Tingxia Lake

Tingxia Lake

Tingxia Lake is a national water conservancy scenic area.

Located five kilometers from Xikou Town in Fenghua City, a historic town renowned both at home and abroad, Tingxia Lake lies to the south of the Shanyan Nine-Bend scenic spot—historically praised as a picturesque view in eastern Zhejiang—and connects to the north with attractions such as the ancient Xuedou Temple, a sacred site of Maitreya and one of China’s five great Buddhist mountains, the majestic Thousand-Zhang Waterfall, and the mystical Xufu Fairyland. The lake boasts beautiful landscapes with misty hills, sparkling waters, reflections of sky and clouds, winding shores, numerous islands, and picturesque scenery that showcase the area’s natural splendor. Known as the “Pearl of Eastern Zhejiang,” it is one of the three major scenic systems within the national-level Xuedou Mountain Scenic Area.

As early as the 1940s, Chiang Kai-shek had envisioned constructing an artificial lake around the rocky shores of the surrounding area, but the plan was shelved due to wartime turmoil and political instability. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Water Resources conducted multiple site surveys based on the hydrological plan for the Fenghua River Basin. Following extensive research and evaluation, the final site was chosen at Bailong Pool in the Eighth Bend of the Shanyan River. Construction began in January 1978 and was completed in September 1985, with a total investment of 50 million yuan. Tingxia Lake is a man-made reservoir covering an area of 5.9 square kilometers, with a water storage capacity of 153 million cubic meters—equivalent to seven West Lakes in Hangzhou. The lakeshore stretches for 42 kilometers. The lake area is surrounded by dense forests and tranquil valleys, and contains three islands and several peninsulas. Due to its complex terrain, the area naturally divides into an inner lake, an outer lake, and a narrow “Little Three Gorges” waterway stretching five kilometers. These bodies of water are embraced by verdant mountains and layered peaks, with islands dotting the lake’s center and sparkling waves glistening under the sun. The serene and pristine environment, along with the stunning natural scenery of green hills and clear waters, allows visitors not only to experience views reminiscent of Guilin’s beauty, the grandeur of the Three Gorges, and the majesty of Huangshan Mountain, but also makes it an ideal destination for vacationing and recuperation. Highlights for sightseeing include: High Dam Viewpoint, Catfish Lying on the Waves, Green Turtle Probing the Water, Fragrant Island Summer Shade, and Three Gorges Scenic View. Activities visitors can take part in include: camping, fishing in the curved lake, fruit tasting in orchards, and boating on rippling waters. The lake area’s over 800-acre fruit base produces mouthwatering specialties such as Fenghua juicy peaches, deep purple and sweet Cixi bayberries, crispy and sweet Nanyang pears, and fragrant, sugary lakeside mandarins. The 2,520-acre fish farming area offers premium catches including California bass, tilapia, eel, and river shrimp, providing fresh delicacies all year round. Tingxia Lake attracts visitors not only with its magnificent natural scenery and abundant local produce, but also with its distinctive cultural heritage. The steep peaks known as Dahui and Xiaohui in the center of the lake were named after the passing of Huang Chao, leader of a peasant uprising in the late Tang Dynasty. Song Dynasty poet Gao Yuanzhi once wrote the verse: “From Dahui emerges Xiaohui, through ranges of emerald peaks; cold clouds cradle hidden stones, waterfalls cascade down cloud-backed cliffs.” Historical sites that are now submerged under the lake include the Shanyan Academy, Baiyun Study House, and the Weituo Bodhisattva Temple, which was even larger than the nearby Xuedou Temple.

The area is rich in legends such as Two Gentlemen Meeting Immortals, Turtle and Snake Guarding the Gate, and Ancient Pagoda and Divine Waterfall. Sites slated for reconstruction include Dragon Pavilion and Cloud Rain, and Painting Character Rock. The lake area has long attracted literati and scholars, showcasing splendid traditional culture, breathtaking natural scenery, simple local customs, and fragrant seasonal fruits and delicious fish all year round. Once you step into the Tingxia Lake scenic area, you will feel refreshed and delighted. A visit to Tingxia Lake will invigorate your spirit.

Address: Under Yushu Pavilion, Xuedou Mountain, Yuxi Tingxia, Xikou, Fenghua, Ningbo

Type: Lake

Opening Hours:

7:30-17:30

Suggested Visit Duration:

1 day

Transportation:

Take a bus from Ningbo to Xikou, then transfer to a bus heading to Dongcun. The lake is located right by the roadside.

Ticket Price:

5 RMB; speedboat lake tour: 35 RMB per person

Xikou Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Fenghua City. Established as Xikou Township in 1950, upgraded to a town in 1956, changed to a commune in 1958, re-established as a town in 1980, and expanded in 1992 to include Jifengshan, Dongcun, and Dong’ao townships. Located 13 kilometers northwest of the city government, it covers an area of 134 square kilometers with a population of 43,000. The Jiangba Highway runs through the town. The town administers: Xikou First Village, Xikou Second Village, Xikou Third Village, Licun, Waicun, Renshan Ting, Yuxi, Shangbai, Wulin, Hushan, Shadi, Shanshan, Xinjian, Dong’ao, Wangga’ao, Chenjia, Shuimentou, Zhizhao, Xizhao, Thirty-Six Bends, Zhongfeng, Lantian, Dongjiang, ... More detailed information about Xikou Town++