Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area is located in Zixing City, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and the only scenic area in Hunan Province that simultaneously holds six national titles, including National Scenic Area, National Ecological Tourism Demonstration Area, National Forest Park, National Wetland Park, and National Water Conservancy Scenic Area.
The scenic area covers a total area of 312.75 square kilometers, with a lake area of 160 square kilometers. Dongjiang Lake is the largest artificial lake in central and southern China, with a designed total storage capacity of 9.15 billion cubic meters, an average water depth of 51 meters, and a maximum depth of 157 meters.
The scenic area integrates natural landscapes (mountains, karst caves, lakes, islands, ancient temples, hot springs, rafting, and historical sites) and cultural landscapes. Main natural landscapes include Misty Little Dongjiang, Dongjiang Dam, and Longjing Canyon, while cultural landscapes include Xiaoxiang Hall, Shoufo Temple, and Dongjiang Immigration Museum.
History and Culture
Zixing City, where Dongjiang Lake is located, was established in the 1st year of Yonghe Period in the Eastern Han Dynasty (136 AD), with a history of more than 1,800 years. It has 28 key cultural relic protection units and 3 provincial-level intangible cultural heritage lists.
Zixing is the birthplace of Zhou Quanzhen, the Boundless Life Buddha, who was canonized by five emperors in history and lived to 138 years old, earning the reputation of "Sakyamuni in the West, Boundless Life Buddha in the East." It is also the place where Yan Di (Shennong) once visited, with unique cultural brands like Yan Di Hot Spring and Gounaogong Tea. The banks of Dongjiang Lake bear the footprints of revolutionary ancestors such as Mao Zedong and Zhu De, and the first anniversary commemoration of the Nanchang Uprising was held in Butian Village by Dongjiang Lake.
The bottom of Dongjiang Lake is a vast archaeological treasure trove. The excavation of the "Ninety-Nine Piles" Warring States tomb group witnessed the advancement and prosperity of Chu-Yue culture. The 50,000 immigrants of Dongjiang Lake have demonstrated the spirit of self-reliance and unremitting struggle.
Main Attractions
Misty Little Dongjiang
Misty Little Dongjiang is located at the main northern entrance of Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area, formed by the upstream Dongjiang Hydropower Station and downstream Dongjiang Hydropower Station, spanning 12 kilometers. The two banks of Little Dongjiang are covered with lush mountains. From April to October each year, the "temperature difference effect" of water temperature creates abundant water mist, making the lake surrounded by mist like a fairyland. It is a world-famous photography destination, and the water quality of Little Dongjiang reaches the national first-class drinking water standard.
Dongjiang Reservoir Dam
The Dongjiang Reservoir Dam is 157 meters high, 35 meters thick at the bottom, 7 meters wide at the top, with a central arc length of 438 meters and an installed capacity of 500,000 kilowatts. It is the first double-curved thin-shell arch dam designed and constructed by China, ranking second in the world and first in Asia among similar dams. When the dam gates are opened for flood discharge, lake water rushes down, forming huge rain mist that fills the entire canyon.
Longjing Canyon
Located in Wutong Village, upper right of Dongjiang Dam Wharf, Longjing Canyon is a comprehensive tourist area integrating sightseeing, leisure, health, and water entertainment. It features the largest waterfall group in southern China—Longjing Eighteen Waterfalls—and the largest natural oxygen bar in China—Longjing Canyon Negative Ion Concentration Area. The total tour route is 2.5 kilometers, with steep mountains, 26 waterfalls of various sizes, and 18 pools along the way.
Doushuai Spiritual Grotto
Doushuai Spiritual Grotto is a large karst cave formed 270 years ago, hidden in Doushuai Ancient Temple under the southern cliff of Doushuai Island (over 6 square kilometers), the largest inland island in southern China within Dongjiang Lake. The temple was built in the 51st year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1796). The cave is known for its height, vastness, grandeur, mystery, depth, and spaciousness, extending more than 10 li. The stone curtains, stone pillars (36 meters), and stone flowers inside are all hailed as "world's best," and experts from the United Nations Cave Association have praised it as the "Underground Nature's Labyrinth" and the "No.1 Cave in the World."
