Ginkgo Fairy Tale and Swan Secret Realm | Healing from Nature’s Ecology, Plus Joy for Families and Pets
Jiaxing Ginkgo Swan Lake Travel Guide: The Ginkgo Fairy Tale and Swan Secret Realm of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai
Jiaxing Ginkgo Swan Lake is located in Youchegang Town, Xiuzhou District, covering 2,120 acres with a lake area of over 1,000 acres. It is an ecological resort integrating ginkgo forests, black swan habitats, family-friendly pet interactions, and pet-friendly experiences. It is within a 1.5-hour drive from Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, making it a popular choice for weekend family outings, pet trips, and autumn sightseeing in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region. This guide will help you unlock a full range of wonderful experiences.
1. Core Activities: Explore the Secret Realm by Theme
1. Autumn Exclusive: The Golden Fairy Tale of Ten Thousand Ginkgo Trees
- Highlights: The park has planted 30,000 ginkgo trees. In late autumn, the leaves turn golden, covering the pathways and lakeside. The ginkgo café with a clear water concrete style is perfect for photo opportunities.
- Suggested Experience: Visit after 3 PM when the slanting sunlight gives the leaves an amber texture. From the lakeside pavilion, you can capture reflections of the ginkgo and waterfowl in the lake; stroll along the ginkgo path, crunch fallen leaves underfoot, and immerse yourself in the romantic autumn atmosphere.
- Best Time: Mid-November to early December, when the leaves are fully yellow, the prime time for sightseeing and photography.
2. Cute Pet Interaction: Healing Moments Between People and Animals
- Black Swan Viewing: One of East China’s largest black swan habitats, with over 200 black swans and mandarin ducks leisurely swimming. You can feed them in designated areas and capture their lively moments up close.
- Petting Zoo: Includes Youyang Pasture and Happy Maji Park, home to gentle alpacas, ostriches, goats, and sika deer. You can bring your own feed to interact and feed them, which kids love; in the homestay area, you can also pet cats and dogs for a full healing experience.
- Pet-Friendly Zone: The first pet playground island in Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai, with separate areas for large and small dogs. Dogs can run freely, swim by the lake, and enjoy pet-human swings and other check-in spots. Pets are allowed throughout the park, and some restaurants and homestays are pet-friendly.
3. Leisure Experience: Slow Down and Enjoy Lakeside Time
- Park Mini Train: A 5-kilometer route passing through the ginkgo forest, Swan Lake, and camping areas. The comfortable carriages with window views make it ideal for lazy rides and family tours. You can get on and off freely at stops.
- Water and Land Activities: For thrill-seekers, try go-karting to release energy; for those who prefer calm, rent a pet-friendly bicycle (vintage British style with wooden baskets perfect for photos) and ride along the lake to enjoy the scenery.
- Camping and Barbecue: There is a lakeside camping and leisure area where you can bring your own gear to camp or enjoy lakeside barbecues, savoring food and joyful moments in nature.
4. Arts and Leisure: Niche Check-ins and Slow Living
- Ginkgo Café & Western Restaurant: Hidden in the ginkgo forest with a design inspired by Tadao Ando. The second floor has an archery range where you can try archery while dining; order an afternoon tea set, sit by the window, and enjoy the ginkgo view while relaxing.
- Organ Pier Viewing Spot: Located on the east shore of Swan Lake, it is the best spot in the park to enjoy lake views. The semi-open area offers peaceful scenery, and the restaurant serves local dishes like farmhouse sour soup fish and stir-fried shrimp.
2. Transportation Guide: Easy and Stress-Free Arrival
1. Self-Driving (Recommended)
- Navigate to “Jiaxing Ginkgo Swan Lake Scenic Area South Gate.” From Shanghai, take the Hukun Expressway for about 1.5 hours; from Hangzhou, take the Lianhang Expressway for about 1 hour; from Suzhou, take the Changtai Expressway for about 1.2 hours. There is ample free parking around the scenic area.
- Combined Trip: Pair with Jiaxing Linhu Ecological Wetland Park, which is adjacent, for a one-day tour unlocking two ecological beauties.
2. Public Transportation
- High-Speed Rail + Taxi: Take the high-speed train to Jiaxing South Station, then taxi about 40 minutes to the scenic area; or transfer to bus No. 284 to “Ginkgo Swan Lake Station,” then a 5-minute walk to the park.
3. Food and Accommodation Recommendations: Match the Vacation Rhythm
1. Accommodation Options
- Feiniaoji Resort Homestay: Adjacent to the ginkgo forest, pet-friendly, offering 6 room types including family lofts, courtyard king rooms, and lake-view houseboats, with 36 rooms accommodating over 100 guests. It offers an all-inclusive experience with occasional weekend live bands and fireworks shows, plus meeting rooms, chess rooms, and tea rooms, ideal for families, team-building, and pet stays.
- Lake-view Courtyard Luxury Houseboats: Located on the north shore of Swan Lake, three connected independent courtyards offer privacy and tranquility, sleeping by the lake with morning bird and lake sounds.
- Nearby Hotels: Jiaxing Olympic Sports Kaiyuan Mingting Hotel, five-star standard, close to the scenic area, offers good value 4-day 3-night packages including Chinese and Western buffet breakfasts and main meals, with chess and KTV facilities, suitable for family or friends trips.
2. Food Recommendations
- Huaye Farm Restaurant: Following seasonal rhythms, using farm-supplied ingredients, serving authentic farmhouse dishes like sour radish old duck pot and braised water town goose trio. Pet-friendly, average cost 120 RMB per person. Breakfast (8:00-10:00) is available for Feiniaoji guests.
- Qishi Mountain Japanese Restaurant: Hidden on the cherry blossom embankment, elegant environment offering high-end Japanese cuisine with indoor and rooftop terrace seating. Early spring is perfect for cherry blossom viewing. Suitable for business receptions or private meetings; reservation required.
- Park Light Meals: Near the south gate, Ginkgo Café and Organ Pier Banquet Center offer light meals and drinks, flexible for your travel route and mid-trip refreshments.
Ginkgo Swan Lake offers both natural ecological healing and joyful experiences for families and pets. Whether chasing a golden ginkgo leaf shower in autumn or enjoying a slow-paced weekend getaway, you will gain a wealth of beautiful memories.