Written by Veronica |
China is an abundant land of treasures for nature lovers to explore. There are beautiful mountains, a variety of landforms, and of course, lots of scenic waterways that nourished many brilliant cultures. Here are the top 10 rivers and lakes in China to visit on your tour. The amazing landscapes and local life around them will make your journey unforgettable.
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- 1. Yangtze River: The Longest River in China
- 2. Li River: One of the Most Beautiful Rivers in the World
- 3. West Lake: A Cultural and Historic Landmark
- 4. Kanas Lake: Breathtaking Alpine Sceneries
- 5. Pearl River: The Third Longest River of China
- 6. Namtso Lake: The Holy Lake of Tibet
- 7. Jiuzhaigou Lake Group: A Surreal Fairyland
- 8. The Grand Canal: The World’s Longest Man-Made Waterway
- 9. Qinghai Lake: China’s Most Beautiful Lake
- 10. Erhai Lake: The Pearl of Plateau in Yunnan
- 11. Lugu Lake
- 12. Yamdrok Lake (Tibet)
- 13. Qiandao Lake in Hangzhou
- FAQs about Lakes and Rivers in China
- Take a China Nature Tour with Us
1. Yangtze River: The Longest River in China
- Location to visit: Chongqing or Yichang to take the Yangtze River Cruise
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn
- Tickets: Prices and duration can vary depending on the cruise ship and whether you’re traveling downstream (Chongqing – Yichang) or upstream (Yichang – Chongqing).
- Opening hours: N/A
- Recommended visit time: 4 days for downstream and 5 days for upstream
At 6,387 kilometers (3,969 miles), Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. It enjoys a high status in Chinese culture and the heart of Chinese people. It is often called the mother river of Chinese civilization and is among the four great rivers of China together with the Yellow River, Pearl River, Heilong River. You should definitely visit it when you travel to China.
It flows through 11 provinces, and the best section to appreciate its beauty is generally considered to be between Chongqing and Yichang in Hubei Province. You can take a Yangtze River Cruise through this section, sit back, and enjoy the views along the way. The Three Gorges are the highlight on this journey. You will also cruise past many cultural and historical sites like Fengdu Ghost City.
Recommended Yangtze River Cruise tour: 4-Day Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang
Related reading: Yangtze River vs Yellow River
2. Li River: One of the Most Beautiful Rivers in the World
- Location to visit: Guilin and Yangshuo
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Tickets: Starting from CNY 200 depending on the cruise service
- Opening hours: N/A
- Recommended visit time: 1 day (the cruise takes 4-5 hours)
Li River has been named many times one of the most beautiful rivers in the world for the amazing karst landforms along its banks. The most impressive section, from Guilin city to Yangshuo county, is 83 kilometers (52 miles) long. You can take a Li River Cruise to witness the unique karst hills of Guilin that is famous across the world. The cruise usually lasts about 3.5-4.5 hours.
Thanks to millions of years of geological formations, the hills appear in all kinds of strange shapes, like the Elephant Trunk Hill that resembles an elephant drinking from Li River. Near the river, there are also many naturally formed caves with incredible stalactites. Sunsets are especially gorgeous on Li River, as the golden light sheds over the strange peaks, reflected in the water.
Recommended Li River Cruise tour
3. West Lake: A Cultural and Historic Landmark
- Location to visit: Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
- Best time to visit: All year round, especially spring and autumn
- Tickets: Free
- Opening hours: All day
- Recommended visit time: 1 day
The West Lake in Hangzhou is no doubt one of the most beautiful lakes in China. It has been a popular tourist attraction for over 1,000 years. Many famous poets and artists have visited and left behind marvelous works, so the West Lake is renowned not only for its natural sceneries, but the cultural and historical values behind it as well.
Different constructions around the lake, together with the changes that different seasons bring, the West Lake has ten iconic scenes that have mesmerized its visitors, such as Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge, and Orioles Singing in the Willows. Near the lake, you can discover Hangzhou’s Buddhist heritage and tea culture at local plantations.
Recommended West Lake tour: 2 Days Hangzhou Essence Tour
4. Kanas Lake: Breathtaking Alpine Sceneries
- Location to visit: Altai Mountains, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Tickets: CNY 160
- Opening hours: 8 AM to 8 PM
- Recommended visit time: 1 day
Kanas Lake takes on a completely different kind of beauty from the West Lake. Situate in the Altai Mountains of Xinjiang, Kanas Lake is known for its alpine landscapes and a mysterious lake monster. Legend has it that the monster that resides in the depth of the lake can manipulate the weather and ambushes the livestock that wander close.
Kanas Lake is a great place to get close to nature on your China tour. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and vast pastures. You can take a boat ride on the lake or go on a hike around it. Through the thick forests, you will discover beautiful bays and the nearby Hemu Village of the local Tuwa people. They still lead a traditional nomadic life and live in log cabins.