Delicacies
Dongjiang Fish
Dongjiang Fish is a national geographical indication product, referring to black carp, grass carp, carp, silver carp, mandarin fish, crucian carp, whitebait, golden trout, rainbow trout, wuchang fish, flathead flounder, etc. The pure lake water gives Dongjiang Fish tender meat and excellent taste, rich in amino acids and proteins. Most Dongjiang fish products on the market use topmouth culter and silver carp as raw materials, processed by traditional southern Hunan food methods combined with modern smokeless technology, featuring chewiness and a balanced spicy and salty flavor.
Trout
Trout in Dongjiang Lake mainly include golden trout and rainbow trout, collectively called "freshwater trout." Due to the pure water quality, the meat is extremely tender and almost cholesterol-free. It can be cooked in three ways: steamed head and tail, fried fish intestines with eggs, and pepper-salted fish bones, as well as smoked trout, grilled trout, and pan-fried trout, all of which are not greasy.
Fish Noodle Soup
The local characteristic fish noodle soup is made by boiling fresh Dongjiang fish to make soup, paired with smooth rice noodles. It tastes delicious and is a popular breakfast or snack among tourists.
Admission Tickets
Lake Viewing Line: 80 RMB/person; Lake Tour Line: 178 RMB/person.
For the latest updates or online booking, search for the official WeChat public account "东江湖旅游景区".
Opening Hours
The scenic area is generally open 24 hours a day, but specific attractions may be adjusted according to actual conditions. Projects like Dongjiang Rafting determine opening hours based on seasons and weather.
Tour Routes
For sufficient time, a two-day itinerary is recommended. Day 1: Enter from the main entrance, visit Misty Little Dongjiang to admire the dreamy mist; then visit Dongjiang Dam to feel its grandeur; finally go to Longjing Canyon to walk through the canyon, view waterfalls, and enjoy the natural oxygen bar. Day 2: Take a boat to Doushuai Spiritual Grotto to explore the magical cave landscape; then go to Huangcao Town to experience the excitement of Dongjiang Rafting; if time permits, visit Bailang Scenic Area for a lakeside cycling tour to enjoy the lake scenery.
For a tight schedule, the essence one-day tour route is: Misty Little Dongjiang → Dongjiang Dam → Longjing Canyon → Doushuai Spiritual Grotto (optional by boat according to interest and time).
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take a bus from Chenzhou Urban Area to Zixing City, and then transfer to a tourist shuttle bus to Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area.
- Self-driving: Depart from Chenzhou Urban Area, follow Chengyong Avenue, Ziwuwu Highway, etc., to reach Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area directly, with parking lots available around the scenic area.
- High-speed Rail: Chenzhou West Station is the nearest high-speed rail station to the scenic area. After exiting the station, take a bus or taxi to the scenic area.
Must-visit Attractions
- Misty Little Dongjiang: The thin, hazy mist creates a fairyland, a paradise for photographers. The mist scenery from April to October is known as a unique wonder in China.
- Dongjiang Rafting: Known as the "No.1 Ecological Rafting in China," the whole route is 26 kilometers long, with a 75-meter drop in the upper section and 108 rapids, and a flat drift in the lower section, allowing visitors to experience a combination of thrilling excitement and leisurely comfort.
Tour Tips
- For the best mist view at Misty Little Dongjiang, visit in the early morning or evening when the mist is most spectacular.
- Take sun protection and mosquito prevention measures in summer; if experiencing Dongjiang Rafting, bring spare clothes and waterproof bags.
- The scenic area features beautiful landscapes, suitable for slow touring. It is recommended to arrange time reasonably and avoid rushing.
Notes
- Protect the scenic area environment and do not litter to maintain cleanliness.
- Abide by scenic area regulations and do not climb dangerous areas or damage public facilities arbitrarily.
- When taking a cruise ship, follow staff arrangements, pay attention to safety, and wear a life jacket.
- When observing wild animals, do not feed or disturb them, and maintain an appropriate distance.