Dongqian Lake

Historical Overview

• Tang Dynasty Formation (7th–10th centuries): Natural lake formed by karst erosion, later expanded during the Southern Song Dynasty.
• Southern Song Cultural Peak (12th–13th centuries): Royal family and officials built villas and temples, leaving behind stone inscriptions.
• Ming-Qing Development (14th–19th centuries): Integration of fishing villages and agricultural terraces.
• Modern Conservation (2000s): Listed as a national scenic area in 2001, undergoing systematic ecological restoration.

Structural Layout

The lake comprises three main zones:

1. Lake Core Zone:
   • Main Lake Area: 20km² freshwater basin with 30 islands, including FoXiang Island and Yuefei Island.
   • Southern Song Stone Carvings: Over 100 Buddhist and Confucian reliefs along the northern shore.
2. Cultural Transition Zone:
   • Little Putuo Temple: Ming Dynasty Buddhist site with 8m-tall Guanyin statue.
   • Taogong Island: tea plantations and traditional kilns for Hui’an-style pottery.
3. Ecological Buffer Zone:
   • Bamboo rafting Section: 5km-long raft route through reed marshes.
   • Cycling Trails: 15km lakeside path with views of Mount Siming.

Key structures:

• Fenghuang Bridge: Tang Dynasty stone arch bridge connecting the mainland to Foxiang Island.
• Southern Song Dock: Reconstructed wooden wharf for historical reenactments.

Major Attractions

1. Southern Song Stone Carvings: Study 800-year-old Buddhist figures and calligraphy near the northern shore.
2. Little Putuo Temple: Visit the Ming Dynasty temple with a 500kg bronze bell and lotus pond.
3. Bamboo Raft Adventure: 1-hour raft trip through reed marshes (¥80/person, 40 minutes).
4. Taogong Island Tea Fields: Pick tea leaves and learn Hui’an pottery-making.
5. Mount Siming Hiking: 2-hour trail to the summit for panoramic lake views.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   North Gate → Southern Song Stone Carvings → Little Putuo Temple → Fenghuang Bridge → Exit
   Highlights: Core historical sites and lake views.

2. Extended Route (4–5 hours):
   North Gate → Bamboo Rafting → Taogong Island Tea Fields → Mount Siming Hiking → Exit
   Highlights: Natural landscapes and cultural immersion.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   North Gate → Southern Song Stone Carvings → Little Putuo Temple → Bamboo Rafting → Taogong Island → Mount Siming → Exit
   Highlights: Full exploration of history, nature, and local culture.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fees (2025):
  • Lake Access Pass: ¥70 (1-day validity, includes rafting).
  • Island Hopping Pass: ¥120 (3 islands, 2-day validity).
  • Discounts: 50% off for students/seniors (60–70 years); free for children under 1.2m and seniors over 70.
• Online Booking: Available via Ctrip or WeChat mini-program “Dongqian Lake” (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site Tickets: Limited availability; queues average 15 minutes during weekends.

Transportation

From Ningbo City:

• By Bus: Ningbo South Station → Dongqian Lake Direct Bus (¥5, 30 minutes).
• By Taxi: Direct ride (20 minutes, ¥30).

From Shanghai/Hangzhou:

• By Car: G60/G92 Expressway → Ningbo Ring Expressway → Dongqian Lake Exit (2.5 hours total).
• By High-Speed Rail: Shanghai Hongqiao/Hangzhou East Station → Ningbo Station → Taxi to lake (40 minutes).

Local Shuttle:

• “Lake Sightseeing Bus” connects major sites (¥20/day pass).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: April–June (azalea blooms), September–November (clear lake views).
• Avoid: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (tour group crowds).
• Essentials:
  • Sun hat and sunscreen (high UV exposure).
  • Waterproof shoes for bamboo rafting.
  • Binoculars for birdwatching (over 120 species recorded).
• Prohibited Items: Drones (restricted airspace), fishing without permit.
• Photography Tips:
  • Golden Hour: Capture lake reflections 1 hour before sunset.
  • Drone Alternatives: Use 2nd-tier observation deck for elevated shots.