Baiyangdian

Baiyangdian

Baiyangdian is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction and a classic red tourism destination.

Baiyangdian is the largest lake on the North China Plain. Located in central Hebei Province, it was formerly known as Baiyangdian and also called Xidian. It became internationally renowned due to the movie "Little Soldier Zhang Ga." The lake formed from water gathering in the fan-edge depressions where the alluvial fans of the Yongding River and the Hutuo River converge at the foot of the Taihang Mountains. There are now 143 large and small lakes, the largest of which is Baiyangdian, collectively referred to as Baiyangdian. Covering an area of 336 square kilometers, it boasts abundant aquatic resources, with over 50 species of freshwater fish. Enclosed by dikes, Baiyangdian features a network of waterways, interconnected lakes and fields, and picturesque villages nestled along the shores. The shimmering waters, chirping birds, swaying reeds, and the subtle fragrance of lotus flowers create a stunning ecological landscape. Known as the "Pearl of North China," it is also praised as the "Jiangnan of the North" and the "West Lake of the North." In 2007, the Baiyangdian Scenic Area in Baoding was officially approved as a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction by the China National Tourism Administration.

Baiyangdian (also written as Baiyang Lake), also known as Xidian, was historically called Juili Baiyangdian. The upper reaches of Baiyangdian receive water from the Tang River and the Zulong River, both tributaries of the Daqing River in the Haihe River system, while the lower reaches drain into the Daqing River. The lake area is rich in aquatic products, and reeds cover extensive regions. Most of the surrounding lowlands have been converted into rice paddies.

Baiyangdian is a national 5A-level scenic area located in Anxin County, Hebei Province. It lies in the heartland of Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang, each about 150 kilometers away, covering a total area of 366 square kilometers. Historically known as the "West Lake of the North" and now hailed as the "Pearl of North China," it has been celebrated in poetry as the "Jiangnan of the North" and lauded as a "land of fish and rice." It was a favored retreat for emperors, the birthplace of the "Lotus Pond School" of literature, the battleground where the legendary Yanling troops made their mark, and the setting that inspired the story of "Little Soldier Zhang Ga."

Baiyangdian features vast waters, stretching as far as the eye can see, covering a total area of 366 square kilometers. The lake area is divided into 143 lakes of varying sizes and shapes by 39 villages, 3,700 water channels, and 120,000 mu of reed beds.

Baiyangdian enjoys a pleasant climate and breathtaking scenery, displaying natural beauty in all four seasons. In spring, sprouting reeds turn the lake a lush green; in summer, green cattails and red lotuses flourish, with willows shrouded in mist along the shores; autumn brings snowy reed catkins and the aroma of ripening rice; in winter, the ice is as smooth as jade, stretching endlessly under the open sky.

Baiyangdian is a typical northern wetland, renowned since ancient times for its abundant natural resources. It is a kingdom of birds, a paradise for fish, and a museum of diverse aquatic plants, offering exceptional tourism resources. The Baiyangdian tourist area is divided into six major scenic zones: the Mandarin Duck Island Folk Culture Zone, the Lotus Appreciation Zone, the Ecological Recreation Zone, the Leisure and Entertainment Zone, the Dock Sightseeing Zone, and the Folk Village Sightseeing Zone. Each zone has its own unique features and offers an all-in-one experience of dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment, ensuring visitors enjoy a fulfilling, delightful, and comfortable stay.

Main Overview

Baiyangdian is the largest lake on the North China Plain. Located in central Hebei Province, it was formerly known as Baiyangdian or the Pearl of North China, and also called Xidian. The lake formed from water accumulating in the fan-edge depressions where the alluvial fans of the Yongding River and the Hutuo River converge at the foot of the Taihang Mountains. There are 143 large and small lakes, among which Baiyangdian, Shaochedian, Yangjiaodian, Chiyuandian, and Houtangdian are the largest, collectively referred to as Baiyangdian. Covering an area of 336 square kilometers, it receives water from the Pu River, Tang River, Cao River, and Zulong River from the north, west, and south. With an average water storage capacity of 1.32 billion cubic meters, the Zhaolinzhuang Sluice Gate was built at the natural drainage outlet in eastern Baiyangdian to control water levels by introducing water from the Nanjuma River, a northern branch of the Daqing River, to expand the water source. However, due to the high sediment content of the Nanjuma River, severe siltation has caused the lake area and volume to gradually decrease. The area is rich in aquatic resources, with over 50 species of freshwater fish, and is famous for its vast reed marshes and expansive lotus fields, earning it the title "Pearl of North China." The legendary story of the Yanling water guerrilla team during the War of Resistance against Japan is widely known. The lake dried up in 1982 but was replenished by heavy rains in 1988, becoming a popular tourist destination. On May 8, 2007, the Anxin Baiyangdian Scenic Area in Baoding was officially approved as a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction by the China National Tourism Administration.

