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Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Xiaonan Lake, walk along the lake’s pathways, and explore the park’s gardens and pavilions.
The Xiaonan Lake Scenic Area has a total planned area of 1.661 square kilometers, of which 0.962 square kilometers are water areas. The Xiaonan Lake Scenic Area is laid out in the shape of a "W" with a horizontal line across it. The horizontal line represents Hunan Road, while the blank area in the middle of the "W" represents the surface of Xiaonan Lake. The scenic area features one pond, two islands, three pavilions, and five gardens. The first pond, representing Xiaonan Lake, is connected to the main lake by two long bridges, forming a relatively independent, tranquil pond with garden architecture. The second island, representing the islands extending north and south from Hunan Road and the southern shore of the lake, faces each other and is connected by a landscape bridge. This creates Xiaonan Lake's varied topography, creating a changing landscape with each tour route, both on land and by water. The third pavilion and five gardens refer to the classical garden architecture of the area, including pavilions, gardens, courtyards, terraces, platforms, pavilions, pavilions, bridges, and embankments. The entire Xiaonan Lake Scenic Area has an exquisite water surface and a lakeside setting. The main landscape features guild halls and art gardens, waterside houses, small bridges and flowing water, fragrant gardens, lotus ponds with fish and lotus roots, which are characteristic of "Jiangnan Gardens", forming the Chinese classical humanistic and natural landscape characteristics of "Quiet Lake and Secluded Garden".
The subtropical monsoon humid climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The small bridges in Xiaonan Lake each have their own unique style
If Xiaonan Lake is likened to a gentle, affectionate eye, then the bridges across it resemble curved eyebrows, each with its own unique charm. The Xiaonan Lake Scenic Area boasts four bridges. Each has a different span and shape, but all share a beautiful name and a fascinating story.
Longhua Bridge, spanning the western end of Hunan Road, resembles a long dragon lying on the waves. It was named after the Longhua Temple, which was to be built on Zhushan Mountain. Yunhui Bridge, with its twin shadows and four pavilions, is located midway along Hunan Road, where it connects Yunlong Lake and Yunlong Mountain. The two bridges, joined together, look like long-lost friends embracing.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
free
Open all day
Xiaonan Lake Scenic Area is a well-preserved natural attraction known for its picturesque landscapes and historical cultural significance in Xuzhou. It is a hub for recreation and environmental conservation.
Xiaonan Lake Scenic Area is located in Xuzhou, Jiangsu. It can be reached by taxi or local buses. If you're near the city center, it's a short 15-20 minute ride by taxi.
The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to enjoy a peaceful experience and avoid crowds.
Admission is approximately 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance or online through the official website or local booking platforms.
Booking in advance is not mandatory, but it’s recommended on weekends or during holidays. A day or two ahead of your visit should be sufficient.
You will need around 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the park, including a boat ride and a leisurely walk around the lake.
The scenic boat rides, the Pavilion of Clouds, and the Lotus Garden are must-see spots within the area.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not available, but you can join a group tour if preferred.
The best photography spots are the lakeside promenades, the Pavilion of Clouds, and the flower gardens surrounding the lake.
Start by visiting the Pavilion of Clouds, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, walk along the lakeside trails, and finish at the lotus gardens for a relaxed end to your visit.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows, but the area is beautiful at sunset, which makes for an ideal time to visit for scenic views.
The park can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are the least crowded times.
The park has clean restrooms, a few food kiosks offering snacks and drinks, rest areas for relaxing, and small souvenir shops.
The park is accessible to all visitors, with wheelchair-friendly paths and rest areas. It’s suitable for elderly visitors and children to explore at their own pace.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted throughout the park, as well as credit and debit cards. Cash is also accepted.
Inside the park, there are a few small cafes offering refreshments. For a wider selection, there are restaurants located just outside the park’s entrance.
There are vegetarian options available in the nearby restaurants. Halal food can be found in the surrounding area, though not within the park itself.
Hotels near the Xiaonan Lake Scenic Area include the Xuzhou Hilton and several budget options within a short driving distance.
Nearby attractions include the Xuzhou Museum and Yunlong Mountain, both of which are worth visiting and can be easily combined with a trip to Xiaonan Lake.
The souvenir shops offer aquatic-themed merchandise, postcards, and local handicrafts, such as small sculptures and traditional artwork.
You can take a taxi or use public transportation to explore other nearby attractions. Buses and taxis are readily available at the park’s exit.
