Qiang Huang
I've walked South Lake more times than I can count — and every time I see tourists stuck in the wrong spots, paying for overpriced boat rides, or sweating under the noon sun. This walking route is the one I use for my own friends when they visit Jiaxing. It's the path that avoids the herds, hits the best viewpoints, and still leaves you time for a proper bowl of noodles.
Let me save you the trial-and-error. Here's exactly how to walk South Lake like a local — no fluff, just the nuts and bolts.
Why This Route Works
Most visitors enter from the main south gate and follow the crowd clockwise. Bad idea. By 10 AM, that path is a conga line of selfie sticks. My route goes counterclockwise from the lesser-used east entrance, hitting the most scenic stretches when they're still quiet. Plus, it ends right at the lake's best food street — timing your lunch perfectly.
Practical Info: Tickets, Payments, Maps
Tickets & Booking
South Lake's main area is free to enter, but the memorial museum (Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial) and boat rides require tickets. You must book in advance — same-day tickets often sell out by 9:30 AM. The official WeChat mini-program is the only way, but it's Chinese-only. Here's the workaround: ask your hotel receptionist to book for you, or use Trip.com (search "Jiaxing South Lake Combo Ticket"). Ticket prices:
| Item | Adult Price (CNY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Museum | Free (reservation needed) | Passport required at entry |
| Boat Ride (lake cruise) | 60 | 30-min loop, includes island stop |
| Combo Ticket (museum + boat) | 80 | Best value; book at least 1 day ahead |
Payment & Cash
Cash is NOT accepted at ticket counters or most cafes around the lake. You need Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an international card. Before you go, set it up: add your Visa/Mastercard to Alipay (the app supports foreign cards now). If you're stuck, find a 7-Eleven nearby — they sometimes have ATMs that work with foreign cards, but expect a fee.
Navigation — Forget Google Maps
Google Maps is useless here. Use Apple Maps (it works reasonably well in Jiaxing) or download AMap Global (Chinese but has English mode). For the route below, I'll give you the Chinese address to show taxi drivers: 嘉兴南湖景区东门 (Jiaxing South Lake East Gate).
The Walking Route: Step by Step
Total distance: about 4.5 km (2.8 miles). Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on stops. Bring water — stalls are sparse on the first half.
Start: East Gate (东门)
Enter through the east gate. There's rarely a queue here. Immediately turn left (counterclockwise). You'll see a wide stone path hugging the lake. First 800 meters are pure bliss — willow trees, few people, and the water sparkles. I always stop at the small pier about 10 minutes in for a photo; it's the only spot where you can frame the lake without any buildings in the background.
Midway: The Old Pier & Island View
After about 25 minutes of easy walking, you'll reach a restored wooden pier (not the main boat dock). This is where most tourists don't go, because it's slightly off the main path. Take the short detour (2 minutes) and you'll see the iconic South Lake island with its pavilion across the water. Best in late afternoon light.
Detour: Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial
If you booked the memorial, it's another 5-minute walk from the pier. The building itself is impressive, but honestly, the exhibits are heavily focused on Chinese political history. If you're not into that, skip it and continue walking. The path loops around and soon brings you to the main south area.
South Shore: The Busy Stretch
By now you've covered about 2.5 km. The south shore is where the crowds gather — there's a large square, boat dock, and souvenir stands. Don't linger here too long. Grab a cold drink from the vending machine (WeChat Pay only) and keep moving. The best part is still ahead.
Final Leg: West Side & Food Street
Cross the small bridge at the southwest corner. This last kilometer is my favorite — the path narrows, lined with bamboo, and you get views of the water through the reeds. It ends at 南湖天地 (Nanhu Tiandi), a pedestrian street filled with restaurants. By now, you'll be hungry. Perfect timing.
Best Time & Photo Spots
Do not start before 8 AM — the east gate doesn't open until 7:30, and the light is flat. Optimal arrival: 8:30-9:00 AM. That gives you the golden morning light and thin crowds. If you want sunset shots, aim to be on the west side around 4:30 PM (the sun sets behind the island).
Three photo spots you can't miss:
- The east gate pier (10th minute of walk) — clean lake reflection.
- The old wooden pier (midway) — island framing.
- The bamboo path (final leg) — tunnel of green leading to water.
Bring a polarizing filter if you're serious about photos. The water can be glare-heavy until 10 AM.
Where to Eat Along the Route
In Nanhu Tiandi (the end point), there are two spots I swear by:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price per person (CNY) | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wu Fang Zhai (五芳斋) | Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and dim sum | 40-60 | Alipay/WeChat only |
| South Lake Noodle House (南湖面馆) | Fish noodle soup (clear broth, mild) | 30-50 | Alipay/WeChat, cash accepted |
I always order the pork zongzi at Wu Fang Zhai — it's the local specialty. The noodle house is perfect if you want something light; their fish broth is rich but not fishy. No English menus, so show a photo from your phone.
Real talk: The street vendors near the south exit sell overpriced "lake snacks" that are just frozen spring rolls. Skip them. Walk 3 minutes into Nanhu Tiandi for real food.
Absolute paradise for nature lovers! I've walked this route four times now and every time I discover something new — a new bird species, a different angle of the lake, or a patch of wild garlic. The path is peaceful, well-signposted, and has plenty of spots to sit and just breathe. Don't miss the tiny marsh area at the north loop — it's magical at sunset.
Great experience overall! The route is easy enough for beginners but has enough elevation changes to keep it interesting. I especially loved the detour to the small observation deck — perfect for photos at golden hour. The only minor downside is limited parking, but if you come early, it's fine. Would recommend to anyone visiting the area.
Solid walk, but nothing mind-blowing. The trail is clearly marked and the scenery is nice enough, but I expected a bit more variety. The south side gets a bit monotonous after a mile — just trees and water. Great for a quick jog, but if you're looking for dramatic viewpoints, you might be a little let down. Still, clean and safe.
Superb walk! The route is not too crowded even on weekends, and the mix of shaded forest sections and open lakefront makes it perfect for any weather. I spotted a family of swans and even a little hidden bench with a plaque dedicated to a local artist — such a thoughtful touch. Definitely my new go-to for decompressing after work.
Honestly, the South Lake Walking Route is a hidden gem. The path is well-maintained and offers stunning lake views from multiple angles. I loved the little wooden bridge near the eastern end — it feels like stepping into a painting. The wildflowers in late spring are a bonus. Couldn't ask for a better way to spend a Saturday morning.