Baofeng Lake is the only water-based scenic area in Zhangjiajie, located about 20 km (12.5 miles) southeast of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Unlike the challenging mountain hikes in the forest park, Baofeng Lake offers a refreshing break, where you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride on a serene lake surrounded by karst peaks, or explore a scenic hiking trail without crowds.
It's an ideal complement after a long day at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, especially if you're seeking a more relaxed pace or a cool escape during the summer months.
- Chinese: 宝峰湖 Bǎofēng Hú /baoww-fnng hoo/ 'Treasure Peak Lake'
- Popular Activities: Scenic boat cruise, hiking, photography
- Opening Hours: Apr. to Nov.: 07:00–18:00 / Dec. to Mar.: 07:00–17:30
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours (boat tour) or 4–5 hours (boat tour + hiking)
- Entrance Fee: CNY 110 (including boat ticket and shuttle bus; Children under 18 and seniors over 60 can enjoy discounts)
- Best For: Anyone, from families with children to outdoor enthusiasts
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How to Visit Baofeng Lake: Two Routes to Choose
| Route Type | Physical Demand | Core Experience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Boat Tour (1–2 hours) | Easy | Lake views + Baofeng Waterfall | Most recommended
|
| Hiking Exploration (4–5 hours) | Moderate | Classic Boat Tour + Yingwo Village trail + panoramic views |
|
Classic Boat Tour: Effortless and Scenic (Suited for Most)
- Route Overview: Park Entrance — Shuttle Bus (10 min) — Cruise Baofeng Lake (20–25 min) — Baofeng Waterfall — Giant Salamander Garden
This route is designed for those who want to enjoy Baofeng Lake's highlights without breaking a sweat.
After entering the park, you'll take a shuttle uphill to the boat dock and wait for boarding. The 20–25 minute boat cruise glides across the emerald-green water, surrounded by towering karst peaks.
During your journey, you will pass several small boats moored on the lake, where you can listen to traditional folk songs performed by Tujia girls. The songs echo through the canyon, allowing ancient love stories to continue to resonate.
The iron cable bridge in front of the fallsAfter disembarking, stroll along the lakeside for a few minutes to admire the Baofeng Waterfall, a filming location for the TV series Journey to the West.
An iron cable bridge spans the stream in front of the falls, offering a perfect photo opportunity. You can stand on the bridge for the best angle, though be prepared to get slightly damp.
If you have more time, visit the China Giant Salamander Biotechnology Museum to see Benben, a 1.8-meter-long, over 100-year-old giant salamander, before returning to the entrance.
Hiking Exploration Route: Deep Dive into Nature
- Route Overview: Park Entrance — Cruise Baofeng Lake (20–25 min) — Back to Entrance — Yingwo Village Hiking Trail (4 km, 2 hours) — Return
If you have more time and energy, this route reveals Baofeng Lake's hidden side.
After enjoying the same scenic boat cruise, you'll continue to the Yingwo Village (鹰窝寨, the village of eagle nest) hiking trail — a 4-kilometer trail that is considered one of Zhangjiajie's most beautiful outdoor routes.
The trail winds through moss-covered stone pathways, passing through Thin Strip of Sky (一线天), a narrow gorge where sunlight barely penetrates, and a cliffside walkway (绝壁栈道), a tranquil road that is actually quite safe.
Reaching Baofeng Temple near the summit after a 1-hour hike. At the highest point, on clear days with good visibility, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Tianzi Mountain's peaks in the distance — a sight unavailable from the boat tour.
Important Tips:
- Never attempt this route alone. The trail can be slippery due to moss, especially after rain. Cell phone signal may be limited — you should travel with at least one companion in case of slips, injuries, or getting lost.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and bring water and light snacks if you're planning the full hiking route.
Best Time to Visit Baofeng Lake
The best times to visit Baofeng Lake are from April to May and September to October, when the weather is comfortably warm (around 20-25°C/ 68-77°F), and the surrounding vegetation is lush.
Thanks to its altitude and forest cover, even during the hottest afternoons in July-August, Baofeng Lake stays around 25-28°C (77-82°F), making it an excellent summer escape. But expect larger crowds and longer queues due to summer vacation.
It could be cold to visit Baofeng Lake from November to March. However, if you are interested in snow scenery, December to February is the best time for you, as it is the off-season with the fewest tourists.
How to Get to Baofeng Lake
Baofeng Lake is conveniently located just 1.5 km south of Wulingyuan Town, and we suggest taking a taxi within 10 minutes to reach costs under CNY 10.
Taking a public bus is also possible, but it costs a lot of time (more than 40 minutes even if you embark from Wulingyuan Town) and is hard to catch.
Nearby Attractions to Connect with
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park features the iconic pillar-like peaks that inspired the landscapes in the film Avatar.
- Yellow Dragon Cave is one of China's largest karst caves, with underground rivers, massive chambers, and spectacular rock formations.
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge holds the record as the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, offering thrilling views into the canyon below.
Touring Baofeng Lake with China Highlights
Baofeng Lake is a great place to enjoy some leisurely time after your visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or Grand Canyon Glass Bridge.
We have designed an itinerary for your reference: 1-Day Glass Bridge & Baofeng Lake Tour.
You can extend it with an extra day to the National Park or Fenghuang Ancient Town, where the daytime is picturesque and charming, and the night is lively. Here is a sample tour for your reference: 7-Day Hunan Highlights Tour.
The above tour ideas are very flexible. We can create your own trip based on your requirements and interests.