Tianquan Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Tianquan Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Tianquan Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national water conservancy scenic area.

Tianquan Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area is situated in the southern part of Xuyi County, on the foothills of the Dabie Mountains, close to Nanjing and Yangzhou. It spans a total area of 47 square kilometers, with 9 square kilometers covered by water. Built around the Huannong Reservoir, the area is famed for its magical, serene, natural, and untouched charm, often dubbed the “Jiuzhaigou of Jiangsu.” Its distinctive climate, unique geological features, and naturally formed picturesque landscapes create a heavenly setting. It boasts Asia’s brightest starry night sky, the earliest ancient mountain temples, the most pristine forest wilderness, and the clearest mountain valley lakes—each standing out as a unique marvel. It is now recognized as a national 4A-level tourist attraction, a national water conservancy scenic area, and a national forest park.

The Huannong Reservoir is a medium-sized reservoir primarily used for irrigation, with additional functions such as flood control, tourism, water supply, and aquaculture. It earned its name from its crystal-clear waters and serves as the main water infrastructure and aquatic landscape of the scenic area. From a high vantage point, the vast lake shimmers with misty waves and emerald waters, surrounded by rolling green mountains that blend seamlessly with the lake, creating an ethereal paradise where water and sky meet.

Encircled by mountains and ridges that stretch endlessly, Tianquan Lake offers lush forests, deep valleys, peculiar rocks, mysterious caves, clear streams, rushing rapids, and refreshing waterfalls as you hike uphill—each element contributing to its wild and breathtaking scenery. Scattered throughout are numerous attractions such as the Astronomy Science Park, suspension bridge, peacock garden, Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder, and Tieshan Chan Temple, appearing and disappearing amid the landscape. The 38-square-kilometer forest provides ample shade, functioning as a natural oxygen bar. The woods are rich in flora and fauna, including 258 species of rare plants such as Quercus aliena, Pteroceltis tatarinowii, Dalbergia hupeana, and Michelia yunnanensis; over 40 types of wildlife like wolves and muntjacs; more than 170 bird species including Asian paradise flycatchers, pearl-necked doves, and peacocks; and it is also an important habitat for over 300 kinds of valuable medicinal herbs such as Pulsatilla chinensis, Rubia cordifolia, and Ranunculus ternatus.

The Tieshan Chan Temple was first built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and is the founding site of Yan Fotiao, the first monk to take monastic vows in the Han era. Covering an area of over 200 acres, restoration began in 2001. It has since developed into a temple complex centered around Tieshan Chan Temple, along with over ten other temples such as Wanggu Nunnery, Qingliang Temple, and Longshan Temple, and is often called the “Little Jiuhua Mountain.”

The Purple Mountain Observatory research base, built on Paoma Mountain, is currently the largest astrophysical experimental, astronomical observation, and science education facility in Asia, and the second-largest in the world. Here, through large optical telescopes, visitors can gaze at a sky full of twinkling stars, feeling as though they’ve entered a mysterious cosmic realm.

Tianquan Mountain Villa, located on Xiaolong Mountain by Tianquan Lake, is nestled against the mountain and beside the water. Surrounded by dense woods, the resort features European-style villas hidden among the greenery, offering tranquility and a distinctive international charm. It is an ideal choice for business travel, conferences, leisure, dining, and accommodation. Here, you can leave your fatigue behind, listen to birdsong, admire the sunset glow, breathe in the fresh air, and sip from the mountain springs—an experience that is truly intoxicating and hard to leave.

A heavenly paradise, a water wonderland—Tianquan Lake National Water Conservancy Scenic Area is your perfect destination for eco-tourism, astronomy education, gourmet mountain delicacies, and wellness retreats.