Jinhai Lake

Jinhai Lake

Jinhai Lake, completed in 1984 as a flood-control reservoir, spans 6.5 km² in Beijing’s Pinggu District. A National AAAA scenic spot, it combines recreational facilities with natural beauty, featuring a 10km² water area, islands, and hills. The lake serves as a hub for water sports, camping, and day trips from Beijing, with nearby access to Huangyaguan Great Wall.

Historical Overview

  • Construction: Built between 1980–1984 to manage Hai River floods and supply irrigation water.
  • Modern Development: Upgraded in 2000 with eco-tourism facilities, including marinas and glamping sites.
  • Cultural Legacy: Hosted the 2015 Beijing International Sailing Week, boosting its profile as a sports destination.

 

Structural Layout
The lake is divided into three zones:

  1. Main Lake Area: Features a 1,200m-long dam, marina, and the 30m-tall "Golden Sea Pagoda."
  2. Recreational Zone: Includes water parks, zip-lines, and a 2km-long "Lovers’ Promenade."
  3. Nature Reserve: Wetlands and hills home to migratory birds and rare plant species.

 

Major Attractions

  1. Golden Sea Pagoda: A Ming Dynasty-style tower offering panoramic lake and mountain views.
  2. Water Sports Center: Rent kayaks, jet skis, or stand-up paddleboards (¥100–300/hour).
  3. Lovers’ Island: A heart-shaped islet connected by a 99m-long bridge, ideal for photography.
  4. Glamping Sites: Luxury tents with lakeside views and bonfire pits (¥500–800/night).
  5. Huangyaguan Great Wall: A 15km drive to this restored Ming Dynasty section (built 1368–1644).

 

Suggested Itineraries

  1. Half-Day Water Adventure (3–4 hours):
    Entrance → Marina (jet ski/kayak) → Lovers’ Island → Golden Sea Pagoda.
    Highlight: Sunset views from the pagoda.
  2. Full-Day Nature & Culture Tour (6–7 hours):
    Entrance → Wetland hike → Water sports → Huangyaguan Great Wall sunset tour.
    Add-on: Dinner at a lakeside barbecue site (¥80/person).
  3. Weekend Glamping Experience (2 Days):
    Day 1: Arrival → Glamping setup → Evening bonfire.
    Day 2: Morning hike → Water sports → Departure.

 

Ticket Purchase

  • Online: Book via Ctrip or the official WeChat account "Jinhai Lake" (up to 7 days in advance).
  • On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; group discounts (10+ people: 20% off).
  • Prices:
    • Peak Season (April–October): ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
    • Off-Season (November–March): ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors).
    • Free: Children under 1.2m.

 

Transportation

  • By Bus: From Dongzhimen Hub Station, take Bus 852 to Pinggu, then transfer to Bus 29 to Jinhaihu. Special tourist buses depart at 9:00 AM (¥25 one-way).
  • By Car: 1.5-hour drive from Beijing via G45 Daqing-Guangzhou Expressway → S32 Beijing-Pinggu Expressway.
  • Guided Tours: Half-day tours from Beijing (¥120–180/person, includes transport).

 

Best Time & Tips

  • Peak Season: May–September (ideal for water sports).
  • Avoid Crowds: Weekdays; arrive early (8:00 AM opening).
  • Essentials:
    • Bring swimwear and towels for water activities.
    • Rent equipment on-site if not bringing your own.
    • Respect eco-zones: No fishing in protected wetlands.

What Our Clients Say?

Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews

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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
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