Recommended Kanas Lake tour
5. Pearl River: The Third Longest River of China
- Location to visit: Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
- Best time to visit: Autumn and winter, from October to February
- Tickets: Free
- Opening hours: All day
- Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours
Don’t miss Pearl River if you are making a visit to Guangzhou. The Pearl River is another major river in China. Its most famous part is in Guangzhou with the city’s modern developments along its banks. At night, the skyscrapers and buildings are lit up with colorful lights that are reflected in the calm waters. Taking a night cruise on the Pearl River is one of the top things to do in Guangzhou. Make sure you fully explore the city’s rich cultural heritage while you’re there.
Recommended Pearl River tour: 3 Days Guangzhou Historical and City Highlights Tour
6. Namtso Lake: The Holy Lake of Tibet
- Location to visit: Damxiong County, Lhasa, Tibet
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Tickets: CNY 145 in off season (November to April), CNY 210 in peak season (May to October)
- Opening hours: All day
- Recommended visit time: 1 day
Namtso Lake is one of the three holy lakes of Tibetan Buddhism. It is surrounded by snow mountains and grasslands. The white snow, blue lake, and green grass form a surreal picture of plateau landscapes. You can distinctly feel the sense of spirituality and serenity when you stand near the water. It’s important to note that Namtso Lake has an altitude of 4,718 meters (15,479 feet), so be mindful of altitude sickness.
Recommended Namtso Lake tour
7. Jiuzhaigou Lake Group: A Surreal Fairyland
- Location to visit: Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
- Best time to visit: All year round, especially in autumn
- Tickets: CNY 80 in off season (November to March), CNY 190 in peak season (April to November)
- Opening hours: Admission hour is 8 AM to 2 PM (peak season) / 8:30 AM to 2 PM (off season), and closing time is 6PM
- Recommended visit time: 1-2 days
Jiuzhaigou is one of the most popular destinations for China nature tours, and its waterscape is definitely some of the world’s best. Hidden in the mountains of Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou has many valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and over 100 lakes surrounded by mountains and forests. The lakes are clear all year round, reflecting the colors of the blue sky and the surroundings.
As the landscapes change with the season, the trees turn golden and red, leaves fall upon the surface of water, the lakes appear in different colors. The composition of the riverbed has something to do with it as well. Most famously the Five Flower Lake, which exhibits goose yellow, emerald green, dark blue, and other colors at the same time. Jiuzhaigou is a colorful painting that is like a pristine fairyland.
Recommended Jiuzhaigou tour: 5 Days Chengdu Tour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
8. The Grand Canal: The World’s Longest Man-Made Waterway
- Location to visit: Hangzhou and Suzhou
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn
- Tickets: Free
- Opening hours: All day
- Recommended visit time: half a day
The Grand Canal is of no less significance than the Great Wall of China. First built in the 5th century, it has a history of over 2,500 years. The historic waterway connected Hangzhou and Beijing. Many regions along its bank flourished in commerce and culture. Today, the best places to witness its grandeur are in Hangzhou and Suzhou.
Both cities are representative of Jiangnan culture with tea, silk, and lifestyle along the canal. You can take a cruise on both Hangzhou and Suzhou section of the Grand Canal and observe local architecture that’s characterized by white walls and black-tiled roofs. Some of the most beautiful water towns in China are also nearby. These ancient towns still preserve their traditional ways of life living by the water.
Recommended Grand Canal tour
9. Qinghai Lake: China’s Most Beautiful Lake
- Location to visit: Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Tickets: CNY 90
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
- Recommended visit time: 1-2 days
Qinghai Lake is the largest inland lake as well as the largest saltwater lake in China. It has been praised by many to be China’s most beautiful lake. It is vast and blue sitting at the altitude of 3,196 meters (10,486 feet), so it is also named the “Sapphire on the Plateau.” Qinghai Lake was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, witnessed many significant commercial and cultural exchanges between China and the West.
The lake is now a popular spot among cycling enthusiasts. Many cyclists make the pilgrimage here for the excellent tracks around the lake. In the summer, the sea of yellow rapeseed flowers is in bloom around the lake, creating a stunning contrast of colors. There are also a number of ancient Tibetan villages near Qinghai Lake. You can visit local families and taste some of their traditional foods.
Recommended Qinghai Lake tour: 4 Days Classic Xining Tour with Qinghai Lake and Chaka Lake
10. Erhai Lake: The Pearl of Plateau in Yunnan
- Location to visit: Dali, Yunnan Province
- Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
- Tickets: free
- Opening hours: all day
- Recommended visit time: half a day
Erhai Lake is the second largest lake in Yunnan. It is known to the landmark of Dali alongside the Cangshan Mountain. Life in Dali is about slowing down. You can stay at a hotel by the lake, have a coffee under the afternoon sun, and see the Cangshan Mountain in the background. You can also take a cruise on the lake or rent a bike to cycle around it. You will discover many interesting shops and local fishing villages.
