Red Maple Lake

Overview

About

Red Maple Lake, 32 km west of Guiyang, Guizhou, has 57 km² of water, the largest man-made lake on the Guizhou plateau, with 192 islands. Sweetgum trees cover the Red Maple Ridge and the shores, and in late autumn their leaves blaze red, hence the name.

It is in the second batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 1988.

Travel tips

Getting there: the lake lies about 30 km west of Guiyang; it is about an hour by city bus or coach, and easy by car.

Layout: Red Maple Lake has several parts: the North, Central, South and Rear lakes. There are many islands, and sights are scattered along the shores and on the islands.

Getting around: most visitors tour the lake by boat and land at a few piers; on shore there are Miao and Dong villages and gardens.

Time: half a day to a day, easily combined with Guiyang city; covering several lake sections takes a full day.

Season: summer is cool, and Guiyang people come to escape the heat; the maples turn red in late autumn, and misty mornings on the lake are attractive.

Where to stay: a day trip from Guiyang is easiest; there are hotels near the lake, and Guiyang itself has more.

Nearby: the lake is not far from Guiyang and can be combined with Huaxi and Qingyan ancient town.

Caution: distances between lake sections are considerable, so leave time; boats stop running in strong wind.

Nearby

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