Wanlv Lake Scenic Area in Heyuan City is located in Dongyuan County, Heyuan City, Guangdong Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. Wanlv Lake is the largest artificial lake in South China. It gets its name because it is green throughout the four seasons and everywhere. The total area of the scenic area is about 1,600 square kilometers, of which the water area is 370 square kilometers and the water storage capacity reaches 13.9 billion cubic meters. The water quality of the lake is excellent, reaching the national first-class surface water standard and can be directly consumed. Surrounded by mountains and dense forests, the forest coverage rate around Wanlv Lake is as high as over 98%. There are many islands in the scenic area, each with its own unique posture. In addition, there are some characteristic buildings in the scenic area, such as some ancient-style buildings in the Jinghuayuan Theme Tourist Area, which add a cultural atmosphere to the scenic area.
History and Culture
The predecessor of Wanlv Lake was Xinfengjiang Reservoir, which was initially built in 1958 and completed and impounded in 1969. At that time, in response to the call of national water conservancy construction, local residents actively participated in the construction of the reservoir. The completion of Xinfengjiang Reservoir not only solved the problems of flood control, power generation, and irrigation in the local area but also laid the foundation for the later tourism development of Wanlv Lake.
Over time, Xinfengjiang Reservoir gradually attracted more and more tourists with its beautiful natural scenery. Due to its evergreen feature throughout the year, it was named Wanlv Lake and began to be developed for tourism. During the development process, the scenic area deeply explored the local cultural resources. Relying on the novel "Jing Hua Yuan" written by Li Ruzhen in the Qing Dynasty, it created the Jinghuayuan Theme Tourist Area, integrating the scenes and cultural elements in the novel into the construction of the scenic area, enriching the cultural connotation of the scenic area.
Today, Wanlv Lake Scenic Area has become an important tourism business card of Heyuan City, not only showcasing the beauty of natural scenery but also inheriting and promoting the local culture.
Main Scenic Spots
Jinghuayuan Scenic Area
The Jinghuayuan Scenic Area is one of the important scenic spots in Wanlv Lake Scenic Area. It is built based on the novel "Jing Hua Yuan" written by Li Ruzhen in the Qing Dynasty. There are many ancient-style buildings in the scenic area, such as the Daughter Country and the Gentleman Country, vividly reproducing the scenes in the novel. Tourists can admire the exquisite buildings here and learn about the stories and culture in "Jing Hua Yuan". In addition, there are rich plant landscapes in the scenic area, with shady trees and blooming flowers. Walking among them, you will feel like you are in a fairyland. There are also some performances and interactive projects in the scenic area, allowing tourists to experience the cultural charm of "Jing Hua Yuan" more deeply.
Shuiyue Bay
Shuiyue Bay is the only tourist area in Wanlv Lake with a hydrophilic swimming beach and water entertainment. The lake water here is crystal clear, and the beach is delicate and soft. Tourists can enjoy the fun of swimming here and also participate in various water entertainment projects, such as jet skis and banana boats. There are rest areas and dining areas on the shore for tourists to rest and dine. The surrounding natural scenery is beautiful, with green mountains and clear waters setting each other off, making it an excellent place for leisure and vacation.
Longfeng Island
Longfeng Island is a beautiful island in Wanlv Lake, named because it resembles a dragon and a phoenix. The island is shaded by lush trees, with the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers, and the ecological environment is excellent. There are many rare plants and animals on the island, and tourists can admire the wonders of nature here. In addition, there are some viewing platforms on the island, from which tourists can overlook the beautiful scenery of Wanlv Lake. There are also some characteristic folk performances and activities on the island, allowing tourists to experience the local cultural customs.
Delicacies
River Fresh Food of Wanlv Lake
The river fresh food of Wanlv Lake is one of the characteristic delicacies of the scenic area. Due to the excellent water quality of Wanlv Lake, the river fresh food in the lake is delicious in meat and rich in nutrition. Common river fresh dishes include steamed river fish and blanched river shrimp. The steamed river fish retains the original flavor of the fish and is tender and delicious; the blanched river shrimp highlights the sweetness of the shrimp, and with the special dipping sauce, it tastes even better. These river fresh dishes are deeply loved by tourists and are a must-try delicacy when visiting Wanlv Lake Scenic Area.
Hakka Stuffed Tofu
Hakka stuffed tofu is a traditional Hakka delicacy in Heyuan and can also be tasted around Wanlv Lake Scenic Area. It is made by cutting tofu into small pieces, hollowing out the middle, filling it with minced meat, and then cooking it by frying, braising, boiling, etc. The stuffed tofu has a smooth and tender taste, the minced meat is delicious, and the fragrance of the tofu and the meat are perfectly integrated, making it a dish with strong local characteristics.
Surrounding Delicacies
Around Wanlv Lake Scenic Area, you can also taste many other delicacies. For example, the Pig's Trotter Noodles, where the pig's trotters are stewed until soft and delicious, the rice noodles are smooth and chewy, and the soup is rich and delicious. There is also Ai Baba, a traditional snack made of mugwort. It has a soft and glutinous taste and a faint fragrance of mugwort. In addition, there are various Hakka-flavored dishes, such as Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables and Salt-baked Chicken, all of which are worth a try.
