Baofeng Lake
As the only lake attraction in Zhangjiajie, Baofeng Lake is a glittering gem inlaid in the deep gorges of Suoxiyu Natural Reserve, covering an area of 30 hectares. Rising high up with an altitude of about 440 meters, Baofeng Lake resembles a gigantic emerald hanging in the air surrounded by verdant peak forests. It embraces stunning serene with clear reflections of the peaks on the mirror-like water surface. Around the lake are scattered with many spectacular spots, such as roaring waterfalls, thin strip of sky and cliff-hanging walkway.

With a length of 2.5 kilometer and an average depth of 70 meters, the lake is sourced from rainfall, mountain springs and groundwater. Now the lake is not only served as a tourist attraction, but also used for flood control, irrigation and hydro power.
Baofeng Lake is a scenic reservoir high up in the gorge formed by the power of fluvial erosion. Due to the rise of the earth's crust, the stream's downward incising force was strengthened, and the riverbed was not widened as soon as possible, but narrowed by peculiar stone peaks instead. Thus, the incised valley and gorge was formed in the shape of a basin to enclose the waters, which created the current picturesque Baofeng Lake.

Taking a cruise is the best way to absorb the natural charms of Baofeng Lake. Sailing through the long valleys, visitors would be fully bathed in the freshness and tranquility of the lake. Shrub-clad stone peaks of various shapes emerge into your sight one after another, showcasing their fascinating postures. With the reflections of the flourishing trees on the shore, the water also turns emerald green. Baofeng Lake used to be the dwelling place of Tujia minority people, and now travelers could still experience their cultural heritance by enjoying the beautiful traditional folk songs performed by native Tujia girls on board.
There are lovely and small islands dotted in the middle of the lake. Caped with verdant shrubs and sandstones, these various shaped islands bear great resemblance with the blooming flowers, young maids, turtles and frogs floating in a fairytale-like world.
Blessed with a high altitude up in the mountains, mighty waterfalls dash down like silvery silks from the sheer cliffs along the lakeshore, bringing about thick water mist and thunderous roars. In a sunny day, there is a large possibility that one could witness the dazzling rainbows.
With a striking elevation of over 1,000 meters, Yingwozhai (Eagle Nest Village) is perched on a cliff southwest of Baofeng Lake. It used to be a notable dwelling stockade for bandits as the village was blessed with dangerous terrain where only eagles are able to build nests on. Steep steps are built for visitors to trek up to the top, where one can capture an awesome bird's eye view of Baofeng Lake inset in the luxuriant mountains and forests.

As an essential spot of Baofeng Lake, One Strip of Sky could be discovered by snaking through a path narrowed by mountains on both sides. With a width less than two meters, only a thin thread of the sky could be seen from the bottom of the valley.
Two temples namely Baofeng Temple and Guanyin temple are perched on the hills around the Baofeng Lake, which are great sites to have a glimpse of Chinese Buddhist culture after seeing the natural scenery.
Peak Season (Arp. 1 - Oct. 31): 07:00~18:00
Slack Season (Nov.11 - Mar. 31): 07:30~17:00
Entrance fee:CNY96 (including the cruise fee) Round-trip Eco bus Fare:CNY25 Time needed:2-3 hours Transportation:From Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you can take a bus to Wulingyuan Town and then transfer to the public bus 2 to Baofeng Lake, which takes about 10 minutes.
From Zhangjiajie downtown, you can take a bus from Central Bus Station to Wulingyuan first, and then take a taxi to Baofeng Lake in about 10 minutes.
1. Please do not litter anything when cruising on the lake.
2. Wear a pair of study and comfortable shoes if you want to do some trekking.
3. Prepare an overcoat even in summer as it is a bit chilling in the valley.
4. Never buy Chinese herb medicine in the scenic area as most of them are fake.