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Jiaxing Nanhu Lake is one of the three famous lakes in Zhejiang Province, on par with Hangzhou West Lake and Shaoxing East Lake. It is famous for its charming scenery of "light smoke blowing over the islet and a gentle breeze is about to come".
Nanhu Lake is divided into two lakes, East and West. The two lakes are connected and look like mandarin ducks embracing each other. In ancient times, mandarin ducks often lived in the lake, so it is also called Yuanyang Lake.
Nanhu is not only famous for its beautiful scenery, but also the birthplace of the Communist Party of China and an important revolutionary memorial site in my country's modern history.
June to September is the best time to visit Nanhu Lake. Every May, Jiaxing Nanhu Lake will hold a tourism festival, with water activities such as releasing lotus lanterns, tug-of-war on the water (grabbing lotus flowers), stepping on white boats, rowing performances, etc.
In the scenic area, you can take a boat to the lake island, visit the Misty Rain Tower, and admire the Red Boat; visit the Xiu Garden to see the inscriptions, climb the Haogu Tower, and take a walk along the lake.
Recommended playing time: about 3 hours
It is open here and strolling along the lake is free, but you need to buy a ticket to go to the lake island and visit scenic spots.
Combo ticket: 60 yuan/person (includes Huijing Garden, Lake Island, Lanxiu Garden, Wu Xiang Temple, and Wenzibi Garden)
April 1st - October 31st: 8:00-17:00
November 1st - March 31st: 8:00-16:30
Jiaxing Nanhu is historically significant for being the site where the first National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held in 1921. The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall is dedicated to this important event. The area is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, featuring Nanhu Lake, a serene spot for visitors to relax and explore.
Jiaxing Nanhu is located in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, in eastern China. You can take a high-speed train to Jiaxing Railway Station and then take a taxi or public bus to Nanhu. The area is easily accessible by walking once you're in the vicinity of Nanhu Lake and the Memorial Hall.
The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the natural surroundings are most scenic.
The entrance to the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall is free, but boat rides on Nanhu Lake may have a separate charge. Tickets for boat tours can be purchased on-site or through local travel agencies. Tickets for guided tours are also available.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for general visits. However, if you plan to take a guided tour or book a boat ride during peak seasons, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during holidays or weekends.
To fully explore the Nanhu area, including the Revolutionary Memorial Hall and surrounding natural attractions, 3-4 hours would be ideal. If you plan to take a boat tour or explore more of the eco-tourism areas, you may need an additional hour or two.
Guided tours are available at the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall, and guides speak Mandarin. Audio guides are available in Mandarin and English, providing a detailed explanation of the history of the site.
Start your visit with a trip to the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall to learn about the history of the site. Afterward, take a boat tour around Nanhu Lake to enjoy the natural beauty. Finish by strolling through the surrounding parks and gardens to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Night visits are not typically available at the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall. However, the area is beautifully lit up at night, making it an enjoyable place to walk around and take evening photographs. No light shows or special night tours are available.
The Nanhu area can get crowded, especially during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon during off-peak seasons (spring and autumn).
There are public toilets available near the Memorial Hall and other tourist spots. Food and water can be purchased at nearby shops, and there are small cafes where you can rest and enjoy local snacks. There are also some souvenir shops selling traditional Zhejiang handicrafts.
The Nanhu area is relatively accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with paved pathways around the Memorial Hall and the lake. However, the boat tours may not be accessible for those with mobility challenges. There are also areas with benches for resting.
Mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted, and credit cards are commonly used at larger stores and facilities. Cash is not typically required for most transactions.
Nearby restaurants offer local Zhejiang cuisine, including freshwater fish dishes, dumplings, and local snacks. There are also cafes where you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
Vegetarian options are widely available, with many dishes based on vegetables, tofu, and rice. Vegan and halal food options may be limited, especially in smaller local eateries.
Souvenir shops in the area sell traditional Zhejiang handicrafts, tea sets, silk products, and local specialties such as rice wine and snacks.
