Yunlong Lake, Xuzhou – Ticket, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights

Yunlong Lake Scenic Area (云龙湖风景区) is nestled in the southern part of Xuzhou City, covering an expansive 44.7 square kilometers. The core area, comprising 15.1 square kilometers, features a vast water expanse of 7.5 square kilometers. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the lake is flanked by Yunlong Mountain to the east, Zhushan Mountain to the south, and Xiaochang Mountain and Woniu Mountain to the west. Throughout history, the enchanting beauty of Yunlong Lake has captivated the hearts of many travelers, with renowned Northern Song Dynasty literary figure Su Shi expressing his admiration for the lake during his tenure as the magistrate of Xuzhou.

Today, Yunlong Lake offers diverse experiences across its different zones. The East Lake Tourist Area emphasizes water activities and sightseeing, while the West Lake Tourist Area focuses on recuperative vacations. The Southern area is dedicated to entertainment and accommodations, featuring attractions such as a children’s water park, a sandy beach, and a large swimming pool accommodating thousands.

Situated in the northern subtropical zone, Yunlong Lake experiences a temperate and humid climate influenced by monsoons. The distinct seasons showcase warm springs, hot summers, mild autumns, and chilly winters, with an average annual temperature of 14.5 degrees Celsius. Yunlong Lake Scenic Area provides a refreshing escape, combining natural beauty with recreational activities, making it an inviting destination for visitors seeking relaxation and enjoyment.

Basic Information
Location and Transportation
Highlights of Yunlong Lake
Vlog about Yunlong Lake
Recommended One-Day Itinerary
Attractions near Yunlong Lake

Basic Information

Estimated Length of Tour	Half a day
Ticket Price	Free
Opening Hours	24 hours a day throughout the year
Telephone Number	0086-0516-83991785

Location and Transportation

Yunlong Lake Scenic Area is located in the southern part of Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. The precise address is 1 Yunlong Lake Middle Road. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:

Bus: Take bus 34, 57, 68, 73, 306, 606, 607, or 616 and get off at Jinfu Jiayuan Stop (金府家园站)

Metro: The closest metro station to Yunlong lake is Central Hospital (中心医院) on line 2. After getting out of the station, walk about 900 meters to the west to reach the area.

Highlights of Yunlong Lake

Small South Lake Scenic Area

Small South Lake, an integral part of the Yunlong Lake complex, graces the southern shores of Yunlong Lake. While its waters are directly connected to Yunlong Lake through a bridge, a road and green belt separate the two bodies, leading to its distinct name, Small South Lake.

Within Small South Lake lies the charming Autumn Rhyme Garden, a landscape transformed from a fishpond and reed-covered wasteland. This garden, ideal for autumnal appreciation, showcases over 50 varieties of deciduous trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants. Notable species include the Ussurian Pear and maple trees, turning vibrant red in the fall, the Ginkgo Biloba, adorning the lake with golden-yellow leaves, and the Hibiscus mutabilis, changing its flower color several times a day.

Adding to the allure is the Jieyou Bridge, a single-arch bridge located in the southeastern part of Small South Park. The bridge appears to hover in the air, offering a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding hills. The bridge is named after Liu Jieyou, the granddaughter of Liu Wu, the second generation of the Chu Kingdom during the Western Han Dynasty. To maintain peace and contribute to the nation’s well-being, she willingly married a prince from the Wusun Kingdom in a politically motivated union.

Further enhancing the scenic experience is the Fan Yue Bridge, a covered bridge positioned in the central part of Small South Lake, connecting to Minghe Island in the east and Sugong Island in the west. Resembling a curved boat and crescent moon, standing on the Fan Yue Bridge provides a breathtaking vista of Small South Lake. What sets this bridge apart is the exquisite artwork adorning the roof of the 80-meter-long corridor, featuring a collection of 17 beautifully painted scenes, adding cultural richness to the natural splendor of Small South Lake.

Xuzhou Water World

Xuzhou Water World stands as a grand aquatic marvel situated on the central island of Yunlong Lake, designated as a 4A scenic area. Resembling a majestic whale breaking the surface or a serene white dolphin resting on the waves, its iconic image is beautifully captured in a “Jinxiu Zhonghua” purple sand relief, displayed on the central hall wall of the Beijing Great Hall of the People.

