Xuanwu Lake Park
Xuanwu Lake, often referred to as the "Pearl of Nanjing," is one of the largest imperial lake gardens in China. Located in the Xuanwu District of Nanjing, the lake is embraced by Purple Mountain to the east, the Ming City Wall to the west, Jiuhua Mountain to the south, and Nanjing Railway Station to the north. Along with South Lake in Jiaxing and West Lake in Hangzhou, it is recognized as one of the "Three Famous Lakes in Southern China."
Essential Information
Opening Hours
- Five Islands Area:
- May to October: 6:00 - 22:00
- November to April: 6:00 - 21:00
- Lake Circuit Path: Open 24 hours
Admission
Free admission with advance reservation through the "Xuanwu Lake Reservation" WeChat mini-program or on-site QR code scanning. Visitors must present their reservation code and health code for entry.
Transportation
- Metro:
- Line 1: Get off at Xuanwu Gate Station
- Line 3 or 4: Get off at Jiming Temple Station
- Bus:
- Route 304 directly to Xuanwu Lake Park Taicheng Station
- Routes 20, 48, and 11 to Beijing East Road Jiming Temple Station
The Five Islands
Liang Island
The oldest island in Xuanwu Lake, featuring:
- Historical Ming Dynasty Yellow Register Archives Museum
- Victory Viewing Tower
- Chrysanthemum Exhibition in autumn
- Puxian Island Amusement Park
Cui Island
A tranquil green paradise with:
- Ancient pine and cypress trees
- Peaceful walking paths
- Natural rest areas
Huan Island
Shaped like a jade belt, featuring:
- Artificial waterfall and rockery
- Guo Pu Memorial Mound
- Scenic walking paths
Cherry Island
Famous for:
- Over 1,000 cherry trees of 20+ varieties
- Cherry Blossom Avenue
- Peak bloom in spring
- Traditional pavilions and galleries
Ling Island
Located in the southeast, offering:
- Zhongnan Xuanwu Lake Ecological Park
- Modern amusement facilities
- Panoramic views of Purple Mountain
Lake Circuit Highlights
Historical Sites
- Military Review Platform: Ancient naval training ground
- Water Gate: Historical water control system
- City Platform Willows: Famous scenic spot immortalized in classical poetry
- Guo Pu Memorial: Eastern Jin Dynasty scholar's memorial
- Yellow Register Archives: Ming Dynasty national archives museum
Natural Scenery
- Lotus Viewing Boardwalk: 830-meter walkway through lotus fields
- Ten-Mile Embankment: Perfect spot for sunset views
- Dragon Bay: Legendary site with connections to ancient mythology
Activities
Boat Tours
- 15 boat docks around the lake
- Various boat options:
- 4-seat electric boats: 120 yuan/hour
- 6-seat electric boats: 160 yuan/hour
- Themed cartoon boats
- Traditional-style pleasure boats
Sightseeing Cars
- 4 routes covering the Five Islands and Lovers' Garden
- Per-stop fare: 10 yuan/person
- Full circuit options available
Musical Fountain
- Location: Lotus Plaza
- Show times:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:30 (year-round), 19:30 (March to November)
- Weekends and holidays: Additional 15:30 show
- Features synchronized music and light displays
Dining
Local Recommendations
- Liu Changxing (刘长兴): Famous for vegetable dumplings and wonton soup
- Saibei Roasted Lamb Leg: Excellent for barbecue and seafood
- Macau Corner (澳门轩): Affordable Macanese cuisine
- Hu Ji Rice Paper Rolls (胡记酿皮): Local favorite with excellent kebabs
- Jiming Temple Vegetarian Restaurant: Traditional Buddhist cuisine
Travel Tips
Best Visiting Times
- Spring: Cherry blossom season
- Summer: Lotus bloom period
- Avoid peak hours during national holidays
Essential Items
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Camera
- Water and snacks
Suggested Routes
One-Day Leisure Route
Morning: Start from Xuanwu Gate → Huan Island → Liang Island Afternoon: Cherry Island → Cui Island → Exit from Liberation Gate
Historical Culture Route
Xuanwu Gate → Huan Island (Guo Pu Memorial) → Liang Island (Yellow Register Archives) → Lake Circuit historical sites
Family Fun Route
Start with Ling Island Ecological Park → Liang Island Amusement Park → Boat tour
📍 Access: Metro Line 1 Exit 3 at Xuanwu Gate Station or Line 4 Exit 3 at Gangzicun Station for Lovers' Garden entrance.
🎫 Admission: Free
🕙 Hours: Five Islands (May-Oct 6:00-22:00, Nov-Apr 6:00-21:00), Lake Circuit (24/7)