Qinglong Lake - A Reservation with Autumn
1. Basic Information
· Location: Shiling Street, Longquanyi District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province
· Transportation:
· Metro (preferred): Take Metro Line 4 to "Chengdu University" Station, exit B leads directly to the entrance of Phase 1 of Qinglong Lake, very convenient.
· Bus: Take the bus to stops like "Shiling Street" or "Chengdu University," then walk to the park.
· Self-driving: The park has parking lots, but parking spaces are very limited on weekends and holidays. Public transportation is strongly recommended.
· Admission: Free
· Opening Hours: Open all day (but daytime visits are recommended, especially for photography)
2. Recommended Must-Visit Spots (Perfect for Photos!)
Qinglong Lake is very large, divided into Phase 1 and Phase 2. The following spots are mainly in Phase 1, which is also the most visited area by tourists.
1. Lakeside Dawn Redwood Forest (Popular Dawn Redwood Grove)
· Location: After entering the Phase 1 gate, walk along the main road toward the lake; it’s easy to find.
· Features: Whether in the lush green of summer or the golden hues of autumn, the straight rows of dawn redwoods are very photogenic. Light filtering through the trees creates stunning light and shadow effects. You can stand on the forest path or sit on benches to easily capture natural, artistic photos.
2. Expansive Lake Views and "Sea" Shoreline
· Location: Any open area by the lake.
· Features: On clear days, the lake surface is as blue as the sea, known as Chengdu’s "Little Kuril." Use the lake and sky as a backdrop to take fresh, wide-open photos. Some rocks and sandy beach areas by the lake are also great for shooting.
3. Ming Shu King Mausoleum Museum
· Location: Inside Phase 1 of the park.
· Features: The ancient buildings with red walls and black tiles add a touch of cultural and historical charm to the natural scenery. The red walls make an excellent photo background, perfect for Hanfu or vintage-style photos.
4. Large Lawns
· Location: Found throughout the park.
· Features: Ideal for camping or picnic-themed photos. Running, lying down, or playing with friends can capture lively and relaxed moments.
5. Lakeside Road
· Features: A clean asphalt road flanked by dense trees, perfect for cycling or walking shots. You can rent a stylish bike as a prop to create a youthful and energetic travel vibe.
3. Suggested Itineraries
· Relaxed Photo and Leisure Tour (Half Day):
· Exit from Chengdu University Station, Exit B -> Enter Phase 1 gate -> Head straight to the Lakeside Dawn Redwood Forest for photos -> Stroll along the lake and check in at scenic spots -> Find a favorite lawn to rest and picnic -> End the trip.
· In-depth Cycling Tour (Full Day):
· Rent a bicycle -> Start from Phase 1, cycle along the lakeside road -> Pass all the above photo spots -> Continue cycling to Phase 2 of Qinglong Lake to explore more pristine scenery -> Total cycling time about 2-3 hours.
4. Travel Tips
1. Best Time:
· Season: Spring (March-April) features cherry blossoms and purple leaf plums; autumn (October-November) turns the dawn redwoods golden, creating breathtaking views.
· Time of Day: Recommended before 9 AM or after 3 PM for soft lighting, better photos, and less sun exposure.
2. Essentials:
· Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
· Mosquito repellent: Especially in summer, as there are many mosquitoes near the lake.
· Picnic mat/snacks/water: There are small shops in the park, but bringing your own favorite food and drinks enhances the experience.
· Power bank: Photography consumes a lot of battery.
3. About Rentals:
· There are rental points at the park entrance offering tandem and four-person bicycles, as well as sightseeing vehicles. Renting is highly recommended if you plan to tour extensively, as walking distances are long.
4. Civilized Travel:
· Please take all your trash with you to protect this urban green lung.
5. Nearby Food Recommendations
After your visit, you can take the metro back to the city for dining.
· Jianshe Road Snack Street: Take the metro to "Hongxingqiao" Station, a famous food street in Chengdu with a wide variety of authentic snacks.
· Around Chengdu University: There are usually many cost-effective restaurants and snack shops near the campus.
· City Center Hotpot/Sichuan Cuisine: Back in downtown, you have more options to fully enjoy Chengdu’s cuisine.
Wishing you a happy time at Qinglong Lake and beautiful photos!