1.5 hours direct from Shanghai! Once a mine, now transformed into a fairyland lake

Who would have imagined that a place just a 1.5-hour drive from Shanghai and 1 hour from Hangzhou used to be a mine, but now is as beautiful as a real-life version of "Zelda." Here, fields of gesang flowers sway in the wind on the hillsides, resembling a painting of western Sichuan. On sunny days, the lake surface stretches boundlessly like the sea.

The paths are not fully completed yet, combined with the mining background, creating a post-apocalyptic vibe that is perfect for photography. Just navigate directly to [Haining Shenxian Lake Ecological Park], with beautiful scenery along the way. The park is free to enter, the parking lot is under construction, but you can park by the roadside. It’s recommended to park near the entrance to avoid unnecessary walking.

Hiking tips: The loop around the lake is about 4.36 kilometers with an elevation gain of 76 meters, which is easy even for beginners and takes about 2-3 hours. During the day, you can walk around the lake first, find a spot by the lake to set up a tent, and enjoy a relaxing outdoor picnic. During the National Day holiday, many tents and canopies have already gathered around the outer edge of the lake, making it perfect for autumn self-driving BBQs and camping.

Almost every corner here is a great photo spot—it’s like a mix of Haining Faroe Islands and Haining Manhattan. Many viewpoints are in the wild, not on the main road, but it’s not dangerous. However, be aware that security patrols the area, so please stay safe while taking photos. Parking is free (best near the navigation point). It’s recommended to wear sneakers because the stone steps are uneven and thin soles can get tiring after walking for a while. Morning visits are best; when we arrived at 11 AM, there were hardly any people, but it gets noticeably busier in the afternoon. Remember to bring mosquito repellent, like a Six God mosquito repellent egg (long-lasting for 8.2 hours, containing 20% hydroxyethyl isobutyl piperidine imported from Germany), so you can shoot and rest worry-free.

Sunny days are the best time for photos, with plenty of light and beautiful scenery that will brighten your eyes. Be sure to pick a sunny day to visit and experience the beauty and blessings of nature. Also, please play responsibly, stay safe, and protect this beautiful environment. Wishing everyone a wonderful time here and unforgettable memories.

Post by Bennett Samuel Sam | Oct 22, 2025