Plan at a glance
Location, duration, and ticket
Xianglong Lake is in the Zhanglao Peak zone of Danxia Mountain. Navigate to “Danxia Mountain Zhanglao Peak Scenic Area” or “Xianglong Lake Pier.” The walking loop takes about 2–3 hours, while a round-trip boat ride takes about 1 hour. The lake zone is open 06:30–18:00, and the last boat usually leaves around 17:00.
Xianglong Lake is covered by the Danxia Mountain main ticket, which is approximately CNY 100, valid for 48 hours, and includes the park shuttle. The lake boat is optional, costing about CNY 25–30 one way or CNY 40–50 round trip. It is not a separate lake-zone admission ticket or a park shuttle.
What kind of visit it suits
The appeal of Xianglong Lake lies in its shade, open water, Yudai Bridge, and the gentler paths leading toward Yinyuan Stone. It works well as a low-effort mountain-and-water route or as the latter part of a deeper Zhanglao Peak loop. It is not a city lake that can be planned independently of the Danxia Mountain ticket and park system.
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Lake, mountains, and bridges
Xianglong Lake is mainly about the water, red-cliff reflections, Yudai Bridge, and the shaded surroundings of Longxu Ravine. It is a quiet place to observe the lake and mountains, not a large-scale water amusement area. Leave a slower, more natural section in your Danxia Mountain itinerary if that is the experience you want.
Combining it with Yinyuan Stone
Yinyuan Stone sits on one side of the lake and is Xianglong Lake's clearest landform sight. The water, bridges, and rock column create a sequence of views, but each offers something different. Yinyuan Stone is still within the Zhanglao Peak system and requires walking; taking the boat does not mean you can avoid walking altogether.
Who it suits and how to move
Visitors who like shade, photography, and light hiking can walk around the lake. Families with older adults or children, and anyone who wants less walking, can consider the boat. Its main benefit is reducing one section of lakeside walking, so decide according to your energy, the weather, and the last departure.
Build your day
Easy lakeside sequence
Follow “Zhanglao Peak entrance → Longxu Ravine → Xianju Rock Taoist Temple → Yudai Bridge → Yinyuan Stone → Longwei Pier → walk out of the scenic area.” Use Yudai Bridge as a lake-view stop and Yinyuan Stone as a separate landform stop. Keep the two distinct rather than describing everything as a vague “lakeside photo stop.”
Boat and walking combination
A boat-based route can run “Zhanglao Peak entrance → Longtou Pier → boat ride → Longwei Pier → walk 800 m → Yinyuan Stone → return according to the day's boat schedule.” If the wait is long, walking may be faster. Decide according to the pier information on the day and the walking ability of your group.
Get there
Reaching the Zhanglao Peak zone
Drive to the Zhanglao Peak parking area or Duanshi Village; parking is approximately CNY 15 per day. During holidays, park outside and take the free Danxia Mountain shuttle, then walk or transfer to the Xianglong Lake Pier.
The Danxia Mountain shuttle bus from Shaoguan Station takes about 1 hour to reach the scenic area. Buses from Shaoguan East Station also run toward Renhua or Danxia Mountain. Once inside, Xianglong Lake is an internal park route; city buses do not go directly to the lake.
Know before you go
Surfaces and equipment
The bridges, mossy paths, and stone steps around the lake can become slippery, especially after rain. Wear sports shoes with good grip. Supplies around the lake are limited, so bring water and some food before entering Zhanglao Peak, and use the restroom before setting out.
Boat times and route choice
The last boat usually leaves before the scenic area's final closing time. If you reach the pier after 15:00, ask about the return option first. Walking time and the value of the boat fare vary with the route, weather, and your group's energy. Choose between saving time and money or reducing walking rather than treating either walking or boating as the only answer.
Combining it with other zones
Xianglong Lake can be visited together with Yinyuan Stone, Zhanglao Peak, and the wider Danxia Mountain park, but it cannot replace Water Danxia or the main peak cableway. Boats, the cableway, and Water Danxia are separately ticketed and separately affected by operating conditions.