Guiyang, Guizhou Province

The Pearl of the Plateau: A Symphony of Red Maples and Ethnic Charms at Hongfeng Lake

📸Photography 🚙Road Trip 🛤️Highland Aesthetics(高原美学)

Altitude

1,240m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Hongfeng Lake, widely acclaimed as the "Pearl of the Plateau," is a mesmerizing expanse of water located in the suburbs of Qingzhen City, approximately 28 to 33 kilometers west of Guiyang, Guizhou Province,,. As the largest artificial lake on the Guizhou Plateau, it covers a vast water area of 57.2 square kilometers, formed by the construction of a hydroelectric power station dam in 1960,. The lake is renowned for its unique landscape that blends plateau lake scenery with typical karst landforms, creating a stunning visual of "mountains within the lake, the lake within mountains".

The name "Hongfeng" literally translates to "Red Maple." It is derived from the Hongfeng Ridge (Red Maple Ridge) located by the lakeside, which is densely planted with sweet gum and maple trees. Every late autumn, typically from late October to early November, the leaves turn a fiery red, reflecting beautifully against the emerald green waters, painting a breathtaking picture that gave the lake its poetic name,. The lake is dotted with 192 islands of various sizes, scattered like stars across the water, forming a labyrinth of peninsulas and bays that offer endless exploration opportunities,.

The scenic area is primarily divided into four sections: North Lake, South Lake, Middle Lake, and Rear Lake, each with distinct characteristics. North Lake is known for its open waters and numerous islands, including Bird Island, Snake Island, and Turtle Island, making it an ideal spot for water sports and boat tours,. In contrast, South Lake is famous for its intricate karst caves and stone forests, living up to the saying "mountains have lakes, lakes have islands, islands have caves, and caves have water". A notable attraction here is the General Cave (Jiangjun Dong), a karst cavern that resembles a mysterious underground palace filled with stalactites,.

Beyond its natural beauty, Hongfeng Lake is a vibrant showcase of Guizhou's ethnic diversity. To preserve and display the rich cultural heritage of the region, an Ethnic Culture Village has been constructed within the scenic area. Here, visitors can explore authentic replicas of Dong architecture, such as the magnificent Drum Tower and the Wind and Rain Bridge, as well as Miao stilt houses (Diaojiaolou) and Buyi stone slab houses,,. These villages are not just architectural exhibits; they serve as living museums where visitors can experience traditional customs, festivals like the Miao "Tiaohua Festival" or the "June 6th" festival, and enjoy the harmonious blend of cultural history with the natural landscape,. Whether you are cruising on the tranquil waters, exploring deep caves, or immersing yourself in the colorful ethnic traditions, Hongfeng Lake offers a comprehensive experience of Guizhou's highland charm.

✨ Why Visit Hongfeng Lake

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The "Pearl of the Plateau"

Explore the largest artificial lake on the Guizhou Plateau, featuring a labyrinth of 192 islands and a stunning "mountain-water" karst landscape that rivals the famous Taihu Lake,.

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Autumn Red Maple Views

Witness the spectacular transformation of Hongfeng Ridge in late autumn, where thousands of maple trees turn fiery red, creating a dazzling contrast with the green lake water.

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Ethnic Culture Villages

Visit the immersive ethnic villages on the islands, showcasing iconic architecture like the Dong Wind and Rain Bridge, Drum Towers, and Miao Diaojiaolou, offering a glimpse into local traditions.

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Karst Cave Exploration

Venture into the mysterious General Cave (Jiangjun Dong) in the South Lake area, a subterranean wonder filled with strange stalactites and underground waters.

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North Lake Islands

Take a boat tour across the expansive North Lake to visit unique islands such as Bird Island and Snake Island, enjoying the refreshing plateau breeze and open water scenery.

Location & Nearby

📍 Guiyang, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 1240m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Hongfeng Lake Travel Guide

Where is Hongfeng Lake located?

It is located in the suburbs of Qingzhen City, about 28 to 33 kilometers west of Guiyang City, Guizhou Province,.

When is the best time to visit? Late October to early November is the best time to see the red maple leaves. Spring (March-May) offers blooming flowers, while Summer (June-August) is perfect for escaping the heat due to the cool plateau climate,.

Why is it called Hongfeng Lake? It is named after the Hongfeng Ridge (Red Maple Ridge) by the lake, where maple trees turn vibrant red in autumn, reflecting in the water,.

What can I do there? You can take a boat cruise, visit the Ethnic Culture Villages to see traditional architecture, explore karst caves like the General Cave, and enjoy photography or water sports,.

Is it suitable for a day trip from Guiyang? Yes, it is very close to Guiyang (less than an hour's drive), making it an excellent destination for a day trip,.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Hongfeng Lake?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.