South Lake Scenic Area
Jiaxing South Lake, located in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and one of China’s most historically significant waterfront landscapes. Spanning 5.86 square kilometers, the lake is renowned for its serene waters, lush gardens, and cultural landmarks tied to the Communist Party of China (CPC). Designated a national patriotism education base in 2001, it attracts over 2 million visitors annually for its blend of natural beauty and revolutionary heritage.
Historical Overview
The lake’s modern significance began in 1921, when delegates of the CPC’s First National Congress convened secretly on a boat (now known as the "Red Boat") to establish the party. In 1959, the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall was built to commemorate this event. Recent upgrades (2020s) have expanded exhibitions and added digital interactive displays. Notable moments include the 2021 centennial celebrations of the CPC, which drew global attention to the site.
Structural Layout
The scenic area is divided into three core zones:
- Lake Core Zone: The central lake with islands, bridges, and the Red Boat dock.
- Revolutionary Memorial Zone: Includes the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall and CPC History Museum.
- Cultural Leisure Zone: Gardens, tea houses, and traditional architecture.
Key landmarks include the Red Boat, Yuefei Temple, and Nanhu Academy.
Major Attractions
- Red Boat: A replica of the 1921 vessel where the CPC was founded, now a symbolic museum.
- Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall: Chronicles the CPC’s history through artifacts, photos, and multimedia.
- Yuefei Temple: Ming Dynasty shrine dedicated to patriotic general Yue Fei.
- Nanhu Academy: Ancient academy with pavilions, lotus ponds, and calligraphy exhibits.
- Lotus Island: Summer blooms and viewpoints overlooking the lake.
- Suyi Pavilion: Historic pavilion offering panoramic lake views.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Entrance → Red Boat → Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall → Yuefei Temple → Suyi Pavilion → Exit
Highlights: Revolutionary history and lake vistas. - Extended Route (4–5 hours):
Add Lotus Island, Nanhu Academy, and cultural performance at the amphitheater. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Include all zones, plus a boat cruise and guided tour of the CPC History Museum.
Ticket Purchase
- Main Tickets:
- Combined Ticket (Lake + Memorial Hall): ¥50 (adults), ¥25 (students/seniors).
- Red Boat Entry: ¥20 (adults), ¥10 (students/seniors).
- Discounts: Free for children under 1.2m; 50% off for disabled visitors.
- Purchase: Book online via Ctrip or the park’s official WeChat account.
Transportation
- By High-Speed Rail: Shanghai-Jiaxing HSR to Jiaxing South Station, then taxi (15 mins).
- By Bus: Jiaxing City → South Lake Direct Bus (Route 8, 36, or 93).
- By Taxi: Direct to South Lake Entrance (¥30 from Jiaxing Railway Station).
Best Time & Tips
- Ideal Seasons: spring (April–May) for blooms; autumn (October–November) for clear skies.
- Essentials:
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking paths.
- Bring a light jacket for lake breezes.
- Photography allowed except in memorial halls.
- Prohibited Items: Pets, large bags, selfie sticks.
- Cultural Note: Maintain quiet in memorial zones; remove hats indoors.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
