Qiannan, Guizhou Province

The Emerald Labyrinth: Rowing Through the Romance of Libo Mandarin Duck Lake

📸Photography 🧗Adventure 🛤️Highland Aesthetics(高原美学)

Altitude

435m

Best Time

🌸 ☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Paid

UNESCO

Natural

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Libo Mandarin Duck: Lake (Yuanyang Lake), nestled deep within the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area in Libo County, Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, is a mesmerizing aquatic labyrinth often described as a "Green Gem on Earth". As a quintessential part of the South China Karst UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, this lake offers a serene and somewhat mysterious escape from the outside world. Situated at an altitude of approximately 430 meters, the lake covers an area of about 20 hectares and is actually a karst barrier lake formed by the convergence of surface and underground streams, unique for its landscape of "trees growing in water, and water flowing through forests",.

The lake gets its poetic name, "Mandarin Duck Lake" (Yuanyang Hu), from its unique composition of two connected lakes—a larger "Yuan" lake and a smaller "Yang" lake—that nestle together like a pair of affectionate mandarin ducks. The water in the two sections presents a striking visual contrast due to differences in mineral content and aquatic vegetation: one appears a milky, soft blue-green, while the other is a crystal-clear, deep emerald. This natural duality creates a dreamlike atmosphere, especially when sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, dappling the water with shifting shades of jade and turquoise,,.

Unlike typical open lakes, Mandarin Duck Lake is a "Water Forest Labyrinth." Thousands of ancient karst trees root directly into the lakebed, their trunks submerged in up to 10 meters of water, while their lush branches interlock overhead to form a natural green tunnel. Visitors explore this area not by walking, but by rowing small boats through the winding, maze-like channels. Drifting silently under the canopy, you are enveloped by the cool, fresh air and the sounds of nature, feeling as though you have entered a secret botanical kingdom. The dense vegetation and intricate waterways make it a thrilling yet peaceful adventure, where getting "lost" in the beauty is part of the charm,,.

Culturally, the lake is steeped in local Buyei and Shui ethnic folklore. A romantic legend tells of a Buyei girl and a Shui boy who, facing opposition to their love, transformed into a pair of mandarin ducks to stay together in this lake forever. This story imbues the landscape with a sense of eternal romance, making it a popular destination for couples. The "Lover's Trees"—two massive ancient trees intertwined in the water—stand as a living symbol of this legend and the harmony between nature and humanity,,.

✨ Why Visit Libo Mandarin Duck Lake

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The Water Forest Labyrinth

Experience the unique thrill of rowing a boat through a maze of ancient trees growing directly out of the lake, where the dense canopy creates a cool, green tunnel over the water,.

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Twin Color Wonder

Witness the natural phenomenon of the two connected lakes displaying distinctly different hues—one a soft powdery blue-green and the other a deep, transparent emerald—due to varying water compositions.

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The Lover's Trees

Admire the two large, ancient trees standing side-by-side in the center of the lake, intertwined above and below the water, symbolizing the legend of the faithful lovers,.

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Karst Ecology

Immerse yourself in a pristine UNESCO World Heritage karst ecosystem, home to diverse amphibious plants and birds, offering a "living museum" of geology and biology.

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Romantic Legend

Connect with the local folklore of the Buyei and Shui people, which adds a layer of cultural romance to the serene landscape, making it a symbolic spot for love.

Location & Nearby

📍 Qiannan, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 435m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Libo Mandarin Duck Lake Travel Guide

Where is Mandarin Duck Lake located?

It is located within the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area in Libo County, Guizhou Province, near the western end of the scenic belt,,.

Do I need a boat to see the lake? Yes, renting a rowing boat is the primary and best way to explore the lake. The "Water Forest Labyrinth" is inaccessible by foot, and the boat allows you to navigate deep into the tree-shaded channels,.

Why is it called Mandarin Duck Lake? It is named after the two connected lakes that resemble a pair of mandarin ducks, and also due to a local legend about a couple who transformed into mandarin ducks to be together in the lake,,.

Is it easy to get lost? The waterways are intricate like a maze, but there are usually signs or guides/staff around to help direct visitors back to the dock. It is a safe adventure,.

What is the best time to visit? The best months are May to October. Mornings (8:00-11:00) and late afternoons (15:00-17:00) offer the best light for photography and a more peaceful atmosphere,.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Libo Mandarin Duck 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.