Baiyangdian is located between 38°43′–39°02′ north latitude and 115°38′–116°07′ east longitude. To the east, it borders Renqiu and Xiong;

to the west, it neighbors Qingyuan and Xushui; to the south, it connects with Gaoyang; and to the north, it meets Rongcheng. Covering a total area of 366 square kilometers (with a water surface elevation of 10.5 meters according to the Dagukou datum), 85% of the water area lies within Anxin County, accounting for nearly half of the county's total area. The terrain of the lake area slopes from northwest to southeast, with a natural gradient of 1:7000 and an elevation (Dagukou) of 7–9 meters. It falls within the warm temperate semi-arid zone of the eastern monsoon region, characterized by a distinct continental climate. The four seasons are clearly defined: dry and rainless springs, humid and rainy summers, crisp and clear autumns, and cold, snow-sparse winters. The average temperature is 12.1°C, with 2,638.3 hours of sunshine and a frost-free period of 203 days. The average annual precipitation is 552.27 mm. The total drainage area of Baiyangdian is 31,199 square kilometers, accounting for 96.13% of the Daqing River system's drainage basin. The terrain of the lake area is complex, with 143 large and small lakes and 3,700 water channels crisscrossing the landscape. There are 99 large lakes over 100 mu in size, the most notable being Baiyangdian, after which the area is named. The lake area is dotted with villages, reed beds, and fields, including 39 all-water villages and 134 lakeside villages. In addition to the Han ethnic group, the population includes 14 minority groups such as Mongolian, Hui, Uyghur, Miao, Yi, Zhuang, Buyi, Korean, Manchu, Dong, Yao, Daur, Tujia, and Lisu. The seat of the Anxin County government, Anxin Town, is located in the northwest of the lake area and serves as the political, economic, cultural, transportation, and tourism hub of Baiyangdian.

Baiyangdian is a large depression on the central Hebei Plain, connecting the four counties of Renqiu, Anxin, Gaoyang, Xiongxian, and Rongcheng. It consists of 143 lakes of varying sizes, including Baiyangdian, Zaozhoudian, Mapengdian, and Yaohuludian, covering a total area of over 500,000 mu, with perennial water coverage of more than 325,000 mu. The normal water storage capacity is 400 million cubic meters. However, the water surface area of Baiyangdian fluctuates with water levels. When the water level is between 5 and 5.5 meters above sea level, the entire lake dries up; when the level rises to 10 meters, the water storage exceeds 600 million cubic meters, with the optimal level being between 7 and 9 meters. The entire Baiyangdian resembles a giant stomach, collecting water from nine rivers—including the Tang River, Fu River, Cao River, and Jimu River—that flow from the south and northwest, before channeling it out through the Zhaozhuang New River and the Daqing River to the east into the Haihe River.

Baiyangdian boasts vast waters, beautiful scenery, and a pleasant climate, making it a summer retreat in Hebei Province. The four seasons here present distinctly stunning views of water and sky. In spring, reeds emerge from the water, turning the lake a vibrant green; at dawn, the rising sun illuminates the lake bottom, as if Baiyangdian is draped in a green sash and rosy clouds. In summer, the lake fills to the brim, fish leap from the water, green reeds sway, water chestnut leaves glisten, and lotuses bloom in full splendor, creating a quintessential water town scene. In autumn, flying reed catkins, the scent of ripening rice, flocks of ducks and geese, and widespread lotus and water chestnuts fill the area, with small boats shuttling back and forth and fishermen’s songs echoing across the lake. In winter, the frozen landscape turns into a smooth jade-like expanse, resembling a giant mirror embedded in the plains of central Hebei.

Baiyangdian is rich in aquatic resources and is a renowned freshwater fishery, producing over 40 species of fish and shrimp, including salmon, carp, grass carp, shrimp, and river crabs. With aquatic plants widespread and wild ducks and geese inhabiting the area, locals can catch fish and shrimp, harvest lotus roots, and hunt various waterfowl, keeping the area bustling year-round. Hence, it is called a "treasure bowl where one can make a fortune every day and enjoy all four seasons like autumn."

The highlights of Baiyangdian tourism include: first, taking a motorboat or wooden boat to navigate through the maze of reed beds, surrounded by clear green waters, white reeds, flocks of geese and ducks, and boats laden with fish, offering a quintessential water town experience; second, tasting fresh aquatic delicacies, as Baiyangdian is abundant in fish and shrimp—the shrimp are large and meaty, and the fish are big and tender, making them perfect for banquets; third, watching fishermen haul in their nets or even joining them to fish in the lake, experiencing life as a local fisher, or bringing your own fishing rod to fish while boating.

There are also many historical sites near Baiyangdian. Many ancient emperors visited here to escape the summer heat and engage in water hunting, leaving behind four imperial palaces and numerous historical legends. For instance, one lake is called "Lao Wangdian" (Fishing King Lake), said to be the spot where Emperor Qianlong fell into the water and was rescued by fishermen. Relevant authorities have also built the Kangxi Water Hunt Imperial Palace, a large swimming pool, a water sports park, and a wildlife observation area in Baiyangdian, and plan to develop several villages with folk customs for visitors to explore.

The people of Baiyangdian have a proud revolutionary tradition. During the War of Resistance against Japan, the local residents formed the famous water guerrilla team "Yanling Team," using the rivers, lakes, and creeks to wage guerrilla warfare and strike fear into the hearts of the enemy.