Dishui Lake
Dishui Lake, located in Shanghai’s Lingang New Area, is China’s largest inland artificial lake and a key component of the Pudong New Area’s ecological development. Completed in 2000 after three years of construction, the lake spans 5.56 square kilometers with a 2.5-kilometer diameter and a 6.78-kilometer perimeter. Designed to regulate local microclimates and provide flood control, it has become a model of urban ecological engineering. The lake’s name, meaning "droplet," reflects its role as a "drop" in Shanghai’s water network, connecting the Yangtze River Estuary and the East China Sea. In 2011, it was designated a national water conservancy scenic area, featuring a 3.4-kilometer-long waterfront promenade, modern art installations, and cultural venues like the China Maritime Museum.
Historical Overview
- Construction: Built from 1997–2000 as part of Lingang New Area’s development, requiring 15 million cubic meters of earth excavation.
- Ecological Role: Reduces urban heat island effects and supports biodiversity with planted reed beds and fish stocks.
- Cultural Integration: Hosts annual sailing regattas, light festivals, and the Shanghai International Marathon.
Spatial Layout
The lake is divided into three zones:
- Core Water Area: The central lakebody with depths ranging 2–6 meters, home to migratory birds and aquatic plants.
- Cultural & Leisure Belt:
- North Bank: China Maritime Museum, Shanghai Astronomy Museum, and Dishui Lake Children’s Park.
- South Bank: Lingang Art Island and the 100-meter-tall "Orbit" Ferris wheel (under construction).
- Ecological Wetlands: Reed marshes and bird observation platforms on the east and west shores.
Major Attractions
- China Maritime Museum: China’s largest maritime-themed museum with ship models, a 4D theater, and a submarine exhibit.
- Shanghai Astronomy Museum: The world’s largest planetarium, featuring a 23-meter spherical observatory and meteorite displays.
- Dishui Lake Bridge: A 1,000-meter-long cable-stayed bridge with nightly light shows.
- Lingang Art Island: Outdoor sculptures and the "Cloud Sky" pavilion by architect Ma Yansong.
- Waterfront Promenade: Cycling and jogging paths with views of the lake and Lingang New Area skyline.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Classic Half-Day Tour:
North Bank Entrance → China Maritime Museum → Dishui Lake Bridge → Waterfront Promenade → Lingang Art Island → Return.
Highlights: Maritime history and lake views. -
Cultural Deep Dive (5–6 hours):
Morning: Shanghai Astronomy Museum → Lunch at Lakeside Café → Afternoon: China Maritime Museum + 4D Film → Evening: Bridge Light Show.
Includes: Interactive science exhibits and stargazing. -
Family Adventure (Full Day):
North Bank Entrance → Children’s Park → Boat Ride (30 mins) → Picnic at Art Island → Astronomy Museum Planetarium Show → Evening: Ferris Wheel (when completed).
Best for: Ages 4–15.
Ticket Purchase
- Free Entry: Park grounds, waterfront promenade, and Art Island.
- Paid Attractions:
- China Maritime Museum: ¥50 (adults), ¥25 (students).
- Shanghai Astronomy Museum: ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students).
- Combined Ticket: ¥70 (both museums).
- Online Booking: Available via WeChat mini-program “Dishui Lake” up to 7 days in advance.
Transportation
- Subway: Line 16 to Dishui Lake Station (Exit 1), 5-minute walk to North Bank.
- Bus: Routes 1043, 1096, or Pudong 33 to “Dishui Lake Station” stop.
- Self-Drive: Parking at North Bank Underground Garage (¥5/hour).
- Tour Bus: Daily shuttle from Century Avenue Station (¥20 round-trip).
Best Time & Tips
- Optimal Seasons: April–June (azaleas), September–November (maple leaves). Avoid July–August (rainy season).
- Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends host 15,000+ visitors.
- Essentials:
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching (over 120 species recorded).
- Wear sunscreen and a hat for waterfront walks.
- Photography allowed (no tripods without permit).
- Prohibitions: No swimming, fishing, or kite-flying near bridges.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine with Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park (8km) or Nanhui Beach (12km).
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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
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May 08,2024
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
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
