Weishan Lake Tourism Area is located in Weishan County, Jining City, Shandong Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Covering a total area of 1,266 square kilometers with a water area of about 660 square kilometers, it is the largest freshwater lake in northern China. Comprising four interconnected lakes - Weishan Lake, Zhaoyang Lake, Dushan Lake, and Nanyang Lake - collectively known as the "South Four Lakes," the area is famous for its "lake scenery, fishing village culture, and red revolutionary heritage," earning it the titles "Lotus Capital of China" and "Water Town of the North."
History and Culture
Weishan Lake has a long history, with inhabitants fishing and hunting here as early as the Spring and Autumn period. The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal passes through the lake, making it an important transportation hub and commercial center.
During the Anti-Japanese War, Weishan Lake was a major operational area for the famous Railway Guerrillas, leaving behind rich red cultural resources. The novel and film "Railway Guerrillas" made Weishan Lake nationally famous.
The lake area preserves unique fishing village and canal cultures, with fishermen's aquatic lifestyle and traditional fishing methods continuing to this day, forming a distinctive "lake dwelling" way of life.
Main Attractions
Weishan Island
The largest island in Weishan Lake, covering about 9 square kilometers. It contains historical sites like the Tomb of Yin Weizi and Tomb of Zhang Liang, as well as the Railway Guerrillas Memorial and Museum. Lotus ponds cover the island, creating spectacular scenery when the flowers bloom in summer.
Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Garden
The largest contiguous lotus viewing area in northern China, covering over 100,000 mu (about 6,667 hectares). During the July-August blooming season, the scene of "endless green lotus leaves meeting the sky, exceptionally red lotus flowers reflecting the sun" is breathtaking.
Fishing Village Water Town
A site showcasing traditional fishing culture where visitors can experience fishermen's life, watch cormorant fishing performances, and taste lake delicacies. The wooden waterside architecture is characteristic of aquatic towns.
Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (Weishan Section)
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grand Canal. Visitors can cruise the ancient waterway, enjoying scenery on both banks while experiencing the charm of thousand-year-old canal culture.
Cuisine
Weishan Lake Whole Fish Banquet
A specialty feast featuring fresh lake fish prepared in over ten different ways including frying, stewing, and steaming, offering a comprehensive taste of lake cuisine.
Lotus-Scented Carp
A famous Weishan Lake dish made with wild carp steamed with fresh lotus leaves, giving the tender fish a delicate lotus fragrance - the most representative lake delicacy in summer.
Water Chestnut Rice Porridge
A traditional lake area snack made with fresh water chestnuts and rice, featuring a fragrant, soft texture and heat-clearing properties, making it an ideal summer cooler.
Ticket Information
The tourism area implements separate ticketing for different attractions: Weishan Island (60 yuan/person), Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Garden (40 yuan), and Fishing Village Water Town (30 yuan). Boat tickets cost 50-100 yuan depending on routes. Combo tickets are available, with half-price discounts for seniors over 60 and students, while children under 1.2m enter free.
Tour Route
Recommended one-day itinerary: Visitor Center → Weishan Lake Cruise → Weishan Island (Railway Guerrillas Memorial, Yin Weizi Tomb) → Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Garden → Fishing Village Water Town (lunch, cultural experience) → Grand Canal (Weishan Section) → Return. The full tour takes about 6-8 hours.
Transportation
- Self-driving: From Jining downtown, take Jingtai Expressway to Weishan exit, then drive about 40 minutes
- Bus: Direct tourist buses available from Jining Bus Station
- Train: Nearest station is Zaozhuang West, about 50 km away
- Airplane: Nearest airport is Jining Qufu Airport, about 120 km away
Must-Visit Attractions
- Weishan Island: Learn Railway Guerrillas history and enjoy island scenery
- Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Garden: See northern China's largest lotus landscape
- Fishing Village Water Town: Experience authentic fishing culture
- Grand Canal: Feel the charm of this World Heritage site
- Lake Cruising: Enjoy Weishan Lake's vast waterscape by boat
Tour Suggestions
- Best visiting time is June-October, especially July-August lotus season
- Prepare sun protection as the lake area has strong sunlight
- Wear life jackets when boating for safety
- Respect fishermen's customs and avoid disturbing their life
- Choose reputable restaurants for lake delicacies to ensure freshness
Precautions
- Protect the lake ecology - no littering
- Follow boating safety rules - no unauthorized swimming
- Don't pick lotuses or seedpods during viewing season
- Lake weather changes frequently - check forecasts
- Secure personal belongings, especially in crowded areas