Established on August 18, 1994, Xuzhou Water World holds the distinction of being the largest freshwater aquarium in Asia. It comprises two major sections: the Freshwater Fish Aquarium and the Marine Rare Biological Specimens Museum. The Freshwater Fish Aquarium showcases hundreds of precious fish species from 35 countries and regions worldwide, including many categorized as first and second-level protected animals in China, such as the Chinese sturgeon, Yangtze alligator, and Discus fish. The Marine Rare Biological Specimens Museum displays thousands of specimens representing seven major categories, including fish, turtles, shrimp, crabs, clams, and corals, presenting a diverse collection of extraordinary marine life.

Xuzhou Water World offers various captivating performances, featuring sea lion and seal shows, synchronized performances with human and sharks, and mesmerizing mermaid displays. The newly introduced 4D cinema showcases high-tech, immersive entertainment films that transport visitors into simulated scenes of prehistoric dinosaurs, deep-sea explorations, and volcanic eruptions, engaging their senses through sight, sound, touch, and smell.

Adding an interactive dimension, Xuzhou Water World provides opportunities for visitor participation. Equipped with diving suits, oxygen tanks, and shark-proof gloves, participants, under the guidance of professional diving instructors, can submerge into simulated underwater tunnels to dance with sharks and swim alongside turtles, creating an unforgettable and immersive underwater experience.

Xinghua Temple

Xinghua Temple, located at the eastern foot of Yunlong Mountain, is a Zen Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back to the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty in 1390. Its origins trace back to the construction of the Great Stone Buddha, making it a venerable center of Buddhism in northern Jiangsu. The Great Stone Buddha, an image of Amitabha Buddha, initially carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty around 450 AD. Carved directly into the mountain rock, the statue stands approximately 11 meters tall. Originally an exposed Buddha head, during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, the arms and chest were added to complete the statue.

The hall that now houses the Great Stone Buddha was constructed during the Ming Dynasty, following the contours of the mountain. Within the precincts of Xinghua Temple, Ming-era structures such as the bell and drum towers, ancestral hall, and scripture repository still stand, along with a three-ton iron bell. In June 1993, during the construction of the Mahavira Hall, seven groups of 195 Buddhist cliff carvings from the Tang and Song Dynasties were unearthed. A protective pavilion was subsequently built to allow visitors to marvel at these ancient treasures, offering a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage of Xinghua Temple. The temple stands as a serene sanctuary that not only venerates a centuries-old stone Buddha but also preserves and showcases the architectural and artistic legacy of its Ming Dynasty origins.

Vlog about Yunlong Lake

Recommended One-Day Itinerary

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Aquarium, a fascinating underwater world showcasing a diverse range of aquatic life. The Aquarium also hosts entertaining performances at scheduled times, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit. Spend about one to two hours exploring the exhibits. If you feel hungry afterwards, head to Shanshan Outlets, located just a few kilometers away, for a meal and some relaxation.

Midday: After satisfying your appetite, consider strolling around the nearby small island or heading to Tian Shi Square, an ideal spot for children to enjoy some water play. Tian Shi Square is conveniently situated between the Aquarium and the Outlets, making it a flexible option for timing your lunch break.

Afternoon: Next, venture to the Sunken Corridor, where you can observe colorful goldfish through the glass panels while enjoying panoramic views of Little South Lake.

Continuation: Following your exploration of the Sunken Corridor, proceed to the Su Shi Memorial Hall at Little South Lake. Walk along the scenic route you admired earlier to reach the memorial hall. After visiting the memorial hall, take a moment to admire the picturesque Fan Yue Bridge, adorned with beautiful paintings.

Evening: Exiting from the Fan Yue Bridge area, you’ll find yourself at the venue for the Pengcheng Splendor performance. If you’re interested in attending the show, continue your exploration towards Yunlong Lake, then head to the area near the Su Gong Pagoda for some leisurely wandering. Later, dine at the area near the School of Finance and Economics before returning to watch the performance.

Alternative Option: If you prefer to skip the performance, depart from Little South Lake and make your way to the Han Portrait Stone Museum (accessible by bus three kilometers away). Adjacent to the museum is the Yunlong Mountain Cable Car, offering stunning views and hiking trails. Consider ascending to catch a breathtaking sunset.

Further Exploration: For those still eager to explore after sunset, head to the North Gate area (directly opposite the museum gate downhill) and indulge in some local snacks at Hubei Mountain.