Xingtai hides a 'water healing spot'! Spend a day at Qishan Lake, and your phone's photo album will be full to the brim! 📸
Who can resist the joy of 'one lake, one world; one step, one view'! After exploring Xingtai Qishan Lake, I've figured it out – this isn't just a place to 'see the lake,' but an all-around scenic area where you can play, eat, and take photos. Whether it's for family trips, romantic dates, or bestie check-ins, it's sure to hit the spot!
🌟 Let's talk about Qishan Lake's 'must-experience features' first
- A thousand-acre lake is super healing! The shimmering lake reflects the blue sky. Take a leisurely boat ride, and the wind carries the scent of grass and trees, blowing away all your worries~
- The popular Ferris wheel is incredibly photogenic! The pink and blue Ferris wheel, combined with the lake backdrop, makes every casual shot a 'fairytale blockbuster' 🎡
- Summer-exclusive lotus pond! In July and August, the pond is full of blooming lotuses. The boardwalk crosses the pond, making it feel like you've stepped into a 'lotus secret realm,' with sweet air all around~
- Extremely family-friendly! There's a carousel, a small train, and a children's playground. Kids can play wildly all afternoon, and parents can take the opportunity to rest and take photos~
📅 Perfect one-day itinerary (relaxed and enjoyable)
1. 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Explore the pier + take a boat ride. Head straight to the main pier of the scenic area, choose a pedal boat or an electric boat (electric is recommended! It saves effort and lets you explore more). Circle the lake to enjoy the scenery, and remember to snap photos when passing the island in the middle of the lake. The water is incredibly blue and photogenic~
2. 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Enjoy local specialties. The area around the scenic spot is full of farmhouses, focusing on 'freshness.' After eating, you'll be fully recharged!
3. 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Photograph all the popular check-in spots. Head to the Ferris wheel, lotus pond, and European-style street, then spend some time with the kids at the children's attractions. Photography + kid-watching, two birds with one stone~
4. 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Wait for a lake sunset. When the sunset sprinkles over the lake, the whole world turns warm yellow. Taking silhouettes or panoramic shots is amazing. This is the most healing moment of the day 🌇
🚗 Transportation Guide (convenient for both self-driving and public transport)
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Xingtai Qishan Lake Scenic Area." It's about 1.5 hours from Xingtai city center. There's a large parking lot at the scenic area entrance, 10 yuan/day. After parking, it's a 2-minute walk to the entrance~
- Public transport: From Xingtai City Passenger Transport Center, take the "Xingtai-Lincheng" bus. After arriving at Lincheng Bus Station, transfer to the "Lincheng-Qishan Lake" short-distance bus, which goes directly to the scenic area entrance. The whole journey takes about 2 hours and costs around 20 yuan~
🍽️ Dining Recommendations (eat fresh lake seafood!)
- Hupan Renjia Farmhouse: Right next to the scenic area. The signature "Iron Pot Stewed Reservoir Fish" is a must-order! The fish is tender and flavorful, and the corn pancakes stuck around the edge soak up the soup – so fragrant you'll want to lick the plate~ They also have fried river shrimp and cold mixed wild vegetables, all local flavors 🦐
- Qishan Lake Fish Restaurant: Specializes in steamed perch and braised carp, suitable for those who prefer lighter flavors. The "Farmhouse Mixed Vegetables" in the restaurant are refreshing and help cut through richness. You can eat your fill for about 50 yuan per person~
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations (catering to different needs)
1. Qishan Lake Resort Hotel: A 5-minute walk to the scenic area entrance! Some rooms have lake-view balconies. You can see the morning mist over the lake by opening the curtains in the morning. Free parking is also available, suitable for those who want a comfortable stay~
2. Xingtai Hupan Express Hotel: 1 km from the scenic area, excellent value for money. Rooms are clean and tidy, with family rooms available, suitable for families with kids or budget travelers. Around 120 yuan/night per person. There's a convenience store downstairs, making it easy to buy things~
3. Qishan Lake Waterfront Homestay Cluster: Hidden on the west side of the scenic area, all small wooden cabins/bamboo houses. Open the window and you'll see the lotus pond. At night, you can sleep to the sound of frogs. Suitable for friends who like unique and niche experiences. Remember to book in advance~
📸 6 'Super Photogenic' Check-in Spots + Photography Tips
1. Boat Pier Steps
Stand in the middle of the steps, with the boats behind you as a backdrop. Turn your head and smile, snap a shot when the wind blows your hair!
✨Tip: Use the lake's reflection as a foreground. Shoot slightly from above with your phone to make your legs look longer and create a layered effect of 'person in the painting'~
2. Directly Below the Ferris Wheel
Crouch down to a low angle to capture the entire Ferris wheel in the frame. Pose with arms outstretched or a peace sign. The colors are super vibrant on a sunny day!
✨Tip: The light is softest between 3-4 PM, avoid midday backlight. Wear light-colored clothes (white, pink, blue) to match the Ferris wheel better~
3. Lotus Pond Boardwalk
Walk on the boardwalk, gently place your hand on a lotus bud (don't pick it!). Turn your body and look back at the camera, use a large aperture to blur the background~
✨Tip: If it's crowded, shoot close-ups! For example, a hand touching a lotus or feet on the boardwalk. Add text like "Stumbled into the depths of the lotus" for a great feel~
4. Lake View Observation Deck
Wait for the sunset around 6 PM. Stand with your back to the sun and have a friend take a silhouette. Raise your hands high or make a heart shape. The sky will turn into a gradient~
✨Tip: Turn on your phone's "Night Mode" to avoid a completely black silhouette and capture the orange-pink sunset glow in the sky~
5. European-Style Street
The white railings and colorful doors and windows along the street are great props! Hold an ice cream or a balloon and capture dynamic shots while walking~
✨Tip: Use the "rule of thirds" composition, placing the person in the right 1/3 of the frame to avoid a stiff, centered look~
6. Children's Play Area Carousel
Sit on the carousel and have a friend shoot from the side, capturing the moment the carousel rotates. The picture will be full of childlike fun!
✨Tip: Use "burst mode" and pick the most natural shot from 10 photos. Add a "soft light filter" in post-processing to enhance the atmosphere~
5 Treasure Scenic Spots Nearby (even better if you visit them along the way!)
1. Kongshan Baiyun Cave: 20 minutes drive from Qishan Lake. Explore the magical karst cave and see various stalactites. Super cool in summer~
2. Tiantai Mountain Tourist Area: 30 minutes drive. Hike and see unique rocks. From the mountain top, you can overlook the entire mountain scenery, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts~
3. Hongshigou Ecological Leisure Farm: 40 minutes drive. Pick fruits, stroll through flower fields, and enjoy family activities. Suitable for families with kids~
4. Bianque Temple Scenic Area: 25 minutes drive. Explore ancient temples and learn about traditional Chinese medicine culture. The architecture is very historic~
5. Qinwang Lake: 35 minutes drive. The lake is vast, you can take a boat or fish. There are also waterfalls nearby, and the scenery is incredibly wild~
Folks! Qishan Lake is truly a 'niche, no-regrets' treasure spot. A whole day of exploring, eating, playing, and taking photos isn't enough. I'm already planning a second visit! If you love local Xingtai scenery and want more niche travel guides, follow me! I'll keep digging up more fun and photogenic places. Follow me for hassle-free and great-looking trips, so you won't get lost on your next adventure! ❤️