Huating Lake Scenic Area, nestled in Taihu County of Anhui Province, spans an expansive 257 square kilometers, with the lake itself covering 100 square kilometers. Situated in the southwest of Anhui Province, it falls under the jurisdiction of Anqing City. This scenic area is a treasure trove of tourism resources.
The region is characterized by its undulating mountains, which are home to peculiar peaks, grotesque rocks, and waterfalls that seem to have been crafted by uncanny artisans. These natural features, along with the ever-present springs, create a picturesque landscape that is truly captivating.
Throughout the year, Huating Lake is a fragrant haven for flowers and fruits. It is also a popular destination for tourists interested in ecological agriculture, with activities such as chestnut picking and citrus picking being particularly favored. Visitors can indulge in the romantic island lifestyle, thrilling water sports, the unique fisherman’s way of life, forest exploration that brings them closer to nature, and rural tourism that is steeped in local flavor.
The forest coverage rate of Huating Lake is an impressive 71%. Tall trees, well-arranged shrubs, and a variety of herbaceous plants create a distinct vegetation landscape that changes with each season.
The Huating Lake wetland serves as a crucial migration and breeding ground for migratory birds. Each year, a significant number of these birds make a stop here to overwinter, and the area is home to many rare species. The wetland boasts complete ecological functions and a wealth of species resources, making it invaluable for ecological and biological scientific research.
Huating Lake also holds a special place in the history of Chinese Zen Buddhism. It is the birthplace of this spiritual tradition, as Master Huike, the second patriarch of Zen Buddhism, meditated and realized the Dao on Lion Mountain by Huating Lake for over 30 years. It was here that he passed on the mantle to the third and fifth patriarchs, further solidifying the lake’s significance in the spiritual heritage of China.They all practiced and preached here. In Huating Lake scenic area, there are many temples. For example, Haihui Temple has produced eminent monks of Yangqi Sect and Caodong Sect. On Phoenix Mountain by the lake, there is an ancient temple handed down from the Tang Dynasty, Xifeng Zen Temple scenic area. Xifeng Zen Temple was originally named ‘Lion Nunnery’. It is made of blue bricks and small tiles and has a brick-wood structure. Facing west, it is the dojo of the fifth patriarch of Zen Buddhism. Incense is constantly burning and bells and chimes are always ringing in the hall. Devout men and women come and go in an endless stream. It is an important place for Buddhist activities in our province.
The opening hours are from 08:00 to 17:00 all year round.
Preferential policies:
For the elderly: Elderly people aged 65 years old (inclusive) and above with valid certificates are exempt from tickets; elderly people aged 60 years old (inclusive) to 65 years old (exclusive) with valid certificates enjoy preferential treatment.
For journalists: Journalists with their valid identity documents and the original journalist certificates issued by the General Administration of Press and Publication of the People’s Republic of China are free of charge.
For tour guides: Tour guides with their valid identity documents and the original electronic tour guide certificates issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism are free of charge.
For children: Minors aged 6 years old (exclusive) to 18 years old (inclusive) or with a height of 1.Enjoy preferential treatment for individuals with a height between 2 meters (exclusive) and 1.5 meters (inclusive). Children aged 6 years old (inclusive) or below, or with a height of 1.2 meters (inclusive) and below, are exempt from ticket fees.
Students, soldiers, and people with disabilities are eligible for preferential tickets at scenic spots. Valid identification required includes student ID cards for students, military officer ID cards for soldiers, and disability certificates for people with disabilities.
Service Facilities:
Parking Lot: Wunianqian Wenbo Park Parking Lot. Price: Free. Location: Economic Development Zone of Taihu County, Anqing City, Anhui Province (near the county expressway entrance). Capacity: 1000 parking spaces.
