Baofeng Lake is a man-made 1979 reservoir 70m wide and 2.5km long, ringed by sandstone cliffs that mirror the Wulingyuan landscape. The signature experience is a 30-minute pleasure-boat ride during which Tujia ethnic-minority singers in traditional dress perform on lake-shore stone platforms — a kitschy but locally-popular spectacle. The lake is NOT inside the Wulingyuan combo ticket; separate entry ¥96 + boat ¥40 = ¥136 total. Most foreign visitors skip it because the boat performance feels staged and the natural scenery is duplicated elsewhere in Wulingyuan. Worth visiting only if you want a calm half-day after intense hiking days, or specifically want to see Tujia cultural performance.
Address
Baofeng Lake Scenic Area, Wulingyuan
张家界市武陵源区宝峰湖景区
Highlights
- Boat ride (游船)30-min loop with cliff scenery
- Tujia performance (土家族表演)Live singing from shore platforms
- Quiet alternativeCalm half-day after intense Wulingyuan hiking
What Chinese travelers actually do here
Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.
- ▸The lake itself was constructed in 1979 as a hydroelectric reservoir, then re-marketed as a tourist attraction in the 1990s. Knowing it's man-made changes the experience — the 'natural' framing in brochures is misleading.
- ▸Boat tickets are sold separately from the park entry — you'll pay ¥96 at the gate, walk 30 min in, then pay ¥40 at the boat dock. Bring cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay for both. The dock window does not accept foreign credit cards.
- ▸The Tujia performers sing about every 8 minutes as the boat circulates. If you miss a song, wait — they'll repeat as new boats arrive. The same 3-4 songs are on rotation all day; one ride covers the full repertoire.
- ▸There's a small island restaurant in the middle of the lake (¥80-150/person, mid-quality Hunanese food). It's overpriced but the only meal option inside the park. Eat before you arrive or after you leave.
- ▸Photographers find Baofeng Lake disappointing — the cliffs are LOWER than Wulingyuan's signature pillars, and the water reflections only work in still windless conditions (rare in mountain weather). Bring a polarizing filter if you go.
- ▸Best time of day is 11 AM - 2 PM when sun lights both cliff faces. Late afternoon shadows half the lake into darkness, making photos one-sided.
For foreign visitors
- English service: partial english
- Cards accepted: cash_only
- Booking / entry: not needed
- Best time: Sunny afternoon for the boat experience
- Wi-Fi: none
- Transit access: need taxi
Photos
What travelers say (5 reviews)
Watch creators visit Baofeng Lake
Each clip is timestamped to the moment the creator arrives at this stop.
Our WORST Travel Experience? Zhangjiajie, China
Adam & YazStarts at 17:50
Baofeng Lake (Hidden Gem)
Videos
Frequently asked questions about Baofeng Lake
- Is Baofeng Lake included in the Wulingyuan combo ticket?
- No — separate ¥96 entry + ¥40 boat ride = ¥136 total per person. This catches many foreigners off-guard. Don't add Baofeng Lake to your itinerary expecting it to be free under the 4-day combo pass. If budget-constrained, the lake is the easiest of all Zhangjiajie attractions to cut.
- Is the Tujia minority performance authentic or touristy?
- Touristy. Performers in traditional dress sing rehearsed folk songs from stone platforms on the lake shore for ~5 min as the boat passes. It's pleasant background atmosphere, not deep cultural immersion. If you want serious Tujia ethnography, visit a Tujia village in Wulingyuan town proper or the Tujia Folk Park instead.
- How long does Baofeng Lake take?
- 2 hours total: 30 min from park entry to boat dock, 30 min boat ride, 30 min lake-shore walking, 30 min return. The boat is the experience — there's not much to do once you're back on land. Don't plan more than 2 hours here.
- Should I visit Baofeng Lake if I only have 2-3 days in Zhangjiajie?
- No. Skip it. With limited time, prioritize Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountain), Tianzi (sunrise), Tianmen Mountain, and Golden Whip Stream. Baofeng Lake is a 'nice if you have a 4th day' addition, not a foundational stop. It exists for travelers who've already done everything else.
- Is the boat safe? What if I get seasick?
- Yes safe — calm 2-3m deep reservoir, pleasure boats with railings and seating. Boat moves at walking pace; no chop, no waves. Seasickness is essentially impossible. The boats are larger Chinese tourist barges (40-60 capacity) with cover roofs. Wheelchair-accessible at the dock with staff assistance.
