Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area

Introducing Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area
Xuanwu Lake is located in the central-northeast part of Nanjing. Xuanwu Lake is a historic and picturesque natural area. Covering 444 hectares (1,100 acres) with a circumference of 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), Xuanwu lake features five interconnected islands connected by arched bridges. Visitors enter Xuanwu Lake Park through the Xuanwu Gate, which is part of the Nanjing City Wall. The park includes temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens, teahouses, restaurants, and even a small zoo. Overlooking the lake is the Zifeng Tower. According to legend, Emperor Sun Quan settled in the Nanjing area and named the lake after a black dragon, believed to be a water god.

Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: XuánWǔ Hú 玄武湖
• Max. Length: 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
• Max. Width: 2 km (1.2 miles)
• Surface Area: 3.78 square kilometers (1.5 square miles)
• Average Depth: 2.31 m (7.6 ft)
• Shore Length: 15 km (9.3 miles)
• Basin area: 2,630 square kilometers (1,015 square miles)
• Best Time to Visit: March to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 1 Xuanwu Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area

Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area is a magnetic attraction that revolves around the tranquil Xuanwu Lake. The lake is adorned with five distinct isles, interconnected by charming bridges, and a lush park in close proximity. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, romantic settings, and the beauty of nature in this unforgettable location.

Liang Isle
Liang Isle, a stunning 23-acre isle, is the first to welcome visitors and is widely regarded as the most picturesque of all the other isles. The island’s name pays homage to Lord Zhaoming, a prominent figure from the Liang Dynasty (502-557 AD), who frequented the island as a tranquil retreat for reading.

One of the island’s most enchanting features is its bonsai garden, which serves as a backdrop for vibrant flower exhibitions held throughout the year. Of these displays, the chrysanthemum exhibitions in autumn are particularly breathtaking, making it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and lovers of beauty alike.

Cui Isle
Located in the east of the picturesque Xuanwu Lake scenic area, Cui Isle spans across an area of 16.29 acres. The isle derives its name from the lush green bamboo and cedar trees that cover the island, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere. With a long causeway stretching across the rippling waves and a winding green belt, the place’s landscape is characterized by vibrant pines, emerald cypresses, and slender bamboo groves, earning it the reputation of being “An isle cloaked in cloud-like foliage.” It offers a delightful setting for appreciating the beauty of nature’s verdant greenery.

Huan Isle
Spanning a total area of approximately 31.56 acres, Huan Isle unfurls itself into the lake like a jade ring, its sinuous form stretching gracefully from the south and north. Aptly named for its ring-like shape, the isle exudes an ethereal charm. Rippling waters, as clear as glass, lap gently against its shores, while slender willows sway in the gentle breeze, their delicate branches trailing in the water’s surface like tendrils of mist. It is this dreamlike scene that has earned Huan Isle the poetic moniker, “An isle cloaked in misty willows.”

Ying Isle
In days gone by, this idyllic isle was blanketed with cherry trees, which yielded an abundance of luscious, crimson cherries. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the cherries of the isle were considered a prized delicacy, offered as tributes to the imperial court. As a veritable haven for cherry species in Nanjing, Ying Isle is adorned with nearly 800 cherry trees spanning more than ten varieties. When spring arrives each year, these trees burst into full bloom, their branches heavy with crimson cherry blossoms that resemble dancing flames and rosy clouds in the breeze.

Ling Isle
Whether seeking a moment of peaceful contemplation or a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Ling Isle offers a tranquil escape. Its unique location, nestled amidst the serene waters of Xuanwu Lake and framed by the majestic Purple Mountain, makes it a truly remarkable destination for those seeking a connection with nature and a chance to appreciate the beauty that surrounds them.

Lovers’ Garden
With a name that whispers promises of romance, Lover’s Garden unfolds its beauty in a tapestry of scenic landscapes and inviting recreational spaces, perfect for visitors young and old. Children’s laughter rings through the air as they chase each other through vibrant playgrounds, their energy a stark contrast to the tranquil atmosphere of the shaded pavilions. There, elders find solace, their days filled with the quiet joy of chess games and the elegant strokes of calligraphy.

Ornamental bridges, like delicate brushstrokes on a canvas, arch over babbling streams, inviting contemplation. Beneath the surface, colorful koi drift lazily, their movements mirroring the unhurried pace of the garden. Weeping willows, their branches trailing in the water like silken threads, enhance the romantic ambiance, beckoning couples to steal away for intimate strolls along the lakeside promenade.

How to get to Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area
• By Bus: Take bus 304 to Xuanwuhu taicheng Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 1 to Xuanwumen Station.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Nanjing to Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area.