Yanma Lake Scenic Area

Yanma Lake Scenic Area

Yanma Lake Scenic Area is a National Water Conservancy Scenic Area.

Yanma Lake is located in Fengmao Town, northern Shanting District,

covering an area of nearly 30,000 mu with water depths ranging from 0.5 to 17 meters. It is one of the top ten reservoirs in Shandong and the largest artificial lake in Zaozhuang. Like a huge, gleaming mirror embedded among the continuous mountains, it features recreational spaces where traditional folk culture harmoniously blends with modern landscapes — Zhujia Mountain Villa, as well as Zaozhuang’s largest natural karst cave — Zhangshan Cave. It is an ideal destination for tourism and leisure.

The lake is flanked by rolling mountains on both the eastern and western sides, offering breathtaking scenery. On calm, sunny days, a gentle breeze ripples the lake’s surface, creating a refreshing and tranquil atmosphere. When the wind picks up, the waves become fierce, and Zhushan Island in the distance resembles a giant whale rising from the water, giving visitors the sensation of being by the sea and filling them with awe. A boat ride on Yanma Lake allows you to fully appreciate the vast waters, crystal-clear lake, fishing village scenery, and the idyllic charm brought by the majestic, winding dam.

　Yanma Lake remains shimmering year-round, with picturesque scenery that is most enchanting at sunset. Every evening, as the sun dips below the mountains, the slanting rays spill across the landscape, reflecting off the green hills and blooming flowers that seem to merge with the lake. Dotting the waters are fishing boats and colorful umbrellas, while the lake’s surface shimmers under the afterglow of the setting sun, creating a mirage-like illusion with a kaleidoscope of colors reminiscent of a prism. This forms the unique spectacle known as "Yanma Sunset," which has become one of Zaozhuang’s eight most famous scenic views.

At the foot of Zhangshan Mountain on the northeastern shore of Yanma Lake lies Zaozhuang’s largest karst cave — Zhangshan Cave. It is about 4 meters below the surface, with a total length of nearly 300 meters. Stepping into the cave, just a dozen steps in, water droplets fall to the ground like pearls dropping onto a jade plate, producing a crisp, pleasant sound. The dripping mineral-rich water has formed white stalactites and stalagmites that resemble snow-capped mountains or glaciers, though they are neither. Where the light hits, the stone icicles, pillars, and stalagmites display strange, dazzling colors. The cave passages vary between narrow and wide. In the narrow sections, the walls at first glance appear joined, but upon closer inspection, individual stone icicles shaped like flowers can be seen — crystal clear and flawless, as pure as gold. In the wider areas, some formations resemble grand palace pillars, rich and exquisitely crafted; others stand like slender bamboo shoots, fresh and crystalline; still others look like graceful arms of handmaidens, delicate and full. Further inside, the cave opens up to another world of endless wonders, akin to the treasures of a dragon palace, captivating and mysterious. Some formations resemble ornate pavilions and towers; others look like rippling silver lake surfaces under sunlight; some resemble vibrant coral forests on the ocean floor, dazzling in a riot of colors. Looking into the side caves from the main passage, the narrow yet densely packed scenes are especially fascinating. Some stone pillars resemble human figures, lifelike; others resemble potted landscapes, charming and serene; some stalagmites and icicles almost touch, creating the dramatic tension of blades clashing. The Zhangshan Cave features a unique structure, with upper and lower chambers interconnected, main caves embracing side ones, forming a wonderfully complex and breathtakingly beautiful wonderland.

On the western side of Yanma Lake, around Wangmu Mountain, Zhushan Mountain, Dugucheng, Lizhuang, Longhupo, and Huang’an Ridge, there lies a spectacular array of hoodoo rock formations, characteristic of the typical "Dry Sea" landscape on the western foothills of the Yishan Mountain range. These rocks, formed from Archean Tai'an-period gneissic granite, have been weathered over time into various shapes and sizes. Huge and uniquely shaped rocks are scattered everywhere, their forms vividly suggestive of real objects — incredibly lifelike and striking, as if masterfully carved by divine tools, leaving viewers in awe. Some resemble humans, others objects, and all kinds of birds and beasts. There are formations like the tenderly affectionate “Lover’s Stone”; the joyous gathering of immortals in “Immortals’ Feast Stone”; the seemingly heaven-sent, precariously balanced “Flying Rock”; as well as the “Parrot Imitating Speech,” “Chick Spreading Wings,” “Hen Laying Eggs,” “Confucius Teaching,” “Couple Viewing the Sea,” “Heaven and Earth’s Conscience,” “Mother and Daughter Dialogue,” “Carp Exploring the Sea,” “Half-Immortal Stone,” “Eagle Stone,” “Male Half-Figure (from behind),” “Female Portrait (from behind),” and many more. The variety is astounding, offering incredible visual delight and high tourist value.