Plan at a glance
Enter from the Meishan Reservoir Scenic Area visitor centre
Meishan Reservoir Scenic Area is in Meishan Town, Jinzhai County, Lu'an, at the Meishan Reservoir Management Office. Navigate to the “Meishan Reservoir Scenic Area” visitor centre, then follow the mountain road to the dam area. The main visit covers the dam, the lake views from the top and the nearby waterside walkway, and usually takes 1–2 hours.
When driving from Hefei, allow for the mountain road and holiday traffic. The scenic-area car park has a reference rate of CNY 10 per day, with spaces and charges subject to the arrangements on the day.
Tickets, opening hours and purchase
The reference adult ticket is CNY 30. Children under 1.2 metres, visitors aged 65 and over, and Jinzhai residents with valid proof may enter free. Visitors aged 60–65, children between 1.2 and 1.4 metres, and university students with valid proof may receive half-price admission. Advance booking is usually not required.
Reference opening hours are 07:30–18:00. Ticket prices, concession documents, ticket-purchase methods and the day's entry arrangements may change, so confirm them according to the on-site arrangements before travelling.
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
The multi-arch dam and lake views from the top
The main sights are the multi-arch dam built in the 1950s, the views from the top and Meishan Lake. From the top of the dam, you can see the dam structure, the mountains and water around Meishan, and the islands across the lake.
The middle section of the dam works well for straight-on or upward-angle photographs of the repeated arches. The eastern side of the dam top is better for observing the lake and the changing late-afternoon light. The top is relatively open, so pay attention to sun, wind and on-site pedestrian arrangements while taking photographs.
A short stop or a longer walk
If you only want to see the dam and lake, allow about 30–60 minutes. If you want to walk along the dam to the eastern exit and continue to the waterside walkway, allow about 1–2 hours. Both options focus on the dam and lake views; the boat trip is a separately confirmed optional activity.
This is a good fit for visitors interested in hydraulic engineering, lake scenery, photography or a light educational outing with children. The visit is mainly walking and sightseeing, so the overall effort is low, but the dam top has little shade. Bring sun protection and drinking water in summer.
Build your day
Full visit: visitor centre, dam top and waterside walkway
Enter through the visitor centre → drive or walk to the dam area according to the day's access arrangements → view the dam, Meishan Old Town area and lake from the top → walk east along the dam to the exit → descend to the waterside walkway → return along the route open that day or leave from the other side. Allow about 1–2 hours.
If you walk to the dam top, the mountain road and slope will add time and physical effort. If driving to the dam top is permitted that day, it is more suitable for visitors who only want a short stop. Access between the dam top and waterside walkway may be affected by the day's management arrangements, so follow the route open on site.
Short visit: go directly to the dam top for the views
Follow the mountain road from the visitor centre to the dam top according to the day's access arrangements → park if vehicle access is open → view the middle section of the dam or the eastern side of the top → photograph the dam structure and lake → finish the visit. Allow about 30–60 minutes. This works well as a short stop during a self-drive route around Jinzhai.
During public holidays, vehicles may queue and parking may become congested. On-site ticket purchase may also require you to get out of the car. When traffic is heavy, ask first where to park and where to buy tickets before continuing to the dam top.
Boat trips and a self-drive combination with nearby sights
The scenic area has a boat dock, but boat trips do not operate on a fixed daily schedule and may be affected by the season, water level and on-site arrangements. If you want to take a boat or visit an island, confirm the activity status, price and route separately; the dam-top walk still depends on the land routes open that day.
Meishan Reservoir can be combined with Mazongling and Tiantangzhai in a multi-day self-drive route along Matin Road (马丁公路). Meishan Reservoir, Mazongling and Tiantangzhai each have their own entrance and ticketing arrangements.
Get there
Drive to the Meishan Reservoir Scenic Area visitor centre
Navigate to the “Meishan Reservoir Scenic Area” visitor centre, then follow the on-site signs to the dam area. The car park has a reference rate of CNY 10 per day. Traffic on the mountain road and at the dam top can affect arrival time, so during holidays avoid making the final mountain-road section too tight.
From the visitor centre to the dam area, you may drive or walk according to the access arrangements on the day. Inside the scenic area, most sightseeing is on foot. The accessible areas around the dam top, dam body and waterside walkway may change, so follow the signs after entering.
Continue from Jinzhai Station
After arriving at Jinzhai Station by high-speed rail, take a taxi or local bus to Meishan Reservoir Scenic Area. Confirm the bus service and drop-off point before travelling. If you plan to continue to Mazongling or Tiantangzhai, driving makes it easier to connect with the later mountain roads.
There is no metro connection to the scenic area. Travel between the visitor centre, parking area, dam and waterside walkway is mainly by car and on foot. The boat trip is an additional water activity and does not replace the land route.
Know before you go
Tickets, queues and changing boat services
The reference adult ticket is CNY 30, while discounts and free admission follow the document rules for the day. During public holidays, there may be queues for driving in, getting out to buy tickets or parking. Online purchase methods and on-site ticket windows may also change.
Boat trips do not run on a fixed daily schedule. Water level, season and on-site management may all affect operation. If you want to take a boat or visit an island, confirm its status, price and route separately; the dam-top walk still depends on the land routes open that day.
Sun exposure on the dam top and walking
The dam top is open and has limited shade. In summer, bring drinking water and sun protection, and wear shoes suitable for walking. The dam, slopes and waterside walkway may be slippery after rain. Take care with your footing and observe the boundary markers when taking photographs near the water.
The main experience at Meishan Reservoir is concentrated around the dam and lake, making it suitable for either a short stop or a light 1–2-hour visit. If you combine the reservoir with other mountain attractions, confirm each site's opening, parking and return arrangements separately.
Nearby coffee and local food
Taoling No. 1 Camp Coffee (桃岭1号营地咖啡) is about a 20-minute drive from the reservoir and can serve as a lake-view rest stop during a self-drive trip, but it is a separate food and drink stop. Jinzhai diaoguo (金寨吊锅), Meishan Lake View Restaurant (梅山湖景饭店) and Panzi Restaurant (潘子饭店) are possible nearby meal choices. Meishan shaobing with ganzi (梅山烧饼夹干子) is also common around the reservoir.
If you continue to Mazongling or Tiantangzhai on the same day, food and supply stops in the mountain area may be irregular. Bring drinking water and simple snacks, and confirm the parking location at the next scenic area before setting out.