Bai Dao Lake

Bai Dao Lake

Bai Dao Lake is situated in the Shanmen Reservoir in Lixian County, Changde, Hunan Province. The Shanmen Reservoir was first built in 1975 and completed in 1978 to begin water storage. It controls a catchment area of 35.41 square kilometers and has a maximum storage capacity of 98.65 million cubic meters. The reservoir features a seamless blend of mountains and water, with emerald-green surfaces stretching for dozens of miles, forming a natural watery kingdom amidst the hills. The lake is dotted with numerous islands clustered like slabs, commonly known as “Bai Dao Lake” (Hundred Islands Lake). Due to its location within the inland monsoon climate zone at the northern edge of the mid-subtropical region, the area enjoys distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, mild climate, and ample rainfall—natural conditions that have created highly superior eco-tourism resources.

The captivating “Bai Dao Lake” embodies an air of mystery akin to “the moon of ancient times unseen by modern eyes,” a sense of hidden beauty as if “kept in a secluded boudoir unknown to the world,” and the vitality of “spring waters turning as green as indigo.” The mountains here are quaint and graceful, with winding paths leading to serene spots, surrounded by lush pines and cypresses. Strolling through them, with a gentle breeze brushing by and the rustling of pine waves in the air, one feels refreshed and invigorated—often lingering here may even contribute to a longer life. The lake is vast and misty, with a hazy water vapor enveloping the surface.

The lake is studded with islands covered in dense woods, making it an ideal destination for leisure and vacation—especially for people from big cities to truly experience the essence of nature. The islands here come in peculiar shapes, each with its own character, resembling several smooth, jade-like pearls inlaid across the surface of Bai Dao Lake. With harmonious and mutually enhancing landscapes of mountains and water, the area exudes a spiritual charm. Legends of the magical Fengzui Rock and the Gaolao Stele, along with archaeological discoveries of prehistoric life from hundreds of millions of years ago, further add to the mystique of Bai Dao Lake. This is a world-renowned “paleontological research base,” often regarded as a natural “paleontological exhibition hall.” Every year, it welcomes experts and scholars from around the globe and numerous top universities in China who come to conduct paleontological research, excavation, and studies. In April 2000, the renowned British botanist, Fellow of the Royal Society, and professor at the University of London, D. Edwards, along with his assistant, Dr. C. Berry from the University of Warwick, visited for research under the accompaniment of Professor Li Chengsen from the Institute of Botany at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The widely circulated folk legend of “Fengzui Rock” further enriches the mystical allure of Bai Dao Lake. Located on the golden tourism route between the Three Gorges and Wulingyuan, Bai Dao Lake neighbors Yichang to the north, connects to Zhangjiajie to the west, and leads to Taohuayuan to the south. It lies along the S320 provincial highway of Hunan and is just five kilometers from the Zhijiang-Liuzhou Railway, offering convenient transportation in all directions, accessible postal and telecommunications services, abundant electric power resources, and all necessary conditions for developing tourism resources.

The main projects and activities available in the scenic area include:

Hunting, fishing, shooting ranges, water entertainment, and light seaplane rides.