Baofeng Lake

Baofeng Lake is a large body of water in Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve of Zhangjiajie. This is quite rare in the mountainous area and the lake is the only water themed scenic spot in Zhangjiajie. After visiting a variety of mountains and valleys, the clear water brings visitors different feelings. Baofeng Lake is surrounded by mountains with many waterfalls pouring down. In addition to appreciating the clear lake, climbing the mountain surrounding the lake is also a nice thing to do.
 

Baofeng Lake is 72 meters (79 yards) deep and 2,500 meters (2,730 yards) long. As one of the alpine lakes with the highest altitude in China, Baofeng Lake is above the quartz sandstone peak forests, hence the nickname “Holy Lake in the Sky”. It is also surrounded by steep peaks and there are two small islands in the lake. Looking down from the mountaintop, the clear water is like a jewelry; the origin of “Bao” in “Baofeng” means “jewelry”. After coming here, you won’t feel surprised why the Lake would be the film location of the famous Chinese TV series Journey to the West.

It is said that there was once a bandits' village on the mountain top, hence the name, literally meaning eagles' nest, referring that bandits occupy the land like eagles. No village has been left nowadays, but the place is a great site for mountaineering. When climbing, visitors will pass through two steep peaks crowded together, leaving a gap in the middle. It is called One-Line Sky because only a slim strip of sky can be seen above. The height of the footsteps that inside One-Line Sky is more than 100 meters (110 yards) and can only accommodate one person walking.

Baofeng Waterfall

Reaching the top of the One Line Sky, there is another scenery. One can see an ancient temple at a short distance. On the left side is a “Echo Wall” with a height of more than 80 meters (88 yards) and a width of more than 30 meters (33 yards). Standing in front of the wall to shout, one can hear the echo wandering around. On the right side there is a huge stone called Qingtai Stage hanging over the canyon. Boarding the Qingtai Stage, one can see a variety of strange peaks and stones around.

Baofeng Waterfall

The 80-meter-wide Baofeng Waterfall once ranked among the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Zhangjiajie. It flows from the mountainside of dozens of meters high. Every 10:00 and 14:00, it is the best time to watch it when the water flow is at its maximum.

The scenic area also has many rocks of various shapes like:

Jinchan Hanyue (Golden Toad Swallowing Moon) Rock: It shapes like a huge toad looking up at the sky. When the Moon is full on Mid-Autumn Festival (August 15th of Chinese lunar calendar), the toad seems to swallow it, hence the name.

Xiannv Zhaojing (Fairy Looking in the Mirror) Rock: It is a column rock standing in the Lake. The Rock is similar to a women’s side face with traditional Chinese hairstyle. The “women’s” face is reflected on the surface, seeming to be looking into the mirror.

One can take the Baofeng Lake cruise to appreciate the clear lake reflecting the peaks and the peculiar magnificent mountain scenery which is formed by strange peaks, waterfalls, and lush trees. Enjoying the scenery of Baofeng Lake on the cruise is totally different from on the shore. It is a special and wonderful experience. The cruise fee is included in the entry ticket. 

Every Middle March of lunar calendar, about middle April of Gregorian calendar, the Folk Song Festival would be held around Baofeng Lake. If you are lucky enough, you can meet the local lovely girls and boys who are rowing a bamboo raft while singing the folk songs. 

At Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station (beside Zhangjiajie Railway Station), take a direct bus to Wulingyuan Bus Station and then transfer to Wulingyuan Bus No. 2 to Baofeng Lake. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and CNY15.