Caihu Lake

Caihu

Caihu Scenic Area is located 15 kilometers south of Faku Town on the west side of the Ming-Shen Highway, 75 kilometers from Shenyang. Originally known as Shangtun Reservoir or Saibei Lake, Caihu is a valley-type lake covering an area of 20,000 mu, making it the largest reservoir in terms of water capacity north of Shenyang. The scenic area spans 2,568 hectares and is a tourist resort that combines leisure, sightseeing, water recreation, and religious activities.

Surrounded by mountains, rich in fish, and home to numerous migratory birds, Caihu produces abundant fish and shrimp, offering distinct seasonal scenery. On Cai Mountain to the west of Caihu Lake lies Cai Palace, the largest Taoist temple complex in China dedicated primarily to the worship of the Four Great Wealth Gods—Wencai Shen (Civil God of Wealth) Bi Gan and Fan Li, and Wushen (Martial God of Wealth) Guan Yu and Zhao Gongming. Covering an area of 1 million square meters with a built-up area of 6,000 square meters, Cai Palace is nestled against mountains and water, embraced by a “jade belt” landscape, and presents subtle beauty within simplicity. There is also a scenic dam stretching 1 kilometer in length and 9 meters in width, as well as Shangtun Central Street—the premier street showcasing Dongbei-style culture—featuring local specialties such as Caihu stewed fish, Shilixiang chicken hotpot, and rustic farmhouse meals.

Caihu integrates water bodies, wetlands, and mountainous terrain, featuring expansive serene lakes, picturesque mountain reflections, and charming scenery. It boasts an elegant, simple, and rustic rural charm. The area also serves as a habitat for rare migratory birds such as swans, wild ducks, geese, and red-crowned cranes, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing, water activities, returning to simplicity, and reconnecting with nature. Major scenic zones include the land-based sightseeing and recreation area, the water-based sightseeing and recreation area, and the Cai Palace scenic area. Key attractions include fishing by the dam, boating and water play, ecological agriculture sightseeing parks, waterfowl observation gardens, sandy beaches and bathing areas, Caihu Resort, lakeside road tours, forest bathing areas, and Cai Palace.