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Visitors can enjoy walking around the scenic lake, rent a boat to explore the water, or relax in the surrounding gardens. The area is also perfect for photography and birdwatching.
Donglin Lake, also known as Sihe, is located in the "Golden Triangle" area, 16 kilometers southeast of Xingyang City, 25 kilometers northeast of Xinmi City, and 20 kilometers southwest of Zhengzhou City. The Zhengzhou Ring Expressway and Bus No. 301 go directly to the park, and it is only 40 kilometers away from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport.
Donglin Lake boasts a rich history and culture. The Donglin Temple, built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, boasts a history dating back 1,800 years. It is considered one of the four great temples in the Central Plains, along with the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, the Xiangguo Temple in Kaifeng, and the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng. Its three scenic spots—the White Jade Buddha, the Donglin Evening Bell, and the Chu Golden Furnace—are renowned throughout the region.
Donglin Lake Water Amusement Park is located in Jiayu Town, 15 kilometers southwest of Zhengzhou City and 20 kilometers southeast of Xingyang City. Donglin Temple is a treasured temple with a long history and beautiful scenery. It was first built in the Han Dynasty and flourished in the Tang Dynasty. It became even more prosperous after King Jing of Zhou of the Ming Dynasty was buried in the temple and it became the Zhou King Buddhist Hall.
The temperate monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The temple boasts towering ancient pagodas, numerous steles, and magnificent architecture. Together with Shaolin Temple and Zhulin Temple, it is known as one of the "Three Forests of Heaven," and alongside Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Xiangguo Temple in Kaifeng, and White Horse Temple in Luoyang, it is also considered one of the "Four Famous Temples of the Central Plains." Donglin Lake, 500 meters south of the temple, sits like a dazzling pearl beside the temple. Its clear, sparkling waters offer a great spot for boating and fishing.
It is recommended to play for 1 hour.
free
Open all day
Donglin Lake is a peaceful and scenic spot, known for its beautiful natural surroundings and the role it plays in promoting local tourism and environmental awareness. It is also a popular retreat for nature lovers and photographers.
Donglin Lake is located in Zhengzhou, Henan. It is accessible by taxi or public transportation. The nearest metro station is around 20 minutes away by taxi.
The lake is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant.
Tickets are generally priced around 20-40 CNY, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online in advance during peak seasons.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy seasons like weekends and holidays. Booking a day or two in advance is sufficient.
It takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore Donglin Lake, including boat rides, walking around the lake, and enjoying the nature trails.
Key highlights include the lakeside pathways, boat rides on the lake, and the surrounding gardens. The area also has great views of the mountains in the distance.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available for self-guided tours, but English options are limited.
The best photography spots are along the lakeside, especially during sunrise and sunset when the lighting is ideal. The boat ride offers unique perspectives of the landscape as well.
Start by walking around the lakeside path, take a boat ride for a better view of the lake, and then explore the gardens. End your visit with a relaxing break in one of the resting areas.
There are no night visits or light shows at Donglin Lake, but the area is serene and peaceful for evening walks.
The lake can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. Visiting on weekdays, especially early in the morning, offers a quieter experience.
There are public toilets, rest areas, and kiosks selling snacks and drinks. The main entrance area has a few small shops and cafés.
The park is mostly accessible with paved pathways, but some areas may be difficult for those with mobility issues. It’s best to check the specific areas beforehand.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted. It’s still a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases.
There are small cafés near the entrance offering snacks and drinks. For more options, you can head to the nearby city center for a wider range of restaurants.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants. Halal food options may be more limited, so it’s best to check ahead if needed.
There are several mid-range hotels near the lake. For more luxury options, you can find accommodations in the downtown area of Zhengzhou.
Nearby attractions include Zhengzhou's Yellow River Scenic Area and the Erqi Memorial Tower. Both are easily accessible for a full day of sightseeing.
Souvenir shops near the entrance offer small gifts, local crafts, and nature-related items such as postcards and hand-painted fans.
Taxis, public buses, and metro services are available to continue your trip to other destinations in Zhengzhou or beyond.
