Dongjiang Lake covers a total area of 160 square kilometers with an average water depth of 51 meters, reaching a maximum depth of 157 meters. Due to its considerable depth, the lake holds a large volume of water, totaling 8.12 billion cubic meters, which is equivalent to half of Dongting Lake. Hence, it is acclaimed as the ‘Dongting of Southern Hunan’ and is an artificial lake in our province. The great Chinese philosopher Confucius once said, ‘The benevolent love mountains, the wise love water.’ Dongjiang Lake embodies the elegance of mountains and the charm of water, combining the beauty of southern landscapes and the inheritance of historical civilization. It is praised as ‘A lake in the world and in heaven, with myriad scenes within.’
Dongjiang Lake is vast with a hazy mist, blending water and sky, surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, and known for its beautiful scenery. It is celebrated for its ‘grace, peculiarity, seclusion, and interest’ across the land of China. The opening hours are from November 1st to April 19th, 08:00-17:30; and from April 20th to October 31st, 06:00-18:00. For winter and spring seasons (November to March), transportation and performance schedules are as follows: 1. Tourist shuttle buses: The first bus from the gatehouse visitor center to the scenic area departs at 8:10, and the last bus at 16:30 (buses depart every half hour). The last bus back from the dam tourist pier is at 18:00. 2. Tourist boats: The first boat from the dam tourist pier to the Douxu Island pier departs at 9:00, and the last boat at 16:00; the last boat back from Douxu Island pier is at 17:30 (the last boat’s departure time may be slightly earlier depending on weather and the number of visitors). 3. Scenic area performances (free of charge): (i) Xiaodongjiang Scenic Area 1. Fisherman’s Net Casting (at platforms 1, 3-4): 8:30-10:30 AM, and 15:00-17:00 PM (casting three nets every 15 minutes) 2. Hanfu Lady Patrol (at platforms 2-3): 8:30-10:30 3. Wonderland Cloud Song Live Performance: 8:00-10:00 (ii) Douxu Island Scenic Area Seven Demons Playing with Tang Monk Performance: 9:30-14:00 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) (Performance times and schedules may be adjusted based on weather and performer conditions, with announcements by on-site staff or inquiries to on-site personnel; no separate notices will be given).
Preferential policies: Children: Children under 14 years old (excluding), with ID or household registration book, are exempt from admission and transportation fees; for lake tour routes, half-price boat tickets are required. Children under 14 years old are free of admission and transportation fees, and half-price for boat tickets; minors aged 14 years old (including) to 18 years old (excluding) with valid IDs receive half-price benefits. Elderly: Elderly aged 65 years old (including) and above, with valid IDs, are required to purchase half-price transportation fees; those aged 60 years old (including) to 65 years old (excluding) with valid IDs receive half-price benefits. Religious Clergy: Clergy and staff of religious activity venues within the scenic area, and clergy of the same religion as the religious venues within the scenic area, with valid IDs, are exempt from admission fees and pay half-price for transportation. Active Duty Military/Disabled Military/’Three Relatives’: Active duty military personnel with military (police) officer cards, non-commissioned officer cards, conscript cards, or student cards, disabled military personnel with disabled military cards, ‘three relatives’ (martyrs’ relatives, relatives of military personnel who died in the line of duty, relatives of deceased military personnel) with preferential treatment cards issued by the military, and family members of active duty military personnel with related documents issued by the military, retired military cadres with retirement honor certificates, officer retirement certificates, or civilian cadre retirement certificates, are exempt from admission fees and pay half-price for transportation. Firefighters: With valid firefighter IDs and IDs, they are exempt from admission and transportation fees. Additional notes: Children under 14 years old are free of admission and transportation fees, and pay for boat tickets themselves; special tickets such as student tickets, military tickets, and disability cards should be purchased at the window. Service facilities: Parking lot: [Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area Parking Lot] Reference price: Within 12 hours: buses 20 yuan/vehicle, cars 10 yuan/vehicle; Address: Near Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area Visitor Center; Spaces: 500. Transportation within the park: Reference price: No separate charge; Address: At the entrance of the scenic area. Restrooms: Restrooms are located within the scenic area, with clear signs at the entrance and other locations.
