Wanfo Lake Scenic Area is located in Shucheng County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering a total area of 135 square kilometers, with a water area of 50 square kilometers and over 60 islands of various sizes. Known as the "Thousand Island Lake of Anhui", the scenic area features lake and mountain scenery, Buddhist culture, and ecological leisure, making it a comprehensive tourist destination integrating sightseeing, leisure, vacation, and wellness.
History and Culture
Originally named Longhekou Reservoir, Wanfo Lake was built in 1958 as an important part of the Pi-Shi-Hang Irrigation Area, witnessing the great achievements of water conservancy construction in New China. The lake area is surrounded by numerous historical and cultural relics, such as the Zhou Yu City Ruins and the Dragon King Tree, with profound historical and cultural heritage.
The lake is named Wanfo (Ten Thousand Buddhas) because its islands resemble Buddhist beads and the surrounding mountains look like worshipping Buddhas. The scenic area has several Buddhist cultural landscapes, such as Wanfo Temple and Guanyin Cave, reflecting the harmonious integration of Buddhist culture and natural scenery.
As an important ecological barrier at the northern foot of the Dabie Mountains, Wanfo Lake has clear water and excellent ecological environment, serving as a habitat for various rare animals and plants, demonstrating the ecological civilization concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Main Attractions
Main Scenic Area of Wanfo Lake
The main scenic area of Wanfo Lake features lake and mountain scenery. Visitors can take boat tours to major islands such as Swallow Island, Wanfo Island, and Peach Blossom Island, enjoying the scattered island scenery and experiencing the magnificent landscape of "a lake of emerald water with countless green mountains".
Wanfo Temple
Built in the Tang Dynasty, Wanfo Temple is located at the foot of Wanfo Mountain by the lake, enshrining ten thousand Buddha statues with thriving incense. The temple's majestic architecture complements the lake and mountain scenery, making it an important Buddhist cultural landscape in the scenic area.
Zhou Yu City Ruins
Located by the lake, the Zhou Yu City Ruins are said to be where the famous Three Kingdoms general Zhou Yu trained his troops. The ruins include city wall foundations and a commander's platform, with a Zhou Yu Cultural Park showcasing his life stories and Three Kingdoms culture.
Dragon King Tree
The Dragon King Tree is a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree over 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of more than 2 meters, lush and majestic. The ancient tree echoes with the Longhekou Reservoir dam, symbolizing the ecological concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Peach Blossom Island
Peach Blossom Island is the most romantic island in Wanfo Lake, covered with peach trees that bloom like rosy clouds in spring. The island also features attractions like Love Lock Bridge and Lovers' Valley, making it an ideal destination for couples.
Featured Activities
Wanfo Lake Fishing Festival
Held every autumn, the Wanfo Lake Fishing Festival is a signature event where visitors can watch traditional fishing performances, participate in the first fish auction, taste fresh Wanfo Lake fish dishes, and experience fishing culture.
Lakeside Cycling Race
The scenic area regularly hosts lakeside cycling races along a 50-kilometer course by the lake. While competing, participants can enjoy the beautiful scenery, exemplifying the combination of sports and tourism.
Buddhist Culture Festival
Held annually on Buddha's Birthday, the Buddhist Culture Festival includes prayer ceremonies, life release activities, and meditation experiences, allowing visitors to appreciate the profundity of Buddhist culture.
Local Cuisine and Specialties
Wanfo Lake Fish Head
Made with wild bighead carp from the lake, local spring water, and secret seasonings, Wanfo Lake Fish Head has milky white soup and tender meat, representing the most iconic local delicacy.
Shucheng Small Orchid Tea
Shucheng Small Orchid Tea is a local specialty grown in the mountains around Wanfo Lake. With orchid-shaped leaves and lasting fragrance, it has won gold medals at China International Tea Expo.
Wanfo Lake Whitebait
Transparent and boneless, Wanfo Lake Whitebait can be stir-fried with eggs or made into soup. Nutritious and delicious, it is a must-buy lake delicacy for visitors.
Ticket Information
The entrance fee for Wanfo Lake Scenic Area is 95 yuan per person, including boat tickets. Opening hours are 8:00-17:30, with a recommended visiting time of 4-6 hours. Boats depart hourly, and the full lake tour takes about 3 hours.
Recommended Tour Route
Recommended one-day itinerary: Main entrance → Boat pier → Swallow Island → Wanfo Island → Peach Blossom Island → Zhou Yu Cultural Park → Wanfo Temple → Exit. This route provides a comprehensive experience of Wanfo Lake's natural scenery and cultural attractions. It's recommended to take a boat tour in the morning and visit shore attractions in the afternoon.
Transportation Guide
- Self-driving: From downtown Lu'an, take National Highway G206 and then Provincial Highway S317 for about 60 kilometers
- Public bus: Take the tourist shuttle from Lu'an Bus Station directly to Wanfo Lake
- High-speed rail: Take high-speed rail to Shucheng East Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle or taxi (about 30 minutes)
Must-See Attractions
- Wanfo Lake Boat Tour - Admire the magnificent scenery of scattered islands
- Wanfo Temple - Experience the harmonious integration of Buddhist culture and natural landscape
- Zhou Yu City Ruins - Learn about the historical stories of Three Kingdoms general Zhou Yu
Travel Tips
- The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn; sun protection is needed in summer
- Wear comfortable sports shoes as some attractions require walking
- Bring a camera as the lake and mountain scenery is great for photography
- Pay attention to safety when boating and wear life jackets
- Allow time to taste local lake delicacies
Precautions
- Protect the ecological environment and do not litter
- Swimming is prohibited in non-designated areas
- Observe etiquette in Buddhist sites and avoid loud noises
- Note boat schedules to avoid missing the last boat
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited in the scenic area