Built by damming the Luxi River, this 'ecological kidney' of Tianfu New Area covers about 6500 mu in total, with a water area of about 4500 mu. Combining lakeside trails and wetland scenery, it is an urban wetland park for public leisure and waterside sightseeing.
A free urban lake area directly accessible by metro, with good water quality and wide trails. The atmosphere at sunset is especially wonderful.
Xinglong Lake Wetland Park is a must-see free ecological park on the outskirts of Chengdu, especially suitable for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities and natural scenery. Cycling around the lake and the underwater bookstore at sunset are unforgettable, but be sure to avoid peak crowds.
Tickets & Transport
Tickets
- Adult ticket
- ¥0
- Child ticket
- ¥0
- Free
- Yes
- Reservation required
- No
- Ticket notes
- The park is free and open to the public; no ticket required.
Opening Hours
- Opening notes
- The park is open all day; daytime visits are recommended.
Best Time to Visit
- Best time of day
- Early morning or evening (soft light, fewer people, beautiful scenery)
- Best day of week
- Weekdays
- Best season
- Year-round
- Avoid times
- Weekend noon (crowded and sunny)
- Avoid days
- Holidays
- Crowd level
- High
- Crowd peak time
- Afternoons on weekends and holidays
Getting There
- Metro station
- Xinglong Lake Station (within walking distance to the lake)
- Metro line
- Line 1, Line 18
- Metro exit
- Exit C
- Metro distance
- 500m
- Metro walk
- 8min
In Detail
Xinglong Lake is the central urban lake of Tianfu New Area. A lakeside trail of about 8.8 km circles the lake, with an underwater bookstore, a beach, and wetland boardwalks along the shore. On weekends, cycling, taking kids out, and watching the sunset have become a new lifestyle for young people in Chengdu.
What to expect
Visitors can stroll or cycle along the lakeside trail, enjoying the lake and mountain views and wetland vegetation along the way. The underwater bookstore is a must-visit spot, where you can watch fish swimming through the glass. The lakeshore is equipped with viewing platforms, rest areas, and children's facilities, and camping tents are common on weekends.
How to visit
It is recommended to choose a sunny day and visit in the morning or evening. Take Metro Line 1 to Xinglong Lake Station, or drive and navigate to the Xinglong Lake Wetland Park parking lot. Going around the lake takes about 2-3 hours; you can rent a shared bike or take a sightseeing bus.
Pros
Free admission, large area, beautiful scenery
Well-equipped with trails, cycling paths, and children's zones
Metro access with convenient transportation
Great for families, couples, and friends
Cons
Crowded on weekends and holidays
Strong sun exposure with little shade in summer
Limited dining options inside; bring your own food
Highlights
- 8.8 km lakeside trail, great for cycling and running
- Underwater bookstore (Lakeside Bookstore) offers a unique viewing experience
- Wetland boardwalk and ecological education area
- Lakeside beach and children's play area
- Birdwatching and nature photography spot
FAQ
Can I cycle around Xinglong Lake?
Yes, there are dedicated cycling paths around the lake, and you can also rent shared bikes or scenic area sightseeing buses.
Does Xinglong Lake require a ticket?
The park is free to enter; no ticket required.
Does the underwater bookstore require reservation?
Usually no reservation is needed, but there may be visitor limits on holidays, so it's recommended to visit during off-peak times.
Field Tips
Best photo spot 1. Underwater Bookstore (Lakeside Bookstore): Capture mermaid silhouettes through the glass wall with excellent light and shadow. 2. Lakeside Beach: At sunset, golden sunlight spills over the sand, with the lake and distant mountains as the backdrop. 3. Lakeside Trail (East Bank): Use the lake as a foreground to shoot the city skyline from afar. 4. Wetland Boardwalk: Among the reeds, ideal for nature-style portraits.
Best entrance South Gate (main entrance), close to the metro station and parking lot.
Best exit East Gate, connecting to the direction of Tianfu Park.
Location & Nearby
Nearby attractions
- Xinjin Chunyang Temple Park (1.7 km)
- Tianfu Guantang Scenic Area (3.6 km)
- Luhu Water City (6.8 km)
- Tianfu Weibo Village (8.3 km)
- Danjing Mountain Scenic Area (9.6 km)