[2025 Chizhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Pingtian Lake National Wetland Park (Updated Apr)

Departing from Hefei Airport by rental car via Tongling-Chizhou-Anqing Sanhe Ancient Town is another reconstructed ancient town similar to many others. Entry is free, but separate tickets are required for memorial halls and former residences. Package tickets are available at the entrance. Datong Ancient Town Scenic Area, about a 40-minute drive away, truly embodies what an ancient town should be in my opinion. You need to take a ferry to enter and exit the town. There are no cars, only electric tricycles. Few residents remain, with most houses collapsed or abandoned. Only a few elderly residents still make their living by fishing in the Yangtze River. It was raining all day, and walking through the quiet town with barely anyone in sight felt wonderful and peaceful. Along the drive, the roadside rape flowers are in full bloom this season, creating a beautiful golden landscape. Chizhou is a very small city that combines the style and climate of both Jiangnan and Huainan regions. It's particularly pleasant when there's a light rain. Jindizang Temple, located at the foot of Qi Mountain in the northeast of the city, is a newly built temple currently under renovation. It's an exquisite place where locals come to worship. Navigate to Pingtian Lake National Wetland Park and you can drive through the entire scenic area. You'll pass by the popular "Sky Road on Water," though without a drone you won't be able to capture its true beauty. The drive offers lovely views with plenty of spots to stop along the way. The only downside was the weather. You can drive across Pingtian Lake, which brings you back near Jindizang Temple. It's less than an hour's drive from Chizhou to Anqing. Anqing is much more prosperous than Chizhou. The first stop was Yingjiang Temple and Zhenfeng Tower along the Yangtze River embankment. Admission is CNY 10. There is roadside parking but spaces are limited, so taking a taxi or public transportation is recommended. Not far from Yingjiang Temple is the historic Anqing No. 9 Dock Ferry Terminal. It costs CNY 4 per person (recently increased from CNY 3) for a one-way 10-minute trip, with ferries departing every 30 minutes. It has become an important transportation link between Anqing and Chizhou residents (as the Yangtze River Bridge toll is CNY 20 one-way). The ferry cabin only has benches by the windows, with the rest of the space reserved for electric bikes and tricycles. The strong diesel smell and passengers chatting and smoking in the cabin represent authentic local life. Daobaoshi Pedestrian Street is beautiful at night and gets crowded. It's nice to browse the shops here. Together with Guohuo Street, it forms a tourist commercial district that's best visited in the evening. Lastly, the famous Shengjin Lake National Nature Reserve in Anhui is not a tourist attraction but a pure nature reserve. There are small villages by the lake with narrow roads. If the weather is good, it's worth visiting for the beautiful scenery. However, if the weather is poor, it's best to skip it.

Here is a detailed guide to Pingtian Lake in Chizhou: 1. Basic information: • Pingtian Lake is located in Guichi District, Chizhou City, Anhui Province. It is a natural scenic area that integrates mountains, water, and wetlands. • The scenic area is open all day, no reservation is required, and admission is free. 2. Main attractions: • Pingtian Lake: The lake is clear and sparkling, making it a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset. • Lotus Terrace: With a unique shape, it is an excellent place to enjoy the panoramic view of Pingtian Lake. • Pingtian Lake Beach: Suitable for family trips, with fun activities such as building sandcastles and wading. 3. Travel route: • Recommended route: From the entrance of the scenic area to the Lotus Terrace, then walk along the lakeside promenade to Pingtian Lake Beach, and finally take a boat to visit the islands in the lake. 4. Entertainment: • Boat: Take a boat on the lake and feel the gentleness and agility of the lake water up close. • Cycling: Rent a bicycle and ride around the lake to enjoy a relaxing and free travel time. 5. Precautions: • Please pay attention to sun protection when playing, and bring sun hats, sunscreen, and other items. • Please follow the staff's arrangements when taking a boat to ensure safety. 6. Nearby food and accommodation: • Food recommendation: Chizhou Xiaoba, Dongzhi rice dumplings, and other local specialties. • Accommodation recommendation: Chizhou Pingtian Peninsula Hotel, Chizhou Country Garden Phoenix Hotel, and other high-quality hotels.

Pingtian Lake is located in Guichi District, Chizhou City, Anhui Province. It is a national scenic area and a national wetland park. It was called Baisha Lake in ancient times. Later, due to the eternal verse of the poet Li Bai, "The water is like a piece of silk, this place is Pingtian", it was renamed Pingtian Lake. The scenic area covers an area of 40.6 square kilometers, of which the water area is 12 square kilometers, which is 1.5 times the size of West Lake in Hangzhou. It is known as the West Lake of Anhui. Because it is located in the east of Chizhou City, it is also known as the city garden of the people of Chizhou. Pingtian Lake is connected to the sacred land of Jiuhua in the south, and the fairyland of Qiupu in the west. It is adjacent to the scenic spots such as Xinghua Village and Jiuhua Tianchi, presenting the characteristic landscape of "mountains and rivers in the city", which is refreshing and unforgettable. Ticket information: Free Opening hours: All day Transportation guide: Take bus No. 7 in Chizhou City to get there