Erhai Lake is the home of the local Bai people. There are several Bai minority villages around the lake that you can visit. You can see their traditional architecture, learn about their traditions and customs, and taste local cuisines.
Recommended Erhai Lake tours:
- 3 Days Dali Tour Package with Memorable Experience
- Dali Cycling Day Tour to Xizhou, Zhoucheng, Erhai Lake
- 2 Days Yunnan Dali Cycling Tour around Erhai Lake with Bai Culture
11. Lugu Lake
- Location to visit: Yanyuan County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
- Best time to visit: September to November
- Tickets: CNY 100
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
- Recommended visit time: 1-2 days
Lugu Lake is listed as one of the must-visit attractions in China. Its water is crystal clear and blue. The best way to appreciate its scenery is to enjoy a tranquil and healing boat tour over the lake. You will find the water and sky merge in one color. The unmissable natural scenery here is the Grass Sea. It is actually an endless reed marsh, which is lush and green in spring and summer and turns into a golden sea in autumn. Over the Grass Sea is the Walking Marriage Bridge, an important symbol of the walking marriage culture of the local Mosuo people. In brief, it is a matriarchy society. The Heiwawu Island, Liwubi Island and Lige Island scattered in the lake are known as the “Three Islands of Lugu Lake”. To watch the stunning sunset glow, Goddess Bay is the best place. At night, tourists can also take part in a bonfire party to dance happily with locals.
Recommended Lugu Lake tour
12. Yamdrok Lake (Tibet)
- Location to visit: At the junction of Ngarzhag County and Gongar County in Lhoka Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region
- Best time to visit: Autumn and winter
- Tickets: CNY 120
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
- Recommended visit time: 3 -4 hours
The charm of Yamdrok Lake lies in its different beauty from different perspectives. The Gangbala Pass is the first viewing point for most travelers. When you overlook from here, the lake is like a blue ribbon winding through the mountains. It is definitely a visual feast. Or head to the higher Langbuqi Viewing Platform or Lurila Viewing Platform, which offers the best view of the islands inside the lake. Besides, tourists can visit the loneliest temple in the world – Rituo Temple. It is located on an islet in the lake center. After ascending to the top, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the lake, also a unique perspective. By the lakeside, you can have a close contact with the lambs and Tibetan Mastiffs or try horseback riding. In winter, watch the migratory birds flying over the lake.
Recommended Yamdrok Lake tour
13. Qiandao Lake in Hangzhou
- Location to visit: Menggu Road, Qiandaohu Town, Chun’an County, HangzhouCity, Zhejiang Province
- Best time to visit: All year round
- Tickets: CNY 195
- Opening hours:08:00-17:00
- Recommended visit time: 1- 3 days
Qiandao Lake, aka Thousand Island Lake, got the name because there are 1,078 islands scattered in the lake, creating a unique landscape of “islands in the lake and lakes in the islands”. Another interesting fact about it is that the lake is an artificial lake formed due to the construction of a hydropower station, not a natural lake. And two thousand-year-old ancient cities are preserved under the lake. All the above make it a unique attraction in Hangzhou. Thanks to the long-term protection, the lake water is very clear and has been an important drinking water resource. So swimming is usually prohibited. But there are water sports for tourists to experience. The scenic spots inside the lake are mainly in the central lake area, the southeast lake area and the areas along the lake. It is highly recommended to explore the islands by boat.
Recommended Hangzhou tour
FAQs about Lakes and Rivers in China
What are the three most famous rivers in China?
It should be the Yellow River, the Yangtze River and the Pearl River.
Which region of China is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”?
It refers to Hubei Province. This is mainly attributed to the fact that its core area, the Jianghan Plain, was once dotted with numerous lakes.
What is the best way to experience China’s major rivers, such as the Yangtze or Li River?
The Yangtze River cruise is the most famous and recommended way to explore the scenery of the Yangtze River. And the best ways to tour the Li River are by bamboo rafting and cruise boat.
How accessible are remote lakes like Namtso or Kanas to travelers?
Though in remote areas, the tourism industry is well-developed. Tourists can arrive at the capital of the province it is located (Lhasa and Urumqi, respectively), and then transfer to the long-distance bus to the scenic areas.
Take a China Nature Tour with China Xian Tour
More than just geographical features, these famous rivers and lakes form and embody China’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse cultures. We hope you’re inspired by the sheer variety and timeless beauty that China’s waterways have to offer.
We also prepared a wealth of China Natural Adventure Tours with more natural wonders covered. Free free to contact China Xian Tour’s profession travel consultants to created your memorable adventure that will last a lifetime.
