Nanhu Natural Scenic Tourism Area

Nanhu Natural Scenic Tourism Area

Nanhu is located 30 kilometers southwest of Yixian County in Baoding, and is an artificial lake built in the 1950s by utilizing the towering surrounding mountains. The lake covers a surface area of 27 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 48.5 meters, and meets China's national Class II water quality standards. To the south, the lake connects to the Langya Mountain; to the north is Zijing Pass; to the west is Wufengzhai, which rises to an elevation of 1,283 meters; and to the east is Jiulong Mountain. Nanhu dams the upper reaches of the Yi River, collecting the water into the lake, resulting in clear and pristine water quality. The surroundings of Nanhu boast beautiful scenery and a pleasant environment. Since being developed as a tourist scenic area in the 1990s, it has been likened to the scenery of the Li River and is known as the "Little Guilin of the North."

The highlight of the Nanhu Tourism Area is the harmonious blend of mountains and waters, exuding a southern charm. The "Little Guilin" of Nanhu is situated by the lakeside, where cliff walls draped with hanging vines depict the picturesque landscapes of Guilin, reminiscent of a traditional southern Chinese painting. On the mountains, there are attractions such as the Immortal’s Cave, Immortal’s Bridge, Immortal’s Canal, and Prince’s Hat, along with the beautiful legend of the Seven Immortals Escorting the Imperial Uncle. Visitors have left poetic lines saying: "The Seven Immortals came here to escort the Imperial Uncle; Nanhu’s landscape is Little Guilin. To witness such beauty, why journey a thousand miles to the south?" Due to mountain barriers, the vast surface of Nanhu is divided into two main sections—north and south—giving the entire lake a concave shape. The lake’s crystal-clear waters are ideal for boating, swimming, fishing, or simply sightseeing from a boat.

Paddling eastward along the lake, visitors will see Jiulong Mountain to the east, dotted with peculiar rocks. From a distance, the mountaintop resembles a grand gate, beside which massive rocks shaped like stone lions stand—referred to by locals as the “Lion Guarding the Gate.” Other rock formations resemble immortals playing chess, teapots, or bowls. To the west of the lake lies Phoenix Mountain, also known as "Two Phoenixes Facing Each Other," where the mountain's shape resembles a phoenix spreading its wings, and atop its peak stands a green cypress tree that looks like a small phoenix perched on the back of a larger one, creating a unique and striking scene. To the northwest of the lake is Wufengzhai, where a mysterious white mist often rises like a colored ribbon from the lower areas, encircling the five peaks for a long time without dispersing. The five ridges extending from Wufengzhai toward the lake resemble five lively dragons. Directly opposite the Nanhu Dam, the central peninsula that segments the lake serves as the heart of Nanhu and the focal point of its stunning scenery. This peninsula comprises five main peaks—Danantuo, Danzhai, Shuangzhai, Qilin Mountain, and others—which together form a celestial arrangement, encircling the highest peak, Weiwang Mountain, like a blooming lotus. To the west, farther from the dam, the mountains have been eroded by wind and rain over time, resulting in cliffs and peaks that appear as if chiseled by axes or finely carved, showcasing a remarkable variety of forms. For instance, on the steep cliffs of Qilin Mountain, several stone formations resembling arhat statues sit or stand silently—some in motion, some still—strikingly lifelike. Additionally, three other peaks resemble three giants sitting side by side: one wearing a crown of a prince, one donning a tied scarf helmet, and another clad in a commander’s helmet, all dressed in perfect order.