Plan at a glance
The lake, boat route and Xifeng Zen Temple have separate access points
Huating Lake Scenic Area is in Taihu County, Anqing. Huating Lake Visitor Centre and Lianhua Pier are the main starting points for boat trips, while Xifeng Zen Temple can be reached separately by car. The boat route, Moon Bay and Xifeng Zen Temple lie in different directions, so choose the main experience for the day before setting out.
A lake cruise and island stop usually fit into half a day. Adding Xifeng Zen Temple, Xifeng Cave or other lake-area sites increases the driving and walking, so allow most of a day or a full day.
Check the ticket combination before choosing the lake or temple route
The area may involve separate charges for the scenic-area entry, boat trip, island activities, temple and cave. Inclusions can vary by entrance and package. At the visitor centre or relevant entrance, check which activities are available and what the ticket includes before buying.
The main experiences depend on weather, wind and boat services. Rain or strong wind may change the lake route; when planning a boat trip, check the day's wind and rainfall first, as strong wind or prolonged rain may affect departures.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
View Visit Optionsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
Boat trip and Moon Bay: focus on the lake
Take a boat from Lianhua Pier to see the lake, distant mountains and islands, then visit Moon Bay if it is included in the day's boat route. The open water views suit visitors who enjoy lakeside scenery, photography and a slower visit.
Moon Bay works for a short island stop, a walk by the lake or a rest at a waterside spot. The exact stop and length of the stay follow the day's boat route, so do not treat one fixed island activity as essential.
Xifeng Zen Temple and Xifeng Cave: add mountain and cultural sights
Xifeng Zen Temple is in the hills, with the temple, lake-view points and Xifeng Cave forming a separate group of sights. Drive close to the temple and walk between the temple and cave; starting from the foot of the mountain adds a long set of stone steps and more climbing.
This route suits visitors interested in temples, caves and high views over the lake. With older adults or companions who are not comfortable with long stair sections, drive to the upper entrance and visit the areas that are open.
Combine the “temple” and “water” experiences
To experience both the lake and the mountain temple, visit Xifeng Zen Temple and Xifeng Cave first, then return to the visitor centre for the boat; or take the boat first and drive to the temple afterwards. The entrances are separate, so drivers should choose whether to visit the temple or take the boat first to reduce backtracking.
This combination suits drivers best. If you rely on public transport, make the boat or Xifeng Zen Temple the day's single main route instead of making several trips between the different lake entrances.
Build your day
Half-day lake route: pier, boat and Moon Bay
At Huating Lake Visitor Centre, check the boat route, stops and package inclusions before boarding. Visit Moon Bay if the day's boat route allows it, take your island walk and return to the pier on the scheduled boat.
Walking on this route is fairly limited, with the main focus on the lake view and time on the island. In wind, rain or a changed boat route, shorten the visit to the pier area and lakeside viewpoints.
Xifeng Zen Temple route: temple, lake view and cave
Drive close to Xifeng Zen Temple, visit the temple first, then enter Xifeng Cave or continue to a lake-view point if open. Slow down on the mountain road and stone steps, then return to the parking area before continuing to another part of the lake.
Starting from the foot of the mountain adds a substantial number of stairs. With older adults or children, driving to the upper entrance reduces the continuous climb.
One-day combination: check the boat schedule first, then plan the temple
Drivers can visit Xifeng Zen Temple and take the boat on the same day. First establish the boat departure and return time, then choose a visiting period for the temple. The lake area is spread out, so allow for the road connection between Xifeng Zen Temple and Lianhua Pier.
After the visit, eat in Taihu County, or add a nearby urban stop such as Zhao Puchu Cultural Park if time allows. Keep the number of linked stops realistic.
Get there
Driving is best for connecting the lake-area entrances
Navigate to “Huating Lake Visitor Centre” or “Lianhua Pier” for the boat entrance, and to “Xifeng Zen Temple” for the temple side. Driving makes it easier to move between the visitor centre, temple and county town; park according to the signs at each entrance.
The visitor centre can be crowded during holidays. The road towards Xifeng Zen Temple is mountainous, so slow down for bends and oncoming vehicles, and do not stop casually beside the lake or on a bend.
Keep public-transport plans simple
The scenic area is spread out and public-transport services are limited, so connecting several entrances at the last minute is difficult. Non-drivers should arrange a pick-up or taxi in advance and decide the order of the boat, temple and return trip before travelling.
Lake movement and mountain movement are separate
The boat only covers the lake and its designated stops. Road transport is still needed between Xifeng Zen Temple, Xifeng Cave and the visitor centre. After going to the island, return on the scheduled boat and do not miss it.
Know before you go
Check boat services and weather first
Boats are affected by wind, rain and the day's visitor numbers. Before leaving, check whether boats are running, which stops they will make and how the return works. The lake can feel cool in strong wind, so a light jacket is useful even when the shore is warm.
Good grip helps on mountain roads and stone steps
The area around Xifeng Zen Temple has winding mountain roads and stone steps that may be slippery after rain. Wear shoes with good grip and take care when passing other vehicles on bends. With older adults, keep the temple-and-cave visit short.
Arrange food and supplies in advance
Food choices at the visitor centre, pier and mountain sites are limited, so bring drinking water and simple snacks. After the boat trip, eat near the pier if a suitable restaurant is open, or plan a fuller meal in Taihu County.