Lake Xuanwuhu

» Nanjing, Jiang Su

Lake Xuanwuhu Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Situated at the foot of Mt. Zhongshan in Nanjing, Lake Xuanwuhu is a beautiful scenic spot protected by China. It is also one of the three most famous lakes in Nanjing. The history of Xuanwu Lake can be traced back to the Pre-Qin period (21century B.C. - 221 B.C.). The name of the lake has changed several times during the long history. The lake gained the name Lake Xuanwuhu because a black dragon was said to be in the lake. The lake covers an area of 444 hectares with a coastline of 15 kilometers in circumferences.

Legend

According to the legend, in the Southern Dynasty a black dragon was seen in the lake. Chinese Daoists believed that the black dragon was a water god appeared appearing as the uniform of a turtle and snake, called Xuanwu. Hence the lake was called Xuwu Lake.

Another legend said stated that when Sun Quan, the King of the Eastern Wu Kingdom settled down in the region, he brought water in and made this lake. Geological study shows that the lake was actually formed by the movements of the geological plates when Mt. Yanshan was formed.

What to appreciate

The area around Lake Xuanwuhu contains many places of interest and historical relics. Historical cultural figures such as Guo Pu, Li Bai and Wang Anshi have all set foot here and left behind many poems in admiration of the lake. Some of their remains can still be traced today.

Five isles

The park area is dotted with five green isles; all connected by bridges or dykes and each has an attractive and unique flavor.

Ring Isle (Huan Isle)

Ring Isle is famous for its camphor trees and French parasol trees in the mists of spring. Amid a rockery with falls stand two pieces of stone similar in appearance to a boy worshipping the Goddess of Mercy, whilst. Lotus Square - a large-scale and well-assorted water scene that integrates musical fountains, laser and water-screened movies into one - is also located here. When you are on the isle, you can see that the leaves of willows wave gently with the wind and feel the mild wind from the lake that blows tenderly on your face.

Cherry Isle (Ying Isle)

Cherry Isle has long been well-known for its cherries and a myriad of flowers. Lots of cherry trees used to be planted all over the isle and the cherries were served as tribute to the emperor. When the cherry blossoms bloom in the early spring, the isle seems to be an ocean of flowers.

Liang Isle

The third isle is named Liang Isle and is noted for its autumn chrysanthemum and an annual chrysanthemum show is held on the isle. Along this isle, visitors can see the Temple of the Lake's God and the Friendship Hall.

Water Chestnut Isle (Ling Isle)

Water Chestnut Isle is so called because lots of water chestnuts used to be grown in the pond. Ever since ancient times, it has been famous for its changing mountain mists. The main attraction of the isle is a three-dimensional flowerbed, Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl. To the east of the isle, you can see the beautiful clouds drifting across Zhong Mountain.

Green Isle (Cui Isle)

The last isle, Green Isle, is much appreciated for the variety of its trees and tranquility. Pines, green cedars, tender willows and light-green bamboos all help to make it a unique and satisfying place for recreation.

Other scenic spots

Along the scenic belt around the lake you can enjoy the morning glory in Xuanwu, visit Wumiao Sluice Gate, stroll by the ancient city wall and walk on the Ten-Mile-Dyke. You can also have a good time in the Water Paradise or relax in the natural Metasequoia Oxygen Bar.

Souvenirs

• Nanjing souvenirs include colorful pebbles (Yuhuashi) from the Yuhuatai area in Nanjing.
• Cloud pattern brocades which come in several types with the Zhuang brocade and Zhi brocade considered the best examples.
• Jinling fans have been renowned since the Ming Dynasty and they come in bamboo, silk and bone varieties.
• Swan velvet is a traditional Nanjing silk product that is intricately woven with fine silk floss featuring flower patterns, these also come in different varieties from cushions to wall hangings.

What to taste

People in Nanjing boast of the rich flavors in their cuisine as preserves the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering or underwhelming. A specialty around here is salted duck, the meat is succulently tender with a crispy skin. Try a kind of pudding made from tofu, green onion pancakes and dumplings soup. Another specialties are Huangqiao sesame seed cake and Kaiyang dried vermicelli, Jiangyouji's beef soup and so on.

How to get there

• You can take the boat lying outside the Nanjing railway station to reach.
  
• Take bus No.1 (RMB 1) from Gulou to therailway station. The Lake is directly opposite. The main gateway to the Lake is on Zhongyang Road. There is a small and quiet pedestrian path around most of Lake Xuanwuhu. Bus 304, 3, 25, 30, 35, 38 are also accessible.

