Plan at a glance
Park scale, entrances and costs
Honghua Lake is in Longfeng Subdistrict, Huicheng District, with an 18-kilometre one-way greenway around the lake and surrounding hills. The South Gate is closest to the cycling start and is the best first choice; the East Gate is near the visitor centre, although road arrangements can change at some times.
The park is free, requires no reservation and is open from about 5:00 to 22:00. Sightseeing shuttles generally operate from 8:30 to 18:00, costing CNY 15 for the full route or CNY 5 from the East Entrance to the main dam; they run about every 30 minutes.
How to fit it into your day
Most visitors need two to three hours to cycle the lake loop. The walking route combined with Gaobang Mountain takes around three to four hours. Families can rent a parent-child bike or electric cart and focus on the children’s playground, Water Curtain Waterfall and Hometown Garden.
Ready to book?
Use the standard admission package for the core shuttle route; confirm the visit date and current opening hours before checkout.
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Lake-loop cycling
Enter from the South Gate, cycle clockwise for 18 kilometres, stop at the main-dam viewing platform and Peach Blossom Island, then leave towards the southeast exit. The route is largely flat and suits visitors with basic cycling ability.
Walking with Gaobang Mountain
Enter from the South Gate and walk to the 14-kilometre point, continue to the 18-kilometre point, then from the 0-kilometre starting point turn left for about 200 metres to climb Gaobang Mountain. Finish at Guaibang Pavilion for sunset and city night views. This is more demanding than cycling, so leave enough time to return before dark.
Easy family route
Enter from the South Gate, rent a parent-child bike or electric cart, then visit the children’s playground, Water Curtain Waterfall and Hometown Garden. There is no need to complete the full loop; adjust the route to your child’s energy level and use the stations for breaks.
Build your day
Standard cycling route
South Gate → clockwise lake greenway → main-dam viewing platform → Peach Blossom Island → southeast exit. The main dam is a practical mid-route stop for lake views and a rest.
Gaobang Mountain connection
Walk from South Gate → 14-kilometre point → 18-kilometre point → 0-kilometre starting point → turn left for about 200 metres → Gaobang Mountain → Guaibang Pavilion. Schedule the mountain section before evening, rather than walking the hill route after dark.
Family route
South Gate → rental point → children’s playground → Water Curtain Waterfall → Hometown Garden → supply station → return. Open stations appear every two to four kilometres and provide toilets, simple supplies and places to rest.
Get there
Buses and movement inside the park
Bus routes 213, 46, 10 and L1A, among others, reach the park. Motor vehicles are not permitted on the internal greenway, which is designed for one-way cycling and walking. Use the sightseeing shuttle if you do not want to cycle the full route.
Driving and where to rent bikes
Both South Gate and East Gate have parking, at around CNY 5 per visit for up to three hours. At the South Gate, the second car park along the approach road is closer to the cycling entrance. Rent inside the visitor-centre or South Gate parking area rather than outside the park, avoiding a steep uphill push before the ride begins.
Know before you go
Cycling safety and rental charges
There is a roughly five-kilometre continuous downhill section. Slow down at bends, wear a helmet and walk the bike where needed. Electric carts travel at about 8–10 km/h and take two to three hours to complete the loop; check whether the rental is charged per 10 minutes before setting off, rather than assuming an hourly rate.
Timing, supplies and weather
Bike rentals can queue after 10:00 on weekends, with fewer good-condition bikes available. Arrive before 8:00 or after 16:00 for a smoother visit. Stations have supplies, but choice is limited and prices can be higher, so bring water, electrolytes and snacks; summer also calls for sun protection and mosquito repellent.