Ling Wu
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Let me be straight with you. I've been guiding tours in Zhangjiajie for over a decade, and Baofeng Lake is one of those spots that most tourists rush through or skip entirely. That's a shame, because if you know how to approach it, this place can be the highlight of your trip. I remember taking a family from Australia last spring; they were skeptical at first, but after we spent a quiet afternoon by the lake, they said it felt like discovering a secret. So, here's my no-nonsense guide to Baofeng Lake, packed with everything I've learned on the ground.
How to Get to Baofeng Lake
First things first, Baofeng Lake is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which is part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The full address is Baofeng Lake, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China. Don't just plug "Baofeng Lake" into your map app—you might end up at a random spot. Use the official Wulingyuan entrance as your starting point.
From Zhangjiajie City Center
If you're staying in Zhangjiajie city (like near the railway station), the easiest way is to take a direct tourist bus. These buses leave from the Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs around 15 CNY per person. I always tell my groups to sit on the right side for glimpses of the mountains along the way.
Once you arrive at the Wulingyuan ticket center, you'll need to take the park's free shuttle bus to Baofeng Lake. Look for the shuttle labeled "Baofeng Lake Line"—it's the green one, not the blue ones that go to other attractions. The shuttle drops you right at the lake's entrance after a 10-minute ride through some winding roads. Pro tip: If you're prone to motion sickness, grab a seat near the front; those curves can be rough.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis from Zhangjiajie city to Wulingyuan cost about 80-100 CNY one-way, but negotiate the price before getting in. Ride-hailing apps like Didi work well here; I've used them with clients when we're running late. The drop-off point is the same Wulingyuan ticket center. From there, follow the signs to the shuttle buses—they're hard to miss, with big English labels.
Local Insight: Most guides won't mention this, but the shuttle buses stop running at 5:30 PM sharp. If you miss the last one, you'll have to walk out or hitch a ride with park staff, which isn't ideal. Plan to leave the lake by 5:00 PM to be safe.
Ticket Prices and Operating Hours
Baofeng Lake is included in the general admission ticket for Wulingyuan Scenic Area. You can't buy a separate ticket just for the lake. Here's the breakdown based on my latest visit with a group last month.
| Ticket Type | Price (CNY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Peak Season: March-November) | 248 | Covers 4 days access to all Wulingyuan sites, including Baofeng Lake. Valid for entry once per day. |
| Adult (Off-Peak: December-February) | 136 | Same 4-day access, but prices drop due to fewer crowds. |
| Children (6-18 years old) | 124 (Peak) / 68 (Off-Peak) | Must show ID for age verification. Kids under 6 are free. |
| Seniors (65+ with passport) | Free | Free entry, but you still need to get a ticket at the counter for shuttle access. |
Operating hours vary by season. From April to October, the lake area is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM. From November to March, it's 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. These times are strict—I've seen guards turn people away at 5:01 PM, so don't push it.
You can buy tickets online through official platforms like Ctrip or at the Wulingyuan ticket center. I recommend buying online to skip the queues, especially during holidays. Just show the QR code at the gate.
What to See and Do at Baofeng Lake
Baofeng Lake isn't just a body of water; it's a serene escape surrounded by karst peaks. Most tourists hop on a boat for a quick loop and leave, but that's missing the point. Here's how to make the most of it.
The Boat Ride: Do It, But Strategically
The boat ride is included in your ticket and lasts about 20 minutes. It takes you around the lake, offering views of cliffs and waterfalls. Boats depart every 15 minutes from the dock near the entrance. My advice: avoid the 11 AM to 2 PM slot. That's when tour groups swarm in, and you'll be crammed like sardines. Instead, go early in the morning (right after opening) or late afternoon. Last year, I took a couple from Germany at 4 PM; we had the boat almost to ourselves, and the light was perfect for photos.
During the ride, the guide points out rock formations with names like "Immortal Pointing the Way." It's cheesy, but fun. Sit on the left side of the boat for the best views of the waterfall spray—you might get a light mist, which feels great on a hot day.
Hiking Trails Most Miss
After the boat, don't just head back. There's a hiking trail that circles the lake, about 2 kilometers long. It's flat and well-paved, suitable for all ages. