Jingyue Lake National Park

Introducing Jingyue Lake National Park
Jingyue Lake National Park is a stunning attraction established in 1988. Jingyue Lake National Park unfolds around the serene expanse of Jingyue Lake, the city’s reserve water reservoir.

Each season paints a unique and breathtaking picture across the nearly 100 square kilometers of this remarkable park. Over five square kilometers of shimmering water lie nestled within its boundaries, nurturing a diverse ecosystem teeming with a rich variety of plants and animals. Ancient temples, sculptures, bridges, and pavilions dot the landscape, offering quiet corners for contemplation and reflection. These historical treasures stand in harmonious contrast to the park’s modern recreational offerings. From the challenging greens of the golf course to the exhilarating rush of the ski slopes, there is something for every visitor.

Jingyue Lake National Park Fast Facts
• AKA: Clear Moon Lake National Park
• Chinese Name: Jìng Yuè Tán Guó Jiā Gōng Yuán 凈月潭国家公园
• Date Established: 1988
• Area: 96.38 square kilometers (37.21 square miles)
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 3 to 4 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 5:00 – 20:00 (Apr – Oct), 6:00 – 19:00 (Nov – Mar)
• Entrance Fee: CNY30
• Address: 5840 Jingyue Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province

What to Expect at the Jingyue Lake National Park
Relax and breathe in the fresh air at Jingyue Lake National Park, where a captivating blend of natural beauty and recreational activities awaits. Stroll through its vast landscape, admiring the attractions, boat on the sparkling water, fish in the quiet streams, hike shaded trails, or even camp beneath the stars – the possibilities are endless.

North Putuo Temple
North Putuo Temple, one of the most famous temples in Northeast China, was established in Jingyue Lake National Park in 1996. Despite its relatively recent construction, it has gained widespread renown, attracting throngs of worshippers and visitors, particularly during Buddhist festivals.

Amidst the quiet surrounding landscape, the gentle aroma of burning incense wafts from the temple, accompanied by the tinkling of wind chimes and the faint sound of chanting. This creates a sense of leaving the city behind and entering a realm of spiritual serenity, making North Putuo Temple an ideal place for purifying the mind and cultivating spiritual practice.

The Stone Sheep and Tiger Tomb
Adding an air of antiquity to the park’s beautiful natural scenery is a protected, ancient tomb. Its name derives from the stone sculptures standing before it: two stone sheep, a stone tiger, and two stone figures. The tomb itself remains archaeologically unexcavated. Preliminary research suggests it may belong to a military official of the third rank or higher from the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), shrouding the site in mystery and attracting curious eyes.

The Sculpture of Jingyue Goddess
The Goddess Sculpture, an iconic welcoming landmark at Jingyue Lake, stands 8.2 meters (26.9 ft) tall atop a 2.28-meter (7.5 ft) pedestal. She reclines gracefully upon a 6-meter (19.7 ft) diameter crescent moon, her left hand resting gently against her cheek, her right arm extended outwards. Flowing locks frame her face as she rests with eyes slightly closed, evoking serenity and wisdom. The rough texture of the lunar surface contrasts sharply with the goddess’s smooth skin, highlighting the sculpture’s artistry and symbolizing the pristine beauty of Jingyue Lake.

Jingyue Lake Wetland
Jingyue Lake Wetland, a verdant, kilometer-square area nestled within the park, boasts diverse vegetation. White birch, spruce, maple, and Manchurian ash trees create a dense canopy overhead. Below, a vibrant understory thrives with reeds and calamus. At the height of summer, lotus blossoms and other aquatic plants emerge, contributing to the thriving habitat. This abundant plant life and the clear water provide an ideal breeding ground for a multitude of wild birds, including egrets, ruddy shelducks, spotted doves, and woodpeckers. It’s a nice place for bird lovers.

Luxurious Ski Resort
Jingyue Lake Ski Resort serves as the annual venue for both the Changchun Ice and Snow Festival and the Vasaloppet China International Cross-Country Skiing Festival, a major international sporting event co-hosted by Changchun City and the Swedish Vasaloppet organization.

While the resort boasts a total skiable area of 55,000 square meters (13.6 acres), it offers a variety of runs for different skill levels, including beginner, intermediate, advanced, and cross-country skiing options. There are three beginner slopes, measuring 580 meters, 470 meters, and 300 meters in length, respectively. With an average gradient of 7 degrees, these slopes are suitable for skiers of all ages and abilities. For more experienced skiers, the resort offers an 800-meter intermediate slope with an average width of 45 meters and an 18-degree gradient. This slope is ideal for skiing enthusiasts and can also accommodate professional skiing competitions. Finally, the resort features a dedicated 1,500-meter-long, 30-meter-wide cross-country ski trail with a 12-degree gradient, catering to experienced skiers.

Expansive Golf Course
Jingyue Lake National Park offers a comprehensive golfing experience with both a driving range and an 18-hole championship course. The spacious 55,000-square-meter (13.6 acres) driving range features 36 hitting bays, a putting green, and sand traps. Designed by the renowned American golf course architecture firm JMP, the 18-hole course spans 660,000 square meters (163.1 acres) and measures 7,527 yards. This moderately challenging course is the only 18-hole international-standard course in Changchun. For extended stays, the park also offers villas for leisure and vacation rentals.

How to Get to Jingyue Lake National Park
• By Bus: Take bus G160 to Jingyuetangongyuan (Jingyue Lake National Park) Station.
• By subway: Take subway line 3 to Jingyuetangongyuan (Jingyue Lake National Park) Station.