Is Dishui Lake worth the trip from central Shanghai?

It depends on your plan. The lake itself is a vast, precisely circular body of water with a wide walking-and-biking promenade and noticeably cleaner air near the Yangtze estuary. On its own it is calm rather than thrilling, so most visitors pair it with the Shanghai Astronomy Museum on the south shore to justify the long trip out to Lingang.

How do I get to Dishui Lake from downtown Shanghai?

Take Metro Line 16 to the Lingang area, then a local PG Tang bus or short taxi to the lakeside. The line is long, so allow over an hour each way. A direct taxi from downtown runs about 70 minutes in light traffic. It sits at Shanghai's southeastern tip near Pudong Airport, so it also works as a stop on an airport day.

What is there to do at Dishui Lake and how long should I stay?

Plan around two hours for the promenade: walk or cycle part of the loop, fly a kite in the open space, and in summer watch or try sailing on the lake. Late afternoon is best for sunset over the water. Carry cash, as English service is minimal and card acceptance is limited this far from the city center.

Dishui Lake, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Massive 2.6km-wide circular lake at Lingang New City — pairs with Shanghai Astronomy Museum for a far-Pudong day trip.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 滴水湖 (Dī Shuǐ Hú)
Opening hours: Always open
Time needed: 2 hours on the promenade
Best time to visit: Late afternoon for sunset on the lake
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Little to no English
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: West 1st Ringhu Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai · 浦东新区环湖西一路

See Dishui Laketickets & tours

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Dishui Lake (literally 'Water Drop Lake') is the centerpiece of Lingang New City, the planned innovation/manufacturing district at Shanghai's southeastern tip near Pudong Airport. The lake is precisely circular — 2.6 km in diameter, 5.5 km² in area, the largest artificial lake near the East China coast. There's a wide promenade for walking and biking, kite-flying space, sailing in summer, and the lake faces the Yangtze estuary so air quality is noticeably cleaner. It is most often paired with the Shanghai Astronomy Museum (10 min away on the same lake's south shore) for a 'far Pudong' day trip. Metro Line 16 → PG Tang Bus, or 70-minute taxi from downtown.

Highlights

Circular Lake Promenade (环湖步道)Walk or bike the 2.6km-diameter loop; kite-flying space available
Summer Sailing (夏季帆船)Sailing on the lake during summer months
Pair with Astronomy Museum (搭配上海天文馆)10 min away on south shore; ideal for a day trip

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸The full loop is huge at 2.6 km across; rent a shared bike rather than trying to walk the entire circular promenade.
▸Come late afternoon for sunset over the water; the estuary location means clearer air and better light than central Shanghai.
▸Pair it with the Shanghai Astronomy Museum on the south shore, 10 minutes away, so the long ride out earns a full day.
▸Carry cash and snacks. English service is essentially none out here and lakeside food and card options are thin.
▸On hot days there is little shade on the open promenade; bring a hat, water, and sun cover before you set off.
▸Line 16 is long and trains can be infrequent; check the last-train time before you settle in for the sunset.

Photos

brown concrete building near body of water during daytime

Serene twilight scene of a traditional water town in Shanghai with reflections in the canal.

gray and brown concrete buildings during daytime

Serene view of historic boats and structures on West Lake in Hangzhou, China, with misty mountains.

brown and white concrete building near body of water during daytime

Peaceful lake reflecting modern architecture amidst lush greenery in an urban setting.

a body of water that has some buildings on it

Stunning view of Shanghai's skyline featuring the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower against a clear blue sky.

A body of water filled with lots of boats

Stunning view of modern high-rises and a reflection pond in Xangai, China, showcasing urban landscape.

a building with red lanterns hanging from it's roof

Urban skyline with tugboat and cargo barge on Huangpu River, Shanghai.

Buildings and water create a beautiful reflection.

Vibrant urban scene in Shanghai featuring high-rises, historic buildings, and the Chinese flag.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

LakeView·TripAdvisor·4/5

Round lake in Lingang. Bike around it. Pair with Astronomy Museum for sci-themed day.

2026-04-15

滴水湖·Ctrip·4/5

滴水湖临港新城地标。环湖骑行 1 小时。配天文馆完美。地铁 16 号线终点。

2026-03-22

Jon K.·Google Maps·4/5

Perfectly circular man-made lake. Quiet, scenic. Astronomy Museum next door.

2026-02-25

Videos

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A Nomad Life自由旅居

Frequently asked questions about Dishui Lake

Is Dishui Lake worth the trip from central Shanghai?: It depends on your plan. The lake itself is a vast, precisely circular body of water with a wide walking-and-biking promenade and noticeably cleaner air near the Yangtze estuary. On its own it is calm rather than thrilling, so most visitors pair it with the Shanghai Astronomy Museum on the south shore to justify the long trip out to Lingang.
How do I get to Dishui Lake from downtown Shanghai?: Take Metro Line 16 to the Lingang area, then a local PG Tang bus or short taxi to the lakeside. The line is long, so allow over an hour each way. A direct taxi from downtown runs about 70 minutes in light traffic. It sits at Shanghai's southeastern tip near Pudong Airport, so it also works as a stop on an airport day.
What is there to do at Dishui Lake and how long should I stay?: Plan around two hours for the promenade: walk or cycle part of the loop, fly a kite in the open space, and in summer watch or try sailing on the lake. Late afternoon is best for sunset over the water. Carry cash, as English service is minimal and card acceptance is limited this far from the city center.