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Yanu Lake is perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, bird watching, and photography. The serene lake surrounded by mountains offers a peaceful environment for hiking and relaxing walks. You can also visit the nearby scenic areas and enjoy the traditional local culture.
Yanu Lake, also known as the Wawushan Reservoir, is located within Wawushan Forest Park in Hongya County, Meishan City, on the western coast of Sichuan Province. It sits at an altitude of 1,080 meters. The lake covers an area of 15 square kilometers, is 19.04 kilometers long, 13.31 kilometers wide, and has an average depth of 16 meters. It has a storage capacity of 600 million cubic meters and a dam height of 143 meters. The reservoir is primarily used for flood control, but also integrates irrigation, power generation, aquaculture, and tourism. It is a popular destination for tourism and vacations.
Wawushan Reservoir is located in the southwest of Hongya County, 68 kilometers away from Hongya County, with an altitude of about 1,100 meters. The forest coverage rate is over 90% and the average summer temperature is 24℃.
The vast, emerald waters of Wawushan Reservoir blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The lake area boasts seven canyons, 18 peninsulas, and 24 docks of varying sizes. The 82-kilometer lakeside road, stretching east and west, is dotted with over 120 distinctive rural hotels and farmhouses, welcoming over 300,000 visitors annually.
Wawu Mountain Tourist Town is an immigrant town steeped in the folk customs of western Sichuan. Sweet osmanthus trees line the streets, earning it the nickname "Osmanthus Town." Every year around the Mid-Autumn Festival, 37,000 osmanthus trees burst into bloom, filling the air with their delicate fragrance. The town boasts scenic attractions such as the Wawu Mountain Gate, Azalea Square, the China Alpine Azalea Cultural Exhibition Center, the lakeside plank road, the Shupu Ferry, the secluded trails, the Moon-Inviting Valley, and the Diecui Waterscape.
Wangping residential area is built on the mountainside, next to Yanu Lake. It has a beautiful ecological environment and fresh air. It is one of the best viewing spots to overlook Wawu and appreciate the whole view of Wawu Mountain.
Xinsi Ecological Village is shaded by trees year-round, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. Fuxing Ecological Cultural Village, a millennium-old village at the foot of Wawu Mountain, boasts a 96% forest coverage rate, boasting over 10,000 mu of Davidia involucrata and alpine azalea forests, and centuries-old trees can be seen everywhere.
Fuxing Village, nestled in a spacious landscape nestled between mountains and rivers, boasts beautiful scenery, simple folk customs, and a rich cultural heritage. It is one of the first nationally designated "National Ecological Cultural Villages" and the only one in Sichuan Province. Fuxing Village's "Fuxing Gong and Drum Dance" is among the first batch of Sichuan Province's intangible cultural heritage sites. The folk songs and gongs and drums of Fuxing Village are authentic and natural folk art, bearing a distinct remnant of the Qingyi Qiang and Chu peoples.
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Yanu Lake is a picturesque natural site in Meishan, Sichuan, and is known for its calm waters and surrounding landscapes. The lake has historical significance as a local water source and plays an important role in the area's ecosystem and cultural heritage.
Yanu Lake is located in Meishan, Sichuan Province. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from Chengdu or Meishan city center, which takes about 1.5-2 hours. Once in the area, walking or taking a short taxi ride can help you reach the lake.
The lake is accessible year-round. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the surrounding nature is in full bloom. Weekdays, especially in the morning, tend to be less crowded.
The entrance fee is usually around ¥30-¥50, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via local ticketing platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but is recommended during peak tourist seasons or weekends. It’s best to book at least a few days in advance for convenience.
You’ll need approximately 2-4 hours to explore the lake area. This includes time for a leisurely walk, enjoying the views, and possibly taking a boat ride.
The must-see highlights include the lake itself, the surrounding lush greenery, and the nearby temples or pavilions. The boat rides across the lake provide breathtaking views of the water and mountains.
Guided tours are available and typically conducted in Mandarin. For foreign tourists, it’s recommended to arrange for a private guide or use translation apps to make the most of the experience.
The best photography spots are around the lake’s edge, especially during sunrise or sunset. The boat ride offers excellent opportunities to capture scenic shots of the surrounding mountains and water.
A recommended route is to start by walking along the lake, then take a boat ride to explore the other side, and finish by visiting any local pavilions or temples nearby. This allows you to enjoy both the natural beauty and cultural aspects of the area.
Night visits are not typically available. However, some special tours may be organized during festivals, so it’s best to check with local authorities or tour operators for any night-time events.
The lake can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are during weekdays, especially early mornings or late afternoons.
Basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and rest areas are available near the lake. There are also small shops selling snacks and local souvenirs.
The area around Yanu Lake is accessible to children and elderly visitors, though some parts may require walking on uneven terrain. The main pathways and rest areas are generally suitable for disabled visitors.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Some smaller vendors may only accept cash, so it’s advisable to carry some cash as a backup.
There are a few local restaurants near the lake offering Sichuan cuisine. Meishan city also has a variety of dining options, including international restaurants.
Vegetarian food is widely available in local restaurants, and some places offer halal options, though they may be limited in the immediate vicinity of the lake.
There are several guesthouses and hotels in Meishan city, which is a short drive from Yanu Lake. Options range from budget accommodations to more upscale hotels.
Nearby attractions include Mount Emei, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base. Both are easily accessible and make for great day trip combinations with a visit to Yanu Lake.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the lake offering traditional crafts, local tea, and items related to the area’s cultural heritage. Popular souvenirs include handmade bamboo products and local snacks.
After visiting Yanu Lake, you can take a bus or taxi to Meishan city for further exploration. If heading to other nearby attractions, such as Mount Emei, private transport or a guided tour is the most convenient option.
