Yongxing Lake

Yongxing Lake

Yongxing Lake is located in Yongxing Town, Liangcheng County. The town is named after the lake. Spanning 2 kilometers from east to west and 1 kilometer from north to south, with a maximum depth of 8 meters, Yongxing Lake is fed by springs from the surrounding areas. As a result, its waters are crystal clear, sweet, and pure—excellent for drinking and irrigation. The lake is stocked with carp, silver carp, grass carp, and crucian carp, all known for their delicious taste and tender flesh.

With a history of 500,000 years, Yongxing Lake may not boast towering mountains or a vast expanse of water, but it offers stunning scenery surrounded by rolling hills, picturesque countryside, historical sites, and uniquely shaped rock formations. Highlights include the Stone Turtle, the Alien Rock, the Laughing Buddha on West Hill, and the Buddha’s Hand—all spectacular sights. There are also romantic legends such as those of the Peace Cave and the Dolphin. The area features pristine forests, grasslands, and streams, while cultural landmarks like ancient beacon towers, waterfalls, the Century Dragon, and the ruins of Tiger Mountain add to its charm. Notably, the Tianjia Town Massacre Memorial silently commemorates the atrocity where Japanese invaders killed 299 fellow countrymen, making this site an important base for patriotic education.

Though not high in elevation nor large in size, Yongxing Lake presents a beautiful tableau of mountains reflected in its mirror-like surface, embraced by hills, alive with migratory birdsong, dappled sunlight, and fresh air. Lush green landscapes, bonfire gatherings, and local culture make it a truly enchanting destination. Activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, and sightseeing are highly recommended. Among its natural wonders are lifelike rock formations that leave visitors in awe. The “World’s No.1 Divine Turtle” is remarkably realistic and massive, hailed by visitors from China and abroad as a “priceless treasure.” The “Alien Rock” and “Baodai Stone,” each dozens of meters tall and wide, stand proudly on West Hill and are deemed “unique in the world”—their origins remain a mystery. The “Flying Stone” raises questions about how it arrived and split into four pieces, sparking endless curiosity. The magic of the Peace Cave, the romance of the Dolphin’s Devotion, the mystique of the Reclining Buddha, and the charm of the Grassland Scenery all invite deep reflection. Yongxing Lake’s surroundings are equally captivating: to the east lies the “Ancient Temple Ruins,” dating back 10,000 years; to the west, the cloud-piercing “Mangniu Mountain” with its primeval forests; to the south, the ancient Great Wall at “Shahukou,” on the border of Inner Mongolia and Shanxi; and to the north, the steep, dizzying “Hadashan,” resembling a canyon with unfathomable depths, exuding a southern grandeur. Legend says an alien once descended onto West Hill, frightening locals until a Taoist priest declared it a fossilized extraterrestrial. Standing about 30 meters tall and over 10 meters wide atop the hill, the alien’s features—including ears, eyes, nose, and especially its mouth, seemingly wide enough to swallow the world—are strikingly vivid. On quiet nights, some claim to hear it singing. People now visit to pray for peace and happiness.

Baodai Stone

The Reclining Buddha

The Peace Cave

The Century Dragon of Yongxing Lake

The Flying Stone

The Dolphin’s Devotion

Source: People's Government of Ulanqab City