Named after the ancient Shixiang Temple by the lake, it has over 90% forest coverage and is known as a "water maze" for its many inlets and channels. Famous for flower exhibitions such as tulips and for boating in canopied wupeng boats, it is hailed as "Chengdu's back garden."
The largest lake-and-flower scenic area on Chengdu's outskirts. During blooming seasons the colors are intense, making it ideal for family trips and photography.
Shixiang Lake is a rare natural scenic area around Chengdu. The water maze and flower sea are impressive, making it ideal for a relaxing weekend. Although the transport is a bit long, it is well worth a visit.
Tickets & Transport
Tickets
- Adult ticket
- ¥60
- Child ticket
- ¥40
- Free
- No
- Reservation required
- No
- Ticket methods
- Tickets can be purchased via the scenic area's official WeChat public account, Ctrip and other platforms, or at the ticket office on site.
- Ticket notes
- Ticket prices vary by season/event (historically ¥50-100); boat tickets purchased separately. See the scenic area's daily announcements for the latest.
Opening Hours
- Last entry
- 17:00
- Ticket sales end
- 16:30
- Holiday hours
- Open as usual on holidays, with hours possibly extended; it is recommended to check official announcements in advance.
- Seasonal hours
- Opening hours may be shortened in winter; refer to the scenic area's official announcements for details.
- Opening notes
- Mar 1–Apr 30: 08:30–18:00; May 1–Oct 31: 08:30–17:30; Nov 1–Feb (next year): 09:00–17:00
Best Time to Visit
- Best time of day
- 8:30-11:00 am, when the light is soft and there are fewer visitors
- Best day of week
- Weekdays
- Best season
- March–April (tulips), September–October (lilies)
- Avoid times
- Midday periods on weekends and public holidays
- Avoid days
- Weekends and statutory holidays
- Crowd level
- High
- Crowd peak time
- 10:00-15:00 on weekends and during flower exhibitions
Getting There
In Detail
Shixiang Lake sits beside the Chengdu–Ya'an Expressway. Islands and inlets crisscross the lake, creating a water maze. The scenic area is renowned for four-season flower shows — tulips in spring, lotus in summer, lilies in autumn — and the classic way to explore is by wupeng boat through the lake's winding inlets.
What to expect
Visitors can take canopied boats weaving through the lake's inlets, enjoying flower seas and natural scenery along the banks. There are several walking trails in the scenic area, where you can stroll on the islands or cycle around the lake. During flower exhibitions, the area is crowded, so bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
How to visit
It is recommended to start from Chengdu, about a 1-hour drive via the Chengdu–Ya'an Expressway, or take the direct tourist shuttle to Shixiang Lake from Xinnanmen Bus Station in Chengdu. Inside the scenic area, take a boat ride on the lake first, then walk through the flower fields and visit Shixiang Temple; allow half a day to a full day.
Pros
Beautiful natural scenery and spectacular flower seas
Unique water maze with excellent boat ride experience
Fresh air, ideal for a relaxing holiday
Highlights in every season
Cons
Relatively far from downtown Chengdu, requiring a drive or shuttle
Crowded during flower exhibitions
Some facilities may be outdated
Highlights
- Water Maze: The lake's interlaced inlets make exploring by boat especially fun
- Seasonal Flower Shows: Tulips in spring, lotus in summer, lilies in autumn
- Canopied Boat Ride: A classic way to experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns
- Shixiang Temple: An ancient temple by the lake that adds cultural depth
- Forest Oxygen Bar: Over 90% forest coverage with fresh air
FAQ
What is the best season to visit Shixiang Lake?
Spring (March-April) is the best season when tulips are in full bloom; the lotus in summer and lilies in autumn are also beautiful.
Can I go boating inside the scenic area?
Yes. The canopied boat ride is a classic experience – boat tickets are usually included in the entrance fee or can be purchased separately.
How do I get to Shixiang Lake from Chengdu?
By car, take the Chengdu–Ya'an Expressway for about 1 hour, or take the direct tourist shuttle from Xinnanmen Bus Station in Chengdu.
Field Tips
Best photo spot 1. Mid-lake Island Observation Deck: Overlook the entire water maze with panoramic views of the lake and mountains. 2. Tulip Fields: In spring, the sea of flowers and blue sky with white clouds form a perfect picture. 3. Black-canopied Boat Dock: Use the traditional boats as a foreground to capture the lake's reflections. 4. In front of Shixiang Temple: The ancient temple and lake scenery complement each other, perfect for cultural photography.
Best entrance Main gate of the scenic area (main entrance)
Best exit Main gate of the scenic area (main entrance)
Location & Nearby
Nearby attractions
- Chengdu Battle Memorial Hall (4.1 km)
- Chengjia Tea Town Scenic Area (5 km)
- Cherry Mountain Scenic Area (10.3 km)
- Pingle Ancient Town Scenic Area (20.6 km)
- Sichuan Qionglai Chalan Scenic Area (20.9 km)