booking is required to visit the lake, as entry is free. However, if you plan to rent a boat or participate in guided tours, it’s a good idea to check availability on the day of your visit.
It typically takes about 1-2 hours to walk around the lake, depending on how much time you spend relaxing or taking photos. If you wish to explore more in-depth or enjoy boating, you may want to allocate 3-4 hours for the full experience.
Guided tours are not widely available, but you can hire a local guide for a more informative visit. Most guides will speak Mandarin, and there may be limited options in English.
Start at the northern side of the lake and walk along the eastern shore, enjoying the parks and scenic views. Make your way to the central lake area, and if you wish, rent a boat for a peaceful ride. End your visit by walking across the bridges for panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
While the lake is open at night, there are no official light shows or nighttime tours. However, the lake is beautifully lit in the evening, making it a peaceful spot for a nighttime walk.
The lake can get busy on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays. The park is generally quieter in the evenings after sunset.
The lake and its surrounding parks are accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. There are paved paths for easy walking, and seating areas are available for resting.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, and some places may also accept credit/debit cards. However, it’s always useful to have some cash for smaller vendors.
There are vegetarian and some vegan options available at nearby restaurants, especially in the more health-conscious eateries. Halal food options are more limited but can be found at specific restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are souvenir shops around the lake selling local crafts, tea, and Xiamen-themed items like postcards and small trinkets.
Taxis, buses, and metro services are available to take you to other attractions or back to your hotel. Alternatively, renting a bike or scooter is a fun way to continue exploring the city.