Dawang Lake

Dawang Lake

Dawang Lake is a national geopark.

• A perfect combination of lakes and Danxia landforms, with uniquely structured temples and caves, resembling a fairyland on earth.

Attraction Introduction

Dawang Lake can be regarded as the finest of lake-and-mountain landscapes, boasting the reputation of "the world's No. 1 lake-mountain." The vast and serene lake perfectly blends with the diverse and spectacular Danxia landforms, harmonizing masculinity with femininity, boldness with elegance, creating ever-changing waterborne Danxia scenery. In addition, the area is home to numerous naturally formed giant Buddha figures, each lifelike and brimming with charm. Legend has it that those with good fortune may sense the spiritual energy of the lake and mountains here and receive blessings from the Buddha.

Dawang Lake not only features unique landform scenery but also boasts the world-rare spectacle of "cave culture." Historically, it was home to as many as 130 temples of various sizes, each built within uniquely shaped caves, with over 70 still preserved today. Among them, the most famous is the Sweet Dew Temple, which served as the model for the Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If Dawang Lake is compared to an elegant and graceful woman, then the Sweet Dew Temple is her bright, star-like deep eyes. As a "Buddhist temple on the water," it is naturally accessed by boat. Viewed from the water, the mountains rise from the lake, the lake cradles the mountains, appearing as islands yet not quite, offering a refreshing and serene fairyland ambiance.

Besides the numerous cave temples, the various-sized caves of Dawang Lake also have deep connections with Confucianism, the philosophy that has most profoundly influenced Chinese history. For instance, Zhu Xi, who brought Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism to its peak, once taught students extensively in Danxia caves. Additionally, both Zou Yinglong, the top scholar of the Southern Song Dynasty, and Li Chunye, owner of the Shangshu Mansion, achieved fame and success through diligent study in these caves.

Address: Dawang Lake World Geopark, Taining County, Sanming City

Type: Geological landscape, lake, boat tour

Recommended visiting time: 4–5 hours

Phone: 0598-7865200

Opening hours:

Summer: 7:30–14:30; Winter: 8:00–14:00

Ticket price:

80 RMB per person