Cha'er Lake Tourist Area in Xinghe County, Ulanqab

Chahar Lake Scenic Area (察尔湖生态旅游区), also known as Yamenhao Reservoir (衙门号水库), is a National 4A-rated tourist attraction located about 15 kilometers southeast of Xinghe County, Ulanqab City. Surrounded by the remaining branches of the Daqing Mountains, this highland freshwater lake sits at an elevation of approximately 1,698 meters. Combining mountains, lakes, and wetlands, it is an ideal leisure destination at the junction of Shanxi, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia.

The surrounding lake area preserves the remains of the Zhao Great Wall from the Warring States period, adding historical charm to the natural landscape.

Address: Yamenhao, Chengguan Town, Xinghe County, Ulanqab City

Basic Information

Opening Hours and Recommended Visiting Time

During the peak season from May to October, the scenic area is open from 08:00 to 19:00. In winter, the lake surface freezes and some water activities are suspended, but visitors can still enjoy the beautiful winter scenery.

The recommended visiting time is about 3–4 hours for a half-day trip. Travelers who choose to stay overnight can enjoy a full-day experience exploring the lake, wetlands, and surrounding attractions.

Best Travel Seasons

June to August (Summer): The best season for escaping the summer heat. The lake water is clear, vegetation around the lake is lush, and the average temperature remains around 18–20°C, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.

September (Autumn): The weather is cool and pleasant, with beautiful layers of colors appearing across the distant mountains, making it a great season for photography.

April to May (Spring): This is the bird migration season, offering opportunities for bird watching. However, spring winds can be relatively strong, with more frequent sand and dust.

Best photography times: Visit between 7:00 and 9:00 in the morning to capture beautiful lake reflections, or stay until sunset for stunning lakeside views.

How to Get to Chahar Lake

Self-Driving (Recommended)

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Chahar Lake. Search for “Chahar Lake Ecological Tourism Area (察尔湖生态旅游区)” in navigation apps. Exit from the Xinghe South Exit of the G6 Beijing–Tibet Expressway, and the scenic area can be reached in about 20 minutes.

It takes approximately 1.5 hours from Jining District, Ulanqab, and around 4–4.5 hours from Beijing. The scenic area provides a large free parking lot, and private cars can drive directly to the entrance.

High-Speed Rail + Taxi

Take a high-speed train to Xinghe North Railway Station, then take a taxi from the station. The journey to the lake area takes about 30 minutes.

Public Transportation

There are rural buses from Xinghe County to the scenic area, but departures are limited and returning can be inconvenient. Public transportation is not recommended for most travelers.

Tickets and Expenses

Chahar Lake Scenic Area offers free admission with no entrance ticket required.

Additional activities are available at extra cost, including a lake sightseeing cruise starting from around 50 yuan, speedboats, water motorcycles, fishing, and camping equipment rentals.

Ecological fruit and vegetable picking experiences, as well as group development activities, are charged separately according to the selected programs.

Main Attractions and Highlights

Lakeside Wooden Boardwalk

The winding wooden boardwalk follows the lakeshore, surrounded by aquatic plants and wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk while viewing reflections of the mountains on the water. The route is suitable for travelers of all ages and offers excellent sunset photography opportunities.

Lake Cruise Experience

Taking a boat around the lake allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The wide-open lake scenery showcases the unique beauty of a highland freshwater lake.

Bird Watching Platform

The wetlands around Chahar Lake provide a habitat for migratory birds. During spring and autumn migration seasons, visitors may see white egrets, wild ducks, and other water birds, making it a good destination for bird watching and nature photography.

Ecological Agricultural Sightseeing Park

The ecological agricultural area offers countryside experiences including fruit and vegetable picking, making it suitable for family trips. Visitors can also learn about local wetland ecosystems through the scenic area’s ecological museum.

Mamnai Valley Hiking (妈奶沟登山)

This short hiking route is suitable for light trekking. After reaching higher viewpoints, visitors can overlook the entire Chahar Lake landscape.

Historical sites scattered around the lake include the remains of the Northern Zhao Great Wall from the Warring States period and the Bandi Tomb from the Qing Dynasty, adding cultural depth to the natural scenery.

Camping and Bonfire Areas

During summer, visitors can camp beside the lake and enjoy the starry night sky. Groups can also reserve bonfire activities in advance for an evening outdoor experience.

Recommended Travel Routes

Half-Day Leisure Route

Visitor Center → Lakeside Wooden Boardwalk → Bird Watching Platform → Optional Lake Cruise → Lakeside sightseeing and return.

This route is suitable for travelers who want a relaxed visit focused on scenery and photography.

One-Day In-Depth Route

Morning: Explore the wooden boardwalk, bird watching platform, and take a lake cruise.
Noon: Taste Chahar Lake freshwater fish.
Afternoon: Enjoy fruit picking or a light hike at Mamnai Valley.
Evening: Watch the sunset beside the lake.

Accommodation and Local Food

Accommodation Options

1. Chahar Lake Resort Hotel: Located inside the scenic area, offering lake-view rooms where guests can enjoy views of the lake directly from their windows. Advance booking is recommended during the peak season.
2. Stay in Xinghe County: The county offers more accommodation choices and is only about 15 kilometers from the scenic area.

Local Cuisine

The scenic area’s restaurants feature Chahar Lake freshwater fish, especially stewed fish and grilled fish, as local specialties. Other recommended dishes include youmian (莜面, a traditional oat noodle dish), mountain wild vegetables, roasted whole lamb, and other Mongolian-Shanxi regional flavors.

Practical Travel Tips

1. The temperature difference between day and night is significant in highland lake areas. Even in summer, visitors should bring a light jacket. Strong ultraviolet rays require proper sun protection.
2. Winds can be strong near the lake. Visitors participating in water activities should prepare for windy conditions. The wooden boardwalk can become slippery near the water, so wear non-slip shoes and take care of children.
3. Fishing must follow scenic area regulations. Visitors planning to camp should contact the scenic area in advance and pay attention to fire safety.
4. Mobile phone signals may be weak in some parts of the lake area. Downloading offline maps in advance is recommended.
5. Water activities are completely closed in winter. Visitors can only enjoy lakeside sightseeing during this season.

Nearby Attractions for Extended Trips

Chahar Lake can be combined with Sumushan Forest Park (苏木山森林公园), which is about a 40-minute drive away. The two destinations are ideal for a one-day or two-day self-driving itinerary.

Travelers can also continue their journey to the Ulan Hada Volcano Group (乌兰哈达火山) to explore more natural landscapes in Ulanqab.