Located in Quanshan District, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, Yunlong Lake Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering 13.06 square kilometers (water area 7.5 sq km). Featuring "emerald waters embraced by green hills", it blends natural scenery, historical culture, and modern city life, earning titles like "Eye of Xuzhou" and "City's Drawing Room".
History and Culture
With history dating back to Han Dynasty, the lake was dredged by Su Shi when he governed Xuzhou during Northern Song, leaving behind praising poems. After Ming Dynasty, it became a literati resort with numerous pavilions.
After multiple renovations since 1949, it was rated 5A in 2016, becoming a showcase of Xuzhou's image.
Main Attractions
Yunlong Lake Aquarium
East China's large freshwater aquarium displays 200+ fish species across eight zones including tropical rainforest and Amazon areas, featuring Asia's largest freshwater tank.
The highlight is a 28-meter underwater tunnel for 360-degree fish viewing overhead.
Yunlong Mountain
This 142m mountain, named for its dragon-like shape, boasts historic sites including Xinghua Temple (Northern Wei), Crane Pavilion (Song), and Dashiyan (Ming). The summit offers panoramic lake and city views.
With profound Buddhist culture, its annual Guanyin Temple Fair (19th of lunar February) attracts tens of thousands.
Lakeside Park
An 8km open park along the lake with ecological, cultural, and sports zones, growing 300+ plant species.
The musical fountain operates nightly, with 100m-high water jets synchronized to lights and music.
Cuisine
Xuzhou Claypot Chicken
A local specialty - free-range chicken braised in claypots with secret sauce. "Old Place" restaurant near the scenic area serves the most authentic version.
Yunlong Lake Fish Feast
Wild lake fish dishes like steamed white fish and braised carp are specialties. Lakeside restaurants offer meals with scenic views.
Sha Soup
Xuzhou's signature breakfast - chicken broth with gluten and egg. Old stalls at morning markets often have long queues.
Tickets
Free entry; separate charges for: Aquarium 80 yuan, cable car 30 yuan/one-way, boat ride 50 yuan/30mins. Seniors over 60 & children under 1.4m get half-price attraction tickets.
Recommended Itinerary
One-day tour: Morning - Yunlong Mountain (Xinghua Temple → Crane Pavilion → Dashiyan) with claypot chicken lunch; Afternoon - Aquarium → Lakeside Park walk → Evening fountain show. Night lake tours offer unique charm.
Transportation
- Bus: Multiple routes from downtown Xuzhou including Tourist Line 1, 39, 47
- Metro: Line 1 to Gongnonglu or People's Square Station, then short walk
- Driving: Multiple parking lots around (5 yuan/hour)
- Bike-sharing: Multiple docks for lakeside cycling
Must-Visit Spots
- Aquarium tunnel: Immersive freshwater fish viewing
- Yunlong Mountain viewpoint: Panoramic vistas
- Lakeside musical fountain: Nighttime audiovisual spectacle
- Mid-lake path: Stroll amidst water and sky
- Su Shi Cultural Park: Learn historical connections
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: spring-autumn; April-May for cherry blossoms, October-November for autumn foliage
- Rent bikes or take sightseeing vehicles to cover the vast area
- Photographers should capture morning lake mists
- Night tours showcase dazzling lights
- Avoid weekends/holidays for smaller crowds
Important Notices
- No swimming or fishing in lake areas
- Protect environment - no littering
- Caution when hiking - some steep sections
- Life jackets mandatory on boats
- No unauthorized drone flights
- No flash photography at cultural relic sites