
Jiuli Lake, located in the northern part of Xuzhou City, was transformed from coal mining subsidence land. It got its name because it is located in the original Jiuli District and together with Jiuli Mountain forms a " lake and mountain scenery " .
Surrounding the lake are pavilions and waterside terraces, curved bridges and flower stands dot the surface, and waterside plank roads crisscross the water. A plank road connects the island in the center of the lake to the shore. The lake's waters are clear, and lush grasses blanket it. Waterfowl occasionally skim past, and fish play in the water. This is the Jiuli Lake Ecological Wetland Park, a major development in Xuzhou.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
free
All day
Jiuli Lake is a man-made reservoir with a rich cultural history, serving as a key source of water for agricultural irrigation in the region. Over the years, it has become a popular recreational site and nature reserve.
Jiuli Lake is located in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province. It can be accessed by taxi, local buses, or by car. The lake is situated outside the city center, so walking from the city is not recommended, but it's an easy taxi ride.
Jiuli Lake is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant, and the lake is less crowded.
The entrance fee is around 30 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or online via the official Jiuli Lake website.
It's not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it’s recommended during peak tourist seasons or weekends to avoid long waiting times. Booking a day or two in advance should suffice.
You’ll need about 2-3 hours to explore the lake, enjoy a boat ride, and walk around the trails. If you're planning to visit the surrounding park or have a leisurely picnic, consider spending more time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in both Mandarin and English can also be rented for a more informative experience.
The observation tower is the best spot for panoramic photos of the entire lake and the surrounding park. Other great photo opportunities include the boat ride and the lakeside trails at sunrise or sunset.
Start by taking a boat tour around the lake, then head to the walking trails for a leisurely stroll. If you’re up for a challenge, climb the observation tower for the best views. End your visit at the lakeside park, where you can relax and have a picnic.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Jiuli Lake. However, the lake’s peaceful ambiance makes for a lovely evening walk along the trails.
It tends to get crowded on weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays, especially during off-peak seasons like late autumn or early spring.
Yes, the main pathways and observation tower are accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, though some parts of the park may have uneven ground. The boat ride is also wheelchair accessible.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at most places, including ticket booths and food stalls. Cash is also accepted, but credit card usage is limited.
Vegetarian options are available at some of the local restaurants. Halal food may be harder to find, but there are vegetarian-friendly choices in nearby eateries.
Yes, there is a small souvenir shop near the entrance offering local handicrafts, postcards, and small items related to the lake's nature and history.