Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing

Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖) is one of the three famous lakes of Jiangnan and a national 4A-rated tourist attraction. It has served as a royal lake and garden since the era of the Six Dynasties, giving it a unique connection with the long history of Nanjing.

Today, Xuanwu Lake offers a remarkable combination of mountains, water, historic city walls, forests, and modern urban scenery. Mount Zijin rises to the east, while the ancient Nanjing City Wall borders the lake to the west, creating a distinctive landscape where the old and new sides of Nanjing come together.

The scenic area is free to enter, and its five islands are connected by bridges and causeways. Visitors can walk or cycle around the lake, explore the individual islands, enjoy seasonal flowers, or simply sit beside the water and watch the city go by.

Whether you are looking for a leisurely lakeside walk, a cycling route, a photography spot, or a peaceful break from the city, Xuanwu Lake is one of the best places to experience the slower side of Nanjing.

Highlights of Xuanwu Lake

The lake is divided into five main islands—Huan Island, Yingzhou Island, Liangzhou Island, Cuizhou Island, and Lingzhou Island—which are connected by bridges and causeways. Each has its own atmosphere and attractions.

Huan Island (环洲) | Misty Scenery Around the Lake

Huan Island is the first island reached when entering from Xuanwu Gate, one of the main entrances to Xuanwu Lake.

The island is characterized by graceful willow trees, rockeries, and small waterfalls. In summer, lotus flowers bloom across the extensive lotus ponds, filling the lake with color and fragrance.

The island is also home to a lakeside Librairie Avant-Garde bookstore and the historic Guo Pu Mound (郭璞墩). From the waterfront, you can often capture reflections of the ancient city wall on the lake, creating one of the most recognizable views of Xuanwu Lake.

Yingzhou Island (樱洲) | A Romantic Island of Cherry Blossoms

Surrounded by water on all sides, Yingzhou Island is one of the best places in Xuanwu Lake to enjoy spring blossoms.

During March and April, cherry trees burst into bloom along the island’s cherry blossom paths, creating clouds of pink and white flowers. A solitary tree standing beside the water has also become a popular photography spot.

With its broad lawns and open waterfront, Yingzhou is an ideal place to relax, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the spring breeze beneath the flowering trees.

Liangzhou Island (梁洲) | The Historical Heart of Xuanwu Lake

Liangzhou Island is the oldest of the five main islands and one of the most historically significant areas of Xuanwu Lake.

The remains of the Ming Dynasty Yellow Registers Repository can be found here. The repository once served as an important storage facility for national household registers and archival records.

Liangzhou is also home to the Jinling Bonsai Garden, where traditional Chinese bonsai and classical landscaping create an atmosphere of old-world elegance.

In autumn, the island’s ginkgo trees turn brilliant golden yellow, making the ginkgo avenue particularly beautiful. From Lansheng Tower (览胜楼), you can enjoy elevated views of Xuanwu Lake and look toward Mount Zijin beyond.

Cuizhou Island (翠洲) | A Peaceful Forest Retreat

Compared with some of the busier islands, Cuizhou Island is quieter and more secluded.

Dense pine and bamboo forests provide plenty of shade, while groves of metasequoia trees create a peaceful woodland atmosphere beside the lake. With fewer visitors and plenty of greenery, this is an excellent place to slow down, take a leisurely walk, or simply sit beneath the trees and enjoy the breeze coming off the water.

For travelers who prefer nature and tranquility over busy attractions, Cuizhou is one of the most relaxing corners of Xuanwu Lake.

Lingzhou Island & Shili Causeway | Panoramic Views and Sunset

Lingzhou Island offers some of the best open views across Xuanwu Lake. From Tailinghua Rack (台菱花架), you can look directly toward Mount Zijin and capture a classic Nanjing scene combining mountains, lake, and modern cityscape in a single frame.

On the eastern shore, the Shili Causeway (十里长堤) is one of the most popular places to watch the sunset. As the sun drops toward the horizon, golden light spreads across the lake while the evening breeze creates a peaceful atmosphere.

You can also take a sightseeing boat across the lake for a different perspective, enjoying views of the ancient city wall and distant mountains from the water.

For another spectacular viewpoint, head to Jiefang Gate (解放门) and climb onto the Nanjing City Wall. From above, the entire expanse of Xuanwu Lake unfolds below, offering an impressive view where the historic city wall, lake, islands, mountains, and modern Nanjing appear together.

Best Time to Visit Xuanwu Lake

Xuanwu Lake is beautiful throughout the year, with each season offering a different landscape. March to May in spring and September to November in autumn are generally the most pleasant times to visit.

Spring brings cherry blossoms and tulips, while summer transforms the lake with blooming lotus flowers. In autumn, the ginkgo trees of Liangzhou turn golden, creating one of the most photogenic scenes in the park. After snowfall in winter, the lake and surrounding mountains can take on a serene, almost monochrome beauty.

For a quieter experience, enter the park before 8:00 AM, when the lakeside paths are relatively peaceful. Alternatively, arrive after 4:00 PM and stay for sunset, when the changing light creates beautiful reflections across the lake.

A quick visit can take around 2 hours, while travelers who want to explore all five islands should allow 3–4 hours.

The lakeside paths are open throughout the day, while the five main islands generally open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Weekends and public holidays can be crowded, so visiting during off-peak hours is recommended.

How to Get to Xuanwu Lake

Xuanwu Lake has several entrances, with Xuanwu Gate and Jiefang Gate being particularly convenient for visitors.

Xuanwu Gate | Main Western Entrance

By Metro: Take Nanjing Metro Line 1 to Xuanwumen Station and use Exit 3. The entrance is within easy walking distance.

By Bus: Take Bus 33 or 201 and get off at Xuanwu Lake Park Station.

Jiefang Gate | Near Nanjing City Wall and Jiming Temple

By Metro: Take Nanjing Metro Line 3 to Jimingsi Station and use Exit 5, followed by an approximately 8–10-minute walk to the entrance.

By High-Speed Train

Travelers arriving by high-speed rail can get off at Nanjing Railway Station. The South Square is only a short walk from the lakeside area. From Nanjing South Railway Station, take the metro to reach the lake.

Driving is not recommended during weekends and public holidays, as parking around the scenic area can be limited. Public transportation is generally more convenient.

Tips for Visiting Xuanwu Lake

Xuanwu Lake is free to enter and does not normally require a reservation. The Nanjing City Wall requires a separate admission ticket.

The scenic area is quite large, so visitors can choose between walking, renting a bicycle, or using the sightseeing vehicles available in the park. A boat ride is another pleasant way to explore the lake without covering the entire area on foot.

The lakeside can be windy, particularly in the morning and evening, so bringing a light jacket is advisable. During summer, mosquitoes can also be more noticeable around the water, so insect repellent is useful.

For a half-day historical and cultural itinerary, Xuanwu Lake can easily be combined with nearby Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺) and the Taicheng section of the Nanjing City Wall (台城明城墙).

Some lakeside paths and areas near the water can become slippery, especially after rain. Watch your step, stay away from restricted waterfront areas, and help keep the lake and surrounding environment clean.