Chongqing’s Ultimate Mountain Summer Escape! Complete Guide to Nantiang Lake Activities, Pitfalls to Avoid, and Accommodation

A high-altitude secret at 2000 meters! I’ve uncovered this cool kingdom hidden by Chongqing locals.

“Look! The lake is glowing!” When my best friend screamed pointing at the shimmering surface of Nantiang Lake, I was shivering in a light jacket—who would have thought that amid Chongqing’s 40°C summer heat, there’s an 18°C cool world here? A mountain lake nearly 2000 meters above sea level, endless primeval forests, and starry night concerts that rock the night away—this summer paradise ignored by 99% of Chongqing residents is redefining “perfect vacation” with 20°C evening breezes and 100% happiness.

1. The Cool Kingdom in the Clouds: Unlocking Multiple Ways to Enjoy the Mountain Lake

1. Immersive Lake and Mountain Scenery Guide

Morning Mist Boating: At 6:30 AM, Nantiang Lake looks enchanted, with thin mist weaving a veil over the water. Rent an electric boat (80 RMB/hour), paddle through the emerald water, and you might spot a family of wild ducks swimming by.

Lake Circumference Hiking: The 12 km trail around the lake hides 8 viewing platforms. We recommend “Bibo Pavilion” for reflection shots and “Lanyue Terrace” for sunsets. Bring some sunflower seeds and feed squirrels on the “Pine Wave Listening to Wind” wooden bench—they’ll jump into your palm to eat!

Starry Camping: The campground on the lawn inside the park (50 RMB/night) offers water and electricity. Bringing your own tent for an overnight stay is super cost-effective. At 2 AM, unzip your tent to see the Milky Way spread like scattered diamonds across the sky—your phone can’t capture it, but your eyes will remember the awe.

2. Hidden Activities Revealed

• Forest Treasure Hunt: In the “Dream Moon Bay” area, 5 check-in points hide stamps you can collect to redeem creative ice cream (free!)

• Sea of Clouds Sunrise: If you stay inside the park, rush to the “Cloud Viewing Platform” at 5:30 AM. When the sea of clouds surges, it feels like standing on the edge of a fairyland.

• Waterfall Cold Spring: A 20-minute walk along “Fairy Creek Valley” leads to a natural cold spring pool with water at only 15°C—perfect for foot soaks to relieve fatigue.

2. The Ultimate Summer Escape: A Cool Schedule from Morning to Night

1. Family Fun Mode

09:00 Petting Zoo: Feed deer and ride ponies (30 RMB/session). Kids can play for an hour without getting tired.

11:00 Lakeside BBQ: Bring your own food and rent a grill (80 RMB including charcoal). We recommend the “Lakeside Home” campsite—eating meat under the shade with a breeze is amazing.

14:00 Water Battle: Kayaks (60 RMB/hour) and water bikes (50 RMB/half hour) take turns. Don’t forget spare clothes!

16:00 Handicraft Experience: The park’s cultural center offers free bamboo weaving and plant dyeing classes. Kids can take their creations home as souvenirs.

2. Youth Exclusive Route

10:00 Extreme Challenge: Jungle crossing (98 RMB/session) with 15 obstacles. Remember to pose for photos on the zipline!

13:00 Lakeside Yoga: Free outdoor yoga classes every Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM. Stretching facing the lake and mountains is super healing.

18:00 Music Fountain: Water jets dancing to music beats make a perfect backdrop for silhouette videos.

20:00 Starry Night Concert: Band performances every Friday and Saturday night. Beer + BBQ + music = maximum vibe.

3. Local Food Map: A Mountain Feast for Your Taste Buds

1. Must-Try Wild Delicacies

Mountain Cold Water Fish: Freshly caught bass from the lake. We recommend “Lake Fresh House” for steamed preparation (68 RMB per jin). The meat is so tender it melts in your mouth.

Wild Mushroom Chicken Soup: Made with pine mushrooms and bamboo fungus picked in the park, the soup is so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise (small portion 88 RMB, enough for 3 people).

Whole Roasted Lamb Set: Recommended for groups of 10 or more, 1288 RMB including lamb and side dishes. Eating around the bonfire at night is full of ceremony.

2. Affordable Snack Guide

• Potato Rice: Iron pot potato rice (10 RMB/serving) from the park snack street, crispy crust.

• Yinmi Tea: Local specialty sweet tea (5 RMB/cup), warms and refreshes.

• Grilled Glutinous Rice Cake: Freshly grilled sticky rice cakes (3 RMB each), coated with soybean powder, super fragrant.

3. Self-Prepared Food List

• Fruits: Grapes, watermelon (twice as expensive inside the park)

• Instant Food: Self-heating hotpot, instant noodles (limited options at park convenience stores)

• Drinks: Mineral water (5 RMB/bottle in the park, recommended to bring your own)

4. In-Depth Experience Guide: Smarter Than a Tour Guide Book

1. Ticket Saving Tips

• Adult ticket 60 RMB (includes sightseeing bus). Buy online 2 hours in advance to save 5 RMB.

• Children under 1.2 meters / seniors over 65 enter free.

• Camping package: ticket + campsite + sightseeing bus = 120 RMB/person (great value!)

2. Transportation Planning

Self-drive: Chongqing main city → Huyu Expressway → Fengdu exit → Nantiang Lake Scenic Area (2.5 hours direct, free parking)

Bus: Chongqing Sigungli Hub → Fengdu Bus Station → Nantiang Lake shuttle (total 3.5 hours)

Inside the park: Sightseeing bus 10 RMB/person (all-day hop-on hop-off). Recommended to combine walking and bus rides.

3. Accommodation Guide

• Premium Choice: Lakeside Hotel (800 RMB+/night), lake view from the window, includes breakfast for two.

• Best Value: Park homestays (300 RMB+/night), 5-minute walk to the lake.

• Camping Expert: Bring your own tent for overnight (50 RMB campsite fee), full water and electricity, very convenient.

5. Pitfall Guide: Secrets Even Locals Don’t Tell You

1. Temperature Difference: Wear short sleeves during the day but bring a light down jacket at night! Park shops charge 299 RMB for windbreakers, better to bring your own.

2. Sunscreen Essentials: High altitude means strong UV. SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are must-haves.

3. Mosquito Protection: Mosquitoes are abundant by the lake at dusk. Mosquito repellent is more effective than floral water.

4. Charging Anxiety: The visitor center has free charging stations, but sockets in the camping area are limited. Bring a power bank.

5. Rainy Day Alternative: If it rains, visit the “Nantiang Lake International Ski Resort” (summer is an indoor amusement park).

When the bonfire’s light dances on the lake, when children’s laughter echoes through the pine forest, when the scent of hops mingles with grilled meat in the air, I suddenly understand: the magic of Nantiang Lake is that it makes every ordinary day shine. There are no crowded crowds, no commercial tricks, only 18°C evening breezes and 100°C passion, waiting for you to join a summer rendezvous 2000 meters above sea level.