Top Ten Famous Lakes in China

Besides the world-renowned rivers and mountains, China also boasts a big variety of lakes, some are the watery wonders granted by nature. Each of these lakes has their own features with the breathtaking beauty, sanctity and abundant resources. Now, let’s show you the top ten famous and beautiful lakes in China as below:

West Lake in Zhejiang

It is said that West Lake, one of the most beauitul lake in China, is a gleaming pearl dropped from the heaven; another saying goes that West Lake likes a graceful girl sitting in Hangzhou. Numerous ancient temples, pagodas, gardens, and artificial islands stand within the lake. 

The lake was described as having "influenced garden design in the rest of China as well as Japan and Korea over the centuries" and as reflecting "an idealized fusion between humans and nature." It was described into the list of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011.

• - Stroll or cycle along the Su Causeway and Bai Causeway
• - Take a boat tour on the West Lake (especially if you are planning a family tour to China with kids)
• - Enjoy the impression of the West Lake
• Best time to visit: March - May & September - November

Kanas Lake in Xinjiang

In mongolian, Kanas means “beautiful, rich and mysterious”. The lake is leaned close to the deep forests and mountains.

One of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in China, it is the deepest freshwater lake in China and home to 798 species of plants and 117 varieties of birds. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forest, and lush grasslands, the lake takes on different colors in different seasons. 

Kanas Lake is also a mysterious place where you can see large lake creatures. 

• - Ascend to Yutai and overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake
• - Take a walk in Moon Bay and Fairyland Bay
• - September to October is the best time for autumn photography at Kanas Lake, making it one of the best places in China in autumn

Qinghai Lake in Qinghai

Qinghai Lake is the largest lake in China with twenty-three rivers and streams empting into it. When overlooked afar, Qinghai Lake is a picture unfolding before your eyes with evergreen mountains, clear and glittering waters, endless grassland, and clustering sheep. 

Sometimes, the lake is also circumambulated by pilgrims from the region. More surprising, the color of its water changes with the time of year and the time of day; it also changes with the water depth.

• - Cycling around the Qinghai Lake or driving
• - Taking photos of sunflowers and the lake scenery
• - Bird watching (spring and summer)
• Best time to visit: June - August

Poyang Lake in Jiangxi

Poyang Lake is one of the seven world's important wetlands and the biggest fresh water lake in China. This mysterious lake is full decorated with poetic and picturesque scenery. Seen from distance, the lake resembles a giant gourd tying to the belt of the Yangtze River. 

Influenced by the southeast monsoon with a lot of water vapor, Poyang Lake is often wreathed in mist. Except that, as the habitat for half a million migratory birds, you can also admire the Siberian cranes there in winter.

• - Watching migratory birds (white cranes, swans) in winter
• - Experience the life of fishermen in the lake area by boat

Namsto Lake in Tibet

Located in the northeast of Lhasa, one of the highest lake in China and beyond, Namtso Lake merges the Tibetan culture with natural sights. It is said by Buddhists that the five islands standing on the lake are embodiments of the Five Dhyani Buddhas.

The quiet and placid lake, the clear sky, the giant snow mountains and the endless grasslands form a fantastic blue and sacred world for visitors. Just relax your body and baptize your soul in this blue and scared world.

• - Hiking along the lake
• - Stargazing and sunrise photography

Lugu Lake in Yunnan

Lugu Lake is a border lake located in the north of Lijiang, and one of the most beautiful and mysterious lake in Chna. It is praised as the "the Pearl of the Plateau", owning to its high altitude, antiquity and calmness. 

Lugu Lake is the fusion of natural landscape and minority culture. Many minority ethnic groups, such as the Mosuo, Norzu, Yi, Pumi and Tibetan reside by the shores of the lake. 

The intoxicating scenery, the ancient and mysterious ethnic culture and time-honored villages create a paradise at Lugu Lake for visitors from all over the world.

• - Take the pig-trough boat to tour the lake and reach the Liugu Peninsula
• - Visit the Mosuo villages and learn about the matriarchal society culture

Heaven Lake in Jilin

Another famous lake in China, Heaven Lake is a crater lake on the border between China and North Korea. It lies within a caldera atop the volcanic Baekdu Mountain, a part of the Baekdudaegan mountain range and the Changbai mountain range. It is located partly in Ryanggang Province, North Korea, and partly in Jilin Province, northeastern China. The scenery of Heaven Lake is the most charming in July, August and September.

• - Reach the summit to enjoy the panoramic view of Tianchi Lake
• - Explore the waterfall cluster of Changbai Mountain
• - Take a hot spring bath

Taihu Lake in Jiangsu

Taihu Lake is the third largest freshwater lake of China, and also the largest lake in the Yangtze Delta plain. It is a well-known tourist attraction of eastern China with superb natural beauty and pleasant environment. 

Some 90 islets, large or small, plus the presence of many fleets of fishing junk boats, make it a remarkable spectacle. Cottages, geese and duck farms, fish ponds and fruit orchards make the place look like a fairyland.

• - Take a boat tour on Taihu Lake
• - Taste Taihu Lake white fish, white shrimp, and silver fish

Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang

Qiandao Lake is a man-made lake located in Zhejiang province, and one of the most famous lakes in China. 1,078 large islands dot the lake and a few thousand smaller ones are scattered across it. 

Qiandao Lake is well known for its clear and drinkable water in some places where the renowned mineral water of Nongfu Spring brand is produced. It is also home to lush forests and exotic islands. The popular attractions include Bird Island, Snake Island, Monkey Island, Lock Island.

• - Take a boat tour around the island
• - Ride around the lake
• - Engage in water sports, such as kayaking
• Best time to visit: April - October

Dongting Lake in Hunan

Dongting Lake is a large, shallow lake in northeastern Hunan province. The scene of Dongting Lake is most magnificent when overlooked from Sanjiangkou. Many state-level scenic spot attractions situate alongside the lake, such as: Yueyang Tower, Junshan Island, the tomb of Du Fu and Yang Yao Fortress.

Except for the charming lakeside scenery, Dongting Lake is the original place of Dragon boat racing, which adding its popularity in Chinese culture. It is also a home to the Finless Porpoise, which is endangered in China.

• - Standing on Yueyang Tower and looking afar at Dongting Lake
• - Watching birds in winter

Tips for Your Tours of China with the Most famous Lakes in China 

1. For high-altitude lakes (above 3000 meters), such as Namtso Lake and Qinghai Lake, please make sure to acclimatize to the high altitude before going there.
2. When visiting lakes located in ethnic minority areas, such as Lugu Lake, please respect the local cultural customs.
3. Protect water resources, and surroundings. Do not litter. 
4. Maximize your itinerary by combining lakes with nearby highlights in a single journey. For example, the scenery of Kanas Lake and Altay Mountain can be explored together in a North Xinjiang tour.

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