North Lake of Chongming Island

North Lake of Chongming Island

North Lake is located in the northeastern part of Chongming Island, Shanghai, covering an area of 18 square kilometers, which is larger than two West Lakes in Hangzhou combined. Originally, North Lake was a narrow bay formed by the alluvial peninsula "Cucumber Sand" and Chongming Island. Later, artificial dams were built on both sides of Cucumber Sand for land reclamation, resulting in a natural brackish lake that still partially connects with the tides. Because it is partially connected to the tides of the East China Sea, the lake water here has a relatively high salinity and is rich in minerals, which also gives North Lake its strikingly blue surface. It is the second lake in Shanghai, after Baosteel Chenhang Reservoir, where you can see blue water.

Not only does North Lake boast beautiful surroundings and a vast water surface, but it also features extensive tidal flats and reed marshes, making it an excellent habitat for wildlife. The lake is rich in various fish and aquatic species, attracting numerous migratory birds each year to feed and nest. Even after reclamation, North Lake has retained large areas of tidal flats, and its unique geographical environment provides migratory birds with habitats and feeding grounds during high tides. Today, thousands of wild ducks and nearly ten thousand wading birds, mainly shorebirds, come here to overwinter, rest, or pass through each year. Among them are endangered species such as the black-faced spoonbill, protected species such as the broad-billed sandpiper, as well as rare waterfowl like the osprey and peregrine falcon. North Lake has become a “best garden” for various animals to migrate through in spring and autumn and to reside in winter. Here, you can witness flocks of birds gathering on the lake and groups of gulls playing on the tidal flats.

Address: No. 1288 Beiyuan Highway, Chongming Island, Shanghai (between the middle section of the island’s north side and Cucumber Sand)

Type: Lake

Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours

Opening hours:

Open all day

Ticket information:

No admission fee.

Transportation

Located on the northern side of central Chongming, accessible by car or public transportation

1. By car: Take the Yangtze River Tunnel and Bridge → Drive towards Baozhen on Chenhai Highway → Turn right onto Qianshu Highway → Drive to the end of Beiyuan Highway and turn right → Go straight for fifty meters then turn left → Arrive at destination

2. By public transport:

① Line 3 (Shen-Chong 3, Intercity Section): Exit 4 of Wenshui Road Station on Metro Line 1 → Take Shen-Chong Line 3 (Intercity Section) → Get off at Baozhen Bus Station → Take Baojin Special Line → Get off at Suochang Farm Lock Factory, Qianjin Farm, Chongming

② Line 6B (Shen-Chong 6B): Pudong Julu Road → Baozhen Bus Station, Chongming → Take Baosheng Special Line → Get off at Suochang Farm Lock Factory, Qianjin Farm, Chongming

③ Shen-Chong Farm Special Line (Direct bus to North Lake Bay): Chifeng Road Metro Station on Metro Line 3 → Get off at the intersection of Beiyuan Highway and Qianshu Highway, Chongming