Dazu, Chongqing

Longshui Lake Scenic Area: The "West Lake of Chongqing" and A Lakeside Hot Spring Retreat

📸Photography 🏕️Camping

Altitude

375m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Longshui Lake Scenic: Area (Longshuihu) is a picturesque lakeside resort located in Dazu District, Chongqing Municipality, approximately 20 kilometers from the famous Dazu Rock Carvings. Often praised as the "West Lake of Chongqing," this expansive man-made lake sits at the foot of the Bachishan Mountains (West Mountains), covering a water area of over 5,000 mu (about 3.3 square kilometers). Originally built in the 1950s as a reservoir, it has since transformed into a national-level water conservancy scenic spot and a favorite leisure destination for locals and tourists alike.

The lake is characterized by its unique geography, featuring 108 islands of various sizes scattered across the emerald waters, creating a maze-like landscape often compared to a miniature "Thousand Island Lake." These islands are adorned with lush vegetation, peach blossoms, and bamboo groves, making the scenery vibrant throughout the seasons. Visitors can take boat rides to explore the tranquil coves and islands, enjoying the reflection of the surrounding mountains in the clear water, creating a landscape painting come to life.

A major draw of the area is the Longshui Lake Hot Spring, a high-quality geothermal resort located on the lakeshore. The hot spring water is rich in minerals such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, offering a relaxing and therapeutic experience. The resort features numerous indoor and outdoor pools, spa facilities, and water parks, making it a perfect winter getaway or a place to unwind after hiking the nearby rock carvings.

Beyond the water and hot springs, Longshui Lake offers excellent facilities for outdoor activities. There are dedicated camping grounds by the lake, allowing visitors to sleep under the stars. The lakeside paths are ideal for cycling and walking. In spring and summer, the area becomes a floral paradise, while autumn brings a serene, misty atmosphere. With its combination of landscape gardening, island exploration, and wellness facilities, Longshui Lake provides a comprehensive resort experience that complements the cultural depth of Dazu's heritage sites.

✨ Why Visit Longshui Lake Scenic Area

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Islands

Explore the "Thousand Island Lake of Chongqing" where over a hundred islets dot the vast emerald water surface, offering a maze of green and blue.

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Longshui Lake Hot Spring

Relax in one of the region's premier hot spring resorts, featuring mineral-rich geothermal waters and extensive spa facilities.

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Lakeside Camping

Experience the outdoors with well-equipped camping sites right by the water, perfect for families and nature lovers.

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Scenic Boating

Take a cruise or rent a boat to navigate the winding waterways and enjoy the "mountains in the water" scenery.

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Proximity to Heritage

Located just a short drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Dazu Rock Carvings, making it an ideal base for a cultural trip.

Location & Nearby

📍 Dazu, Chongqing • 🏔️ 375m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Longshui Lake Scenic Area Travel Guide

Where is Longshui Lake located?

It is located in Yulong Town, Dazu District, Chongqing, about 20km from the Dazu city center.

Is there an entrance fee? Access to the public park areas around the lake is often free, but the Hot Spring Resort and boat tours have separate admission fees.

What is the best time to visit? It is suitable year-round. Summer is great for water activities and lotus viewing, while winter is the peak season for the hot springs.

How do I get there? From Chongqing city, take a bus or train to Dazu District, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Longshui Lake. It is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from downtown Chongqing.

Can I stay overnight? Yes, there are hotels, including the hot spring resort hotel, and camping options available within the scenic area.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Longshui Lake Scenic Area?

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.