Admission Tickets
The admission ticket price of Wanlv Lake Scenic Area in Heyuan City is 195 yuan (including the admission ticket and the boat ticket). This price may be adjusted according to the policies and activities of the scenic area. Special groups such as children, students, and the elderly can enjoy corresponding preferential policies. For specific preferential information, please refer to the announcements of the scenic area. Some special projects or activities within the scenic area may require additional fees.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of Wanlv Lake Scenic Area are from 09:00 to 16:00 every day. Tourists need to enter the scenic area before 16:00. The departure schedule of the cruise ships in the scenic area will be arranged according to the number of tourists and time, and there is generally a cruise ship every certain period. During holidays or peak tourist seasons, the scenic area may appropriately adjust the opening hours. It is recommended that tourists check the latest opening hours information through the official channels of the scenic area before going.
Tour Routes
If you plan to visit Wanlv Lake Scenic Area in Heyuan City, you can choose the following route: After arriving at the scenic area in the morning, take a boat to the Jinghuayuan Scenic Area first and spend 2-3 hours visiting the ancient-style buildings in the scenic area, watching the performances, and participating in the interactive projects to learn about the culture of "Jing Hua Yuan". Have lunch in the scenic area or around it and taste the characteristic delicacies such as the river fresh food of Wanlv Lake and Hakka stuffed tofu.
In the afternoon, take a boat to Shuiyue Bay, where you can enjoy swimming and water entertainment projects to relax. Then take a boat to Longfeng Island to admire the natural scenery on the island and the characteristic folk performances. End the visit before about 16:00, take a boat back to the entrance of the scenic area, and end the pleasant journey.
Transportation
- Bus: There are buses in Heyuan urban area that can reach Wanlv Lake Scenic Area. You can take Bus No. 10, but the bus schedules may be few. Please check the bus schedule in advance before traveling.
- Self-driving: Tourists can choose to drive by themselves. Starting from Heyuan urban area, drive along Yuewang Avenue, Yingke Avenue and other roads, and follow the navigation prompts to the scenic area. There are parking lots in the scenic area for convenient parking.
- Taxi: Taking a taxi to Wanlv Lake Scenic Area in Heyuan urban area is relatively convenient, and the cost depends on the actual distance, generally around tens of yuan.
- Tourist shuttle bus: There may be tourist shuttle buses in Heyuan urban area to Wanlv Lake Scenic Area. You can consult the relevant information at local travel agencies or hotels. The tourist shuttle bus is relatively convenient.
Must-visit Scenic Spots
- Jinghuayuan Scenic Area: Built based on "Jing Hua Yuan", it has ancient-style buildings and rich cultural activities. You can deeply understand the culture of the novel. The admission ticket is included in the scenic area package ticket.
- Shuiyue Bay: The only area with a hydrophilic swimming beach and water entertainment. The lake water is clear, and the beach is delicate. You can swim and participate in water projects. The admission ticket is included in the scenic area package ticket.
- Longfeng Island: With an excellent ecological environment, it resembles a dragon and a phoenix. There are rare animals and plants and viewing platforms. You can overlook the beautiful scenery of Wanlv Lake, and there are folk performances. The admission ticket is included in the scenic area package ticket.
Tour Suggestions
- Understand the admission ticket policies and opening hours of the scenic area in advance, and arrange the itinerary reasonably to avoid delaying the tour time.
- Since the scenic area mainly visits various scenic spots by boat, it is recommended to arrive at the scenic area in advance to board the boat on time. At the same time, pay attention to safety when taking the boat and follow the instructions of the staff.
- There are water entertainment projects in Shuiyue Bay. You can prepare swimsuits, swimming caps and other items in advance to fully enjoy the fun of water activities.
- The prices of food in the scenic area may be relatively high. You can bring some snacks and drinking water appropriately, but pay attention to keeping the environment of the scenic area clean and do not litter.
- When visiting in summer, pay attention to sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing sun hats and sunglasses. Keep warm when visiting in winter.
- If you are interested in photography, you can bring a camera. The natural scenery and cultural landscapes of Wanlv Lake are excellent shooting subjects.
Precautions
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not litter anywhere, and do not damage the plants and ecology in the scenic area.
- During the boat ride, wear a life jacket, and do not walk around or frolic on the boat to avoid danger.
- When swimming in Shuiyue Bay, pay attention to your own safety. Do not go to the deep water area and follow the instructions of the lifeguard.
- When visiting the ancient-style buildings in the Jinghuayuan Scenic Area and other places, abide by the regulations of the scenic area, and do not touch or damage the buildings and cultural relics.
- If you choose to drive by yourself, pay attention to obeying traffic rules, park according to the instructions of the parking lot, and avoid affecting other vehicles and pedestrians.
- In case of an emergency in the scenic area, contact the staff of the scenic area in time or call the rescue hotline of the scenic area for help.