Xinghu Tourist Attraction

A Visitor's Guide to Xinghu Lake Scenic Area, Zhaoqing

Nestled approximately 4 kilometers north of Zhaoqing's city center, Xinghu Lake (Star Lake) is a vast and serene freshwater expanse, covering an area of around 8000 mu—making it comparable in size to the renowned West Lake in Hangzhou. Its true charm, however, lies in its unique topography. The lake is ingeniously divided by over 20 kilometers of winding causeways into five distinct sections: East Lake, Qinglian Lake (Green Lotus Lake), Central Lake, Bohai Lake, and Inner Lake. These tree-lined dikes, adorned with willows and flame trees (Delonix regia), crisscross the shimmering azure waters like elegant green ribbons, creating a picturesque landscape that is both grand in scale and intimate in detail.

Getting There: Transportation Options

Reaching Xinghu Lake from major nearby cities is straightforward, with Guangzhou being the primary gateway.

From Guangzhou by Direct Bus: The most frequent service departs from Guangzhou Provincial Bus Station. Buses from Guangzhou to Zhaoqing leave approximately every 15 minutes. You should alight at the Dinghushan Archway stop on National Highway 321. From this point, it is a straightforward 2-kilometer walk to the main entrance ticket office of the Dinghu Mountain section of the scenic area (which is integrated with the Xinghu Lake area).
Alternative Bus Route from Guangzhou: Another option is to take the Guangzhou-Zhaoqing bus from Guangzhou's Yuexiu South Bus Station. Disembark at the Dinghu Shuikeng Station stop. From there, you can either take a local electric shuttle (tourist buggy) or enjoy a brief 15-minute walk to reach the Dinghu Mountain entrance.

Essential Visitor Information

Before planning your visit, it is crucial to have the following practical details at hand.

Ticket Information: The scenic area requires an admission ticket. It is advisable to check for any updated pricing or potential discounts for students, seniors, or groups directly at the official ticket counters or through verified online travel platforms. The operational hours for ticket sales generally align with the opening hours of the park.
Opening Hours: Xinghu Lake Scenic Area welcomes visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It remains open throughout the year, including public holidays, allowing for flexible travel planning across all seasons.
Contact Details: For any specific inquiries regarding accessibility, guided tours, or current conditions, you can contact the scenic area administration at +86 758 2225040.

Exploring the Lakes and Dikes

The interconnected lakes and the dikes themselves form the core of the Xinghu experience. Each lake, while connected, offers a slightly different ambiance.

Central Lake and the Main Dikes: As the namesake suggests, Central Lake is often the bustling heart of the scenery. The causeways surrounding it, such as the iconic Qixingyan (Seven Star Crags) causeway, provide the most famous walking paths. Strolling or cycling along these dikes under the canopy of trees offers uninterrupted views of the vast water on both sides, a truly unique sensation. This is the perfect spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light plays upon the water and the distant karst peaks.
The Outer Lakes: Bohai and East Lake: Bohai Lake and East Lake tend to be slightly more tranquil. Bohai Lake, meaning "Wave Sea," can be livelier when the breeze picks up, creating small waves that sparkle in the sunlight. These areas are excellent for those seeking a quieter walk or a moment of contemplation away from the main tourist paths. Boat tours often navigate through these sections, offering a different perspective of the dikes from the water level.
Qinglian Lake and Inner Lake: Qinglian Lake and Inner Lake, nestled closer to some of the park's cultural sites and gardens, often have a more sheltered and serene atmosphere. The name Qinglian (Green Lotus) hints at the potential for beautiful aquatic plants in season. These lakes are frequently framed by traditional pavilions and ancient trees, creating scenes that resemble classical Chinese paintings.

The Integrated Natural and Cultural Landscape

It is important to understand that Xinghu Lake is intrinsically linked with the adjacent Dinghu Mountain and the Qixingyan (Seven Star Crags) karst formation. Together, they form the Zhaoqing Xinghu Lake Scenic Area, a nationally recognized site of beauty. The lake system is not merely a body of water but a carefully managed part of this ecosystem. The dikes are historical feats of landscape engineering, designed to manage water while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Visitors are encouraged to explore beyond the lakeshores to the forested trails of Dinghu Mountain, one of China's first nature reserves, or to marvel at the limestone crags of Qixingyan that rise dramatically from the lakeside, some of which can be climbed for panoramic views. This seamless blend of water, lush vegetation, and unique geology is what makes the destination exceptional.

A visit here is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Allow several hours to wander the dikes, perhaps rent a bicycle, take a boat ride to fully appreciate the scale of the lake division, and venture into the surrounding hills. The landscape changes character with the seasons—lush and vibrant in spring and summer, clear and mild in autumn, and peacefully stark in winter—each offering its own reason to visit.

Information last verified: January 8, 2023. Credit and thanks to contributors from the travel community for updates.