Gantanghu Lake in Jiujiang

Also known as Jingxing Lake and South Gate Lake, Gantang Lake is located in Xunyang District, the downtown area of Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, leaning against Mount Lushan in the south and bordering the Yangtze River in the north. It is a natural lake formed by the convergence of Lushan mountain springs. In the second year of Changqing in the Tang Dynasty (822 AD), Li Bo, the governor of Jiangzhou, built Li Gongdi Dike, dividing the lake into the western part (Gantang Lake) and the eastern part (South Lake). Yanshui Pavilion on the central island, the former site of Zhou Yu's Command Platform and the location of Bai Juyi's Jinyue Pavilion, is the core landmark. It is free to visit, open 24 hours a day all year round, integrating the naval culture of the Three Kingdoms, the humanities of Tang poetry, the scenery of Jiangnan lakes and the fireworks of the market. It is a core urban scenic spot, and you can walk to the ancient city landmarks such as Xunyang Tower, Suojiang Tower and Nengren Temple.

Why Gantang Lake Is a Must-Visit

Rich Cultural Heritage

• Three Kingdoms Relics: Yanshui Pavilion is the former site of Zhou Yu's Command Platform, where the famous general of the Eastern Wu trained the navy.
• Tang Poetry Context: Bai Juyi built Jinyue Pavilion here during his exile in Jiangzhou, and wrote the famous poem "Pipa Xing". The pavilion has a display of Zhou Yu and Bai Juyi's poems.
• Historical Dike: Li Gongdi Dike, built by Li Bo in the Tang Dynasty, not only facilitates transportation, but also adjusts the water level, reflecting the wisdom of ancient water conservancy.

Charming Natural Scenery & Urban Landscape

• Overlooking Mount Lushan from Yanshui Pavilion, the lake surface is rippling, the weeping willows on the bank are fluttering, and the urban skyline is reflected in the water, forming a unique picture of the integration of mountains, lakes and cities.
• Four seasons scenery: Peach blossoms and willows are green in spring, lotus flowers are in full bloom in summer, golden willows are in autumn, and snow-covered lakes are in winter.

Convenient Location & Leisure Experience

• Located in the center of Jiujiang City, it is easily accessible by public transport. It can be combined with Xunyang Tower, Suojiang Tower and other scenic spots to form a half-day tour route.
• Night view is bright, boat trips are available in summer, and it is an ideal place for citizens to take a walk, exercise in the morning and take photos.

Key Highlights

Practical Visiting Information

• Tickets: Free for the lake area and the surrounding trails. The exhibition halls in Yanshui Pavilion are free of charge in general, and some temporary exhibitions need to buy tickets if necessary. Boats are available for rent at an additional cost.
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day all year round. The exhibition halls of Yanshui Pavilion are recommended to visit from 08:30 to 17:30.
• Transportation: Address: No.80-82 Xunyang Road, Xunyang District, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province. Take the bus to Gantang Lake/Yanshui Pavilion Station.
• Dress Code & Tips: Wear casual shoes. Bring sun protection and mosquito repellent in summer. Bring rain gear on rainy days. The wind by the lake is strong, so add a thin coat in spring and autumn.
• Safety & Environmental Protection: No swimming, fishing or feeding in the lake. Protect the green plants and ancient monuments on the dike.

Who Should Visit

• Cultural & Historical Enthusiasts: Explore the naval culture of the Three Kingdoms and the humanistic heritage of Tang poetry.
• Urban Photographers: Capture the lake scenery, the night view of Yanshui Pavilion and the integration of the city and the lake.
• Family & Leisure Travelers: Take a walk, take a boat trip and enjoy the peaceful time by the lake.
• Transit Tourists: It is convenient to visit and can be combined with other scenic spots in the old city to form a compact tour route.