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Visitors can enjoy boating on Jiuli Lake, hike around the lake's scenic trails, and explore the surrounding natural beauty. It's also popular for fishing and photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Jiuli Lake, a National AAAA-level scenic spot and the birthplace of Chinese dream-praying culture, is located in Zhongshan Town, Xianyou County, Putian City, Fujian Province, 31 kilometers from the county seat, at an altitude of 590 meters. Jiuli Lake is one of Xianyou's "Four Great Scenic Spots" (along with Jiuli Lake, Maixia Rock, Caixi Rock, and Tianma Mountain). It is renowned for its lake, caves, waterfalls, and rock formations, with the waterfall being the most remarkable. It is known as "The Nine Carp Waterfalls, the World's Wonders." The great Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake named it one of the "Three Wonders of Fujian," along with Wuyi Mountain and Yuhua Cave.
Legend has it that during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, nine He brothers refined elixirs here to save the world. When the elixir was completed, they ascended to heaven on carp, hence the name Jiuli Lake. This legend, passed down for thousands of years, has attracted countless dignitaries, scholars, and poets to visit and pray for dreams, leaving behind many precious poems, essays, and cliff carvings.
Jiuli Lake, a beautiful natural lake, is awash in emerald green waters and a serene expanse of turquoise. Surrounding the lake are lush forests, a thousand cliffs, jagged rocks, and majestic waterfalls, blending the beauty of forest, waterfall, water, and rock into one stunning sight. Upstream, the vast underwater rock formations are dotted with bizarre caves resembling mortars, jars, urns, and wells. Some are unfathomable, and are said to be the sites where the Nine Immortals refined elixirs. Within the mountains and forests, countless unusual rocks and stones are found, including Penglai Stone, Yingzhou Stone, Feather Stone, Black Pearl Stone, Dragon-Scrubbing Stone, Pillow Flow Stone, and Natural Sitting Stone.
Subtropical monsoon climate; March to August, spring and summer are the best travel seasons to enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers.
Nine Carp Waterfall, Thousand Years of Praying Dreams, Cliff Carvings;
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
50 yuan/person
08:00~17:00
Jiuli Lake is known for its serene beauty and ecological importance. It has been a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. The lake is part of a larger conservation area that aims to protect local flora and fauna.
Jiuli Lake is located in Putian, Fujian. You can take a taxi from Putian city center, or drive if you have access to a car. There are no direct metro services, but local buses may be available.
The lake is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant.
The entrance fee to Jiuli Lake is approximately 40 RMB. Tickets can be bought at the entrance gate or online through local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but recommended during peak seasons to avoid waiting. Booking online a few days ahead is advisable.
You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore Jiuli Lake thoroughly, including a boat ride, walking the trails, and photography. It’s an ideal spot for a half-day visit.
Highlights include the peaceful lake itself, the surrounding mountain views, and the walking trails that offer scenic vistas. The boat rides on the lake are also a must-do.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be offered in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides may be limited.
The best viewpoints are from the elevated paths around the lake and from the boats on the water, especially at sunrise or sunset when the lighting is perfect for photography.
Start at the main entrance, take a boat ride to get a view of the lake from the water, then explore the walking trails that loop around the lake for great panoramic views.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available at Jiuli Lake. However, the natural beauty of the area during the early morning and evening is spectacular.
Weekends and public holidays tend to be crowded. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, particularly early in the morning.
There are rest areas, toilets, and small food stalls near the entrance. You can also buy bottled water and some snacks. However, there are limited dining options within the scenic area.
The main areas around Jiuli Lake, such as the entrance and certain viewpoints, are accessible for elderly and disabled visitors. However, some of the hiking trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are more commonly used. It's recommended to use mobile payments for convenience.
There are a few small local restaurants near the entrance to Jiuli Lake that offer traditional Fujianese cuisine. For more options, you can head to Putian city center.
Vegetarian options are available at some of the local restaurants near Jiuli Lake. Halal food options may be limited, so it is advisable to check beforehand.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses in Putian city, which is about 20 minutes by car from Jiuli Lake. Mid-range hotels are also available in the city.
Nearby attractions include the Meizhou Island, famous for its temples and beautiful coastline, and the Nanyan Bay for beach lovers. Both can be visited in a day trip along with Jiuli Lake.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance of Jiuli Lake selling local handicrafts such as tea, pottery, and traditional Fujianese items.
After visiting Jiuli Lake, you can take a taxi or local bus back to Putian city, from where you can continue your journey by train or bus to other locations in Fujian.
