Mayang Jiulong Lake

Mayang Jiulong Lake

(Photography: Wang Faguo)

Jiulong Lake is situated in Guogongping Township, Mayang Miao Autonomous County, covering an area of nearly ten thousand mu. It is a section of the Jinjiang River that originates from Fanjing Mountain. The Jiulong Lake area boasts continuous green mountains, lush forests, and some of the best-preserved secondary forests. With birds singing and flowers blooming, the ecological environment is excellent, featuring up to 20,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter, making it a natural oxygen bar dubbed “forest vitamins.” The lake water is crystal clear, meeting national first-class drinking water standards. The secluded bays are deep and picturesque, with enchanting natural scenery, small bridges over flowing streams, and abundant ecological charm. Natural attractions such as the Sky Pillar, Heroes' Slope, Flowing Silk Waterfall, and ancient village residences can all be found in the area, making it one of China’s most beautiful health-preserving habitats and a top summer retreat destination for Huaihua, Jishou, Tongren, and surrounding areas.

Jiulong Lake is adjacent to the Jiulong Cave National Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province. The annual average temperature is 17°C. The rainy season runs from early June to early July, while mid-July to late August is the dog days of summer, when the weather is rather hot and humid, with afternoon temperatures peaking at 36°C. The best season for outdoor travel is from September to November, when the weather is cool and dry, with an average temperature of 25°C and little rain. April to May is also a good time to visit, although it is slightly rainier, so don’t forget to bring rain gear.

Jiulong Lake is home to over 60 species of freshwater fish. Fish dishes are a highlight here, celebrated for their color, aroma, and taste, and are well-known both within and beyond the province. The lake area lies at the start of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, characterized by high mountains, deep waters, and low temperatures. Fish from Jiulong Lake generally take three years to reach market size, resulting in tender meat that meets the standards of green and organic food, forming the brand of Mayang’s longevity fish. A visit to Jiulong Lake is not complete without trying its fish. The Jiulong Lake area is an outdoor tourist destination and wellness retreat that combines fish dining, fish viewing, fishing, fish shopping, and leisure. Tasting fish and fishing here is undoubtedly a delightful experience not to be missed.

In spring, Jiulong Lake is filled with birdsong and floral scents, with verdant mountains and boundless azure lake surfaces rippling gently — a feast for the eyes. In summer, it serves as the perfect summer retreat, offering leisure activities such as mountain stream waterfalls, mountain spring foot baths, adventures for thrill-seekers, stream tracing, mountain climbing for scenic views, and mountain shouting to cleanse the lungs, leaving you refreshed and reluctant to leave. When autumn arrives, the crisp air and mild breeze accompany the sight of road-side silvergrass flowers swaying in the wind and maple leaves blazing like fire at the foot of the mountains. In winter, the lake is often shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland. Visiting during this season offers a refreshing experience, and brave souls can even try winter swimming to enjoy the wild fun of feeling like they’re traveling through a painting. Here, every season is a paradise for leisure and wellness.

The best way to experience Jiulong Lake is to relax — slow down and focus on just a few things: swimming, hiking, cycling, and gourmet food. That’s all you need. The annual Jiulong Lake Swim attracts numerous swimming enthusiasts from across the country. Nowadays, the wellness trend at Jiulong Lake is booming, and you’ll often encounter cyclists, motorcyclists, self-drive tourists, backpackers, anglers from all regions, and even international visitors coming for leisure and wellness. They ride bicycles, sip Jiulong Lake spring water, and chase the evening sunset.

Jiulong Lake enjoys a continuous supply of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the year and boasts a rich variety of local specialties. There is an abundance of “wild foods” such as pheasants, bracken, mountain bamboo shoots, kudzu roots, mountain grapes, kiwis, and passion fruits. Delicacies like cold-water rice, authentic local black pork, free-range chicken, free-range duck, and organic fruits and vegetables are simply mouthwatering. You can go fishing by the lake and have a barbecue, or explore the charming, traditional old villages. With such scenery and cuisine, are you tempted?