Baofeng Lake

Address No. 8 Baofeng Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan
Hours 07:00–17:00
Phone +86 744 5629888
Announcement: Scenic Alpine Lake
Entrance ¥96
Hours 07:00–17:00
Best Season March to November; exceptionally beautiful and moody after a light rain when mist surrounds the peaks.
Time needed 2 hours
Last visit: May 29, 2026
Author: Tao Xu
Reviewer: Xiaoming Liu

Baofeng Lake Overview

A pristine alpine lake surrounded by steep sandstone peaks, featuring relaxing traditional boat rides and interactive Tujia folk singing performances on the emerald water.

Baofeng Lake Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 07:00–17:00
  • Best season: March to November; exceptionally beautiful and moody after a light rain when mist surrounds the peaks.
  • Ticket note: The main entrance ticket includes the boat ride. Eco-shuttle buses from the gate...

Essential Baofeng Lake Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 744 5629888
  • Eco-shuttle buses
  • Restrooms
  • Souvenir stalls
  • Boat docks
  • Scenic viewing platforms

How to Get to Baofeng Lake

Take city bus No. 2 from Wulingyuan Bus Station, or a short, inexpensive 5-minute taxi/Didi ride from central Wulingyuan.

Baofeng Lake Travel Safety & Advice

Safety staff available on all boats and at the main visitor center. Life jackets are provided.

Practical Info

  • No. 8 Baofeng Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan
  • 07:00–17:00
  • +86 744 5629888
Tao Xu
Tao Xu
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Tao Xu, a Changsha-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Central South China itineraries covering the 4-Day Zhangjiajie sandstone peak adventure, Changsha night market crawl, and Fenghuang ancient town.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.0 (5 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • The main entrance ticket includes the boat ride. Eco-shuttle buses from the gate...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Listen closely during the boat ride to interact with the local Tujia singers stationed on wooden boats along the shore—clapping and singing...

Reality Check

  • Requires climbing a moderate flight of stairs to reach the lake level before boarding the boat; eco-buses are available for a small fee to skip the uphill hike.
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Recent Reviews

4.0 ★★★★☆ (5)
photo_junkie May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Great photo opportunities—the reflection of the peaks on the water is unbeatable. But the boat trip felt a bit short, only about 30 minutes. The staff were friendly enough, though the audio guide kept cutting out. If you're a photographer, come early for the best light. Not bad, but I've seen better for the money.

nature_campe May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This is one of the most serene spots I've ever visited. The combination of clear water, towering cliffs, and lush greenery is breathtaking. I loved that you can walk along part of the shore too, not just take the boat. The Tujia folk songs echoing across the lake were a beautiful cultural touch. Definitely worth the entrance fee.

solo_adventu May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Beautiful place, no doubt, but way too crowded when I went in the afternoon. Waiting in line for the boat took nearly an hour. The views from the water are spectacular, but the constant honking of other tour boats killed the peaceful vibe. Maybe go early or on a weekday.

travel_bug_m May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely magical! We took the early morning boat tour and had the whole lake almost to ourselves. The mist hanging over the cliffs made it feel like a Chinese painting come to life. Our guide was funny and shared cool legends about the rock formations. 10/10 would recommend to anyone visiting Zhangjiajie.

hiker_jenny May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

The lake itself is stunning—emerald green water surrounded by karst peaks. But the boat ride felt rushed, and the guide barely explained anything. The singing performance on the water was a nice touch, though. For the price, I expected a bit more time to soak in the scenery.

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Baofeng Lake Travel FAQ

Is Baofeng Lake suitable for visitors with mobility issues?
The boat ride is accessible, but the dock has a few steps. The hiking trail has some uneven sections, though the main path is paved. If you have a wheelchair, stick to the boat and the immediate viewing areas; park staff can assist if notified in advance. I've arranged this for clients, and it works smoothly.
How much time should I budget for Baofeng Lake?
Most people spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, including the boat ride and a short walk. If you're a photographer or want to hike the full trail, allocate 3 hours. I've seen tourists rush through in 45 minutes and regret it—they missed the serene spots.
Can I swim or fish in Baofeng Lake?
No, swimming and fishing are strictly prohibited. The lake is part of a protected area, and guards patrol regularly. I once saw a tourist try to dip his feet in, and he got a stern warning. Respect the rules to preserve the environment.
What's the best season to visit Baofeng Lake?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. The weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner than in summer. Winter can be beautiful with misty views, but some shuttles may run less frequently. Avoid Chinese national holidays like Golden Week—it's a zoo.
Are there any food options near Baofeng Lake?
Only basic snacks at the entrance shop. For a proper meal, head back to Wulingyuan town, which has restaurants like "Tujia Family Kitchen" (serving local dishes like stewed pork with pickled vegetables) or simpler noodle shops. I often take my groups there after the lake visit.
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