A Hidden Paradise: Xiandao Lake

Xiandao Lake Scenic Area is located in Wangying Town, Yangxin County, Huangshi City, Hubei Province, situated on the northern foothills of the Mufu Mountains, about 60 kilometers from downtown Huangshi. It is renowned as one of the "World's Three Great Thousand-Island Lakes," featuring 1,002 islands scattered across 48,000 acres of lake surface. It is a 2-hour drive from Wuhan, adjacent to the Hangrui Expressway and Daguang Expressway, making transportation convenient. It is the most distinctive ecological tourism destination in eastern Hubei.

Natural Scenery
The ecological environment of Xiandao Lake is stunningly beautiful. The lake surface is as clear as a mirror, with visibility up to 7 meters, classified as national first-class water quality. The islands are scattered like stars, each with unique shapes, resembling "pearls scattered on a jade plate." The core attraction, Sky City, stands atop a cliff 520.1314 meters high and features the Guinness World Record-certified largest glass viewing platform in the world. Standing on the transparent glass and looking down, the spectacular view of the competing thousand islands is fully visible, and when shrouded in mist, it feels like being in a fairyland.

Each distinctive island has its own charm: Wangxian Island preserves a complete ancient residential building complex with winding bluestone paths; Xianlong Island resembles a dragon playing in the water, with rugged karst caves and strange rocks; Guanyin Cave features stalactites in various shapes, enhanced by lighting effects that create a dreamy atmosphere. In spring, azaleas bloom across the hills, and in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color, making the scenery enchanting all year round.

Tour Experience
Boat tours are the best way to explore. The new energy boats are quiet and environmentally friendly, following planned routes to enjoy the highlights such as "Lingtong Fairy Island" and "Xianhu Gallery." It is recommended to travel early in the morning or at dusk; the islands appear faintly through the morning mist, and the lake sparkles with golden light at sunset—both are golden hours favored by photography enthusiasts.

At the Sky City scenic area, must-try thrilling activities include the cliff swing and jungle crossing. Walking along the 180-meter-long cliff walkway, one side is a sheer cliff and the other a clear lake, combining excitement with breathtaking views. The scenic area thoughtfully provides multiple viewing platforms and rest spots, with new scenery to discover at every turn.

Facilities
The scenic area is well-equipped. The visitor center offers intelligent guided services, with QR codes for audio explanations. The dock area is well planned, with shaded waiting areas and resting benches. Along the lakeshore, there are five standardized restrooms and three medical points, all key locations equipped with AED devices.

Special dining experiences are worth trying: Xiandao Lake mugwort rice cakes are made with fresh mugwort, fragrant and soft; lakeside restaurants offer scenic seating facing the core lake area, allowing guests to enjoy delicious food while admiring the lake and mountain views.

Overall Evaluation
Xiandao Lake, with its unique thousand-island landscape and high-quality ecological environment, creates an unforgettable natural experience. The comprehensive facilities and thoughtful service details allow visitors to enjoy a comfortable journey while appreciating natural wonders. For travelers seeking the beauty of mountains and waters and a relaxing vacation, this is undoubtedly the top ecological tourism destination in Central China.

Post by IneffaifluousWhimsy | Oct 24, 2025