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Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake, take a boat ride to explore the area from the water, and visit the nearby temples for a cultural experience. The lakeside park offers beautiful spots for picnics and relaxation.
Ying Lake, a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, is located 16 kilometers southwest of Ankang City, Shaanxi Province. It covers a total area of 102.8 square kilometers, including 77 square kilometers of water. Its circumference is 540 kilometers, and its reservoir capacity is 2.6 billion cubic meters, with an average water depth of over 100 meters. The scenic area boasts clear waters and blue skies, a Qinba wonderland, excellent water quality, rich biodiversity, a mild climate, and numerous islands. Known as the "Thousand Island Lakes of Shaanxi," it is a provincial-level scenic spot with unique Qinba and Hanshui natural scenery and is one of Shaanxi's ten most scenic spots. In January 2014, the Ankang Ying Lake Ecological and Environmental Protection Project (Ying Lake Wetland Reserve) passed review by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Finance and was listed as one of the first 15 key lake ecological and environmental protection projects in China.
Ying Lake is a key water source for my country's South-to-North Water Diversion Project's Middle Route. In September 2012, the Ankang Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government decided to establish the Ankang Ying Lake Ecological Tourism Zone, which will unify the management of all scenic areas and attractions within the administrative jurisdictions of Yinghu, Jihe, and Liushui Towns, and also include the Xiangxi Cave Scenic Area under the jurisdiction of Hanbin District. A Party Working Committee and Management Committee were established for the Ecological Tourism Zone, acting as a branch of the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, with primary responsibility for the planning, development, construction, and management of the core scenic areas of Ying Lake, Jihe, Liushui, and Xiangxi Cave. In November 2014, Ying Lake will be designated a national-level tourist destination, with a planned investment of 3 billion yuan.
It has a subtropical continental humid monsoon climate; the Yinghu Scenic Area has clear water and blue sky, a Qinba wonderland, excellent water quality, rich species, mild climate, and numerous islands. It is known as the "Thousand Island Lake of Shaanxi". It is a provincial scenic spot with unique natural scenery of Qinba and Han River, one of the top ten scenic spots in Shaanxi, and suitable for travel in all seasons.
Cowherd and Weaver Girl Stone, Yuxing Island, Guanping Island;
Recommended play time: 4 hours
Tickets: 70 yuan/person [1. Includes entrance fees to the scenic area's main gate and various scenic spots (China Love Village, Birdsong Garden, Jinluo Island, and Cuiping Island); 2. Does not include boat tour fees; 3. Only combined tickets are available on national holidays (three days or longer).]
All-inclusive ticket: 100 yuan/person [1. Includes entrance fees to the scenic area's main gate and various scenic spots (China Love Village, Birdsong Garden, Jinluo Island, and Cuiping Island); 2. Includes ferry fare; 3. Only all-inclusive tickets are available on national holidays (three days or longer).]
08:00-16:00
Ying Lake is a tranquil spot surrounded by mountains and forests. It holds cultural significance as a place of relaxation and reflection, often visited for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere.
Ying Lake is located in Ankang, Shaanxi Province. You can take a taxi or local bus from the Ankang city center. Walking from the nearby residential areas is also an option if you're looking to explore the local surroundings.
The lake area is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild. It is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
The entrance fee is typically around 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the site or via online platforms, depending on availability.
Booking in advance is not usually necessary, but it's advisable during the peak tourist seasons, ideally a few days ahead.
About 2-3 hours should be sufficient to explore the lake, enjoy the views, and visit the surrounding attractions.
The lake itself, the surrounding parks, and the boat rides are the main attractions. The nearby temples and scenic viewpoints are also highlights not to miss.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available on request. Audio guides in multiple languages are also offered during peak tourist seasons.
The best photography spots are along the lake's shore, especially from the boat rides. The temple areas also provide beautiful backdrops for photos with the surrounding mountains.
Start with a stroll around the lake, then take a boat ride to explore the surrounding areas. Finish with a visit to the temples or other nearby cultural sites.
Night visits and light shows are not currently available at Ying Lake, but visiting during the early morning or late afternoon provides a tranquil atmosphere.
It can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Weekdays, especially mornings, are the least crowded times to visit.
There are basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and small rest areas. You can also find local souvenir shops near the entrance.
The main paths around the lake are accessible for elderly and children, but some areas may be difficult for visitors with mobility challenges due to uneven terrain.
Both cash and mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted at most locations, though it's a good idea to carry some cash just in case.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the lake offering traditional Chinese dishes. Many visitors also enjoy picnicking by the lakeside.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants, though halal food options may be more limited.
There are several hotels in the Ankang area, ranging from budget to mid-range. You can easily find accommodations within a 20-minute drive from Ying Lake.
Nearby attractions include the Baolun Temple and Ankang’s ancient city walls. A visit to these landmarks makes for a great day trip from Ying Lake.
Souvenir shops around the lake sell traditional crafts, local artworks, and small trinkets, such as handmade pottery and silk items.
After visiting Ying Lake, taxis and local buses are the best options to continue your trip to nearby attractions or return to Ankang city center.
