Located in Jiangyan District, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province, Qinhu Lake Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a national wetland park. Covering 26 square kilometers with water area accounting for 18 square kilometers, the scenic area features 15km of ecological lakeside trails and 8km of water walkways. Known for its "one lake, one town, one wetland" characteristics, it preserves the most typical freshwater wetland ecosystem in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, earning the reputation as a "water town biological gene bank".
History and Culture
Qinhu Lake formed in the late Neolithic Age with over 6,000 years of history. During the Spring and Autumn Period, it belonged to the Wu State, with clear written records beginning in the Han Dynasty. By the Ming Dynasty, it became an important water transport route. Excavated Tang Dynasty dugout canoes and Song Dynasty shipwrecks testify to its ancient water transport prosperity.
Qintong Ancient Town was established during the Shaoxing period of the Southern Song Dynasty, reaching its peak in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It preserves over 120 Ming-Qing architectural sites, including well-maintained former residences of three academicians. The annual Qintong Boat Festival during Qingming, originating from the Song Dynasty, is listed as national intangible cultural heritage.
Main Attractions
Qinhu National Wetland Park
Covering 10.8 square kilometers, it's one of the largest freshwater wetlands in East China, hosting 156 bird species including the nationally protected Oriental White Stork. Three water tour routes totaling 12km allow visitors to explore the wetland core by electric boats.
The park is divided into three functional zones: ecological conservation area (closed to general visitors), education display area with a Wetland Science Center featuring VR technology, and rational utilization area for tourism activities.
Qintong Ancient Town
The town preserves a 1.2km-long Ming-Qing old street with 50,000㎡ of architectural complexes, including well-kept ancient pawnshops, teahouses and century-old pharmacies. The most distinctive feature is the "water alley" buildings along the river, showcasing typical water town scenery.
The Wedding Customs Museum displays unique water town marriage traditions with live performances every Saturday afternoon. The Academicians' Former Residence exhibits the life stories and academic achievements of three academicians from the town.
Water Forest Scenic Area
This 2.3 square kilometer area features over 30,000 pond cypresses and bald cypresses growing in water, creating the wonder of "trees growing in water and boats sailing through the forest". The best viewing period is mid-to-late November when the forest turns spectacular red.
The area has 2km of wooden walkways and three observation decks, with Deck No.2 being the best sunset photography spot, voted one of "Jiangsu's Top 10 Most Beautiful Sunsets".
Cuisine
Qinhu Lake Crab
A China Geographical Indication product named after traditional trap fishing methods. With over 80% roe fullness, the best season is September-November. The century-old "Qinhu Crab House" in the ancient town serves the most authentic steamed crabs.
Qintong Fish Balls
Traditional snack made from Qinhu white fish, known for its delicate and springy texture. "Li's Fish Balls" in the town center adheres to ancient recipes with daily limited quantities often selling out by noon.
Jiangyan Crispy Cake
A 300-year-old local specialty made with Qinhu glutinous rice and sesame, crispy outside and chewy inside. "Xu's Cake Shop" on West Street still uses traditional clay oven baking techniques.
Tickets
Peak season (March-November) combo ticket costs 120 yuan/person, off-season 80 yuan, covering the wetland park, ancient town and water forest. Seniors 60-69 get half price, while children under 1.4m and seniors over 70 enjoy free admission. Boat tours cost extra 50 yuan/person, with advance online booking recommended. Annual passes are available for 300 yuan with unlimited entries.
Recommended Itinerary
One-day tour: 8:00 Qintong Ancient Town (2hrs) → 10:30 Wetland Science Center (1hr) → 12:00 Lunch with lake delicacies → 13:30 Wetland boat tour (2hrs) → 16:00 Water Forest (1.5hrs) → 17:30 Sunset viewing. Two-day tours can add agricultural sightseeing and hot spring experiences, with recommended stay at Qinhu Resort Hotel.
Transportation
- Self-drive: About 3hrs from Shanghai, 2hrs from Nanjing, navigate to "Qinhu Lake Scenic Area Visitor Center"
- High-speed rail: To Taizhou Station, then transfer to tourist shuttle (about 50mins)
- Flight: Nearest airport is Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport, about 1hr drive
- Internal transport: Electric cart rental (30 yuan/hr) and bicycle rental (20 yuan/day)
Must-Visit Attractions
- Wetland Birdwatching Platform: Best time 6-8am
- Ancient Town Water Alley Night View: Lighting 19:00-21:00 daily
- Water Forest Sunset: Arrive before 17:00
- Boat Festival Performance: During Qingming Festival
- Wetland VR Experience: Located in Science Center
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: April-May (bird watching) and September-November (crab tasting)
- Arrive before 8am to avoid crowds
- Prepare sunscreen and mosquito repellent for wetland visits
- Wear comfortable flats for ancient town's stone-paved roads
- Photographers should bring telephoto lenses for bird shots
- Advance reservation recommended for lake delicacies, especially on weekends/holidays
Important Notices
- No feeding wildlife or loud noises in wetland core areas
- Life jackets mandatory on boats, no standing for photos
- Selfie sticks prohibited in some ancient buildings
- No picking plants or catching aquatic life
- Smoking banned throughout with 500 yuan fines
- Pets not allowed in wetland reserves or boats
- Drone flying requires prior application
- Open flames and picnics prohibited in scenic area