When to visit

• Opening Hours: 8:00a.m. - 20:00p.m.

Attractions around » Nanjing, Jiang Su

Natural Scene

• Lake Xuanwuhu
• Qinhuai River

Historical Site

• Ming Xiaoling Tomb
• Confucius Temple
• Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Tomb
• Presidential Palace
• Yuhuatai Martyrs' Cemetery
• Linggu Temple
• Zhonghua Gate

Cultural Site

• Memorial Hall to the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre
• Nanjing Museum
• Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

Lake Xuanwuhu Highlights

Lake & Spring in Great China

• West Lake
• Lake Kanas
• Lake Namtso
• Lake Qinghaihu
• Lake Yamdrok
• Huaqing Pool
• Crescent Spring
• Lake Qiandaohu
• Lake Xuanwuhu
• Lake Taihu
• Slender West Lake
• Lake Hongfenghu
• Lake Dianchi
• Lake Luguhu
• Heavenly Lake
• Butterfly Spring
• Lake Erhai
• Longsheng Hot Spring National Park
• Lake Bitahai
• Lake Shuduhu
• Lake Napahai
• Red Carp Pond
• Hupao Spring
• Black Dragon Pool
• Lake Karakuli
• Tianhe Pool
• Lake Dongtinghu
• Baotu Spring
• Lake Daminghu
• Yuquan Park
• Lake Bosten
• East Lake Scenic Area

Lake Xuanwuhu FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. When to go

  Shopping

1. Where to exchange money?

  Customs

1. What are some interesting festivals?

  Other Hints

1. Health and Security
2. Useful numbers

• When to go

  Known as one of the three hottest cities in China, Nanjing's scorching summer period is to be avoided.

  The short and comfortable autumn time from October to mid-November is the best travel period for the city.

  Unlike other southern cities in China, in December, it sometimes snows in the city. If fortunately, you will have an opportunity to appreciate the enthralling white snow world of Nanjing. In the coldest month - January, the temperature could be as low as -7C (19F).

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• What are some interesting festivals?

  Jinling Lanterns Fair
  It was said that the first lantern fair was held in this region in the reign of Hong Wu in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), when Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered a spring lantern fair to be held to celebrate both the coming new year and prosperity of the country. This tradition was passed down from generation to generation and reached its height in the Ming and Qing periods. Each year from the first day of the lunar January the lantern fair celebration is held in the area surrounding Fuzimiao.
  Period: 1st, Jan - 15th, Jan depending on lunar calendar

  Nanjing Int'l Plum Festival (Plum Hill)
  In the early spring between February and March, Nanjing International Plum Festival opens as the first ceremonial tourist event of the year. The meeting place is chosen on Plum Hill. Reputed as the First Plum Hill under Heaven, it is one of the eight plum appreciation sights having the most variety, longest history and being the largest in the country. Because the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year always falls in this period, spectacular celebrations of blossom appreciation, show performances, cultural exhibitions and bazaar shopping are be held.
  Period: Feb. - Mar. (the one in 2005 began on Feb. 10th and ended on Mar. 15th)

  Cherry Blossom Festival
  In late March, Xuanwu Park becomes a sea of cherry blossom and photography lovers and tourists throng to see the charming scenery.

  Yuhuashi (Rain Flower Pebbles) Art Festival
  Yuhuashi, a kind of rain-flower pattern agate, is a very popular tourist souvenir. Each year in September, an art and cultural festival is held in Yuhuatai (Rain Flower Terrace) Scenic Area. Exhibition of precious agate stones and performances will be presented.
  Period: September

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• Where to exchange money?

  You can exchange money at Lu Kou International Airport, branch offices of the Bank of China at Zhongshan Donglu, just east of Xinjiekou traffic circle and most hotels in the city.

  Rates at hotels may be a little higher than those in the Bank of China. Some hotels only exchange currency for their own guests.

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• Health and Security

  The health and security of the guests coming to Nanjing is a prime concern among the authorities.

  There are adequate number of police stations where the guests report to in case they face any kind of a problem.

  There are also many hospitals in Nanjing where the tourists can go in case any emergency arises.

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• Useful numbers

  Tourist Hotline: 5261179
  Ambulance: 120, 7213460
  Emergencies: 110 (foreigner's section 552729)
  Fire: 119
  Tel No. Enquiry: 114
  Police: 110
  Foreign Affairs Office of Police: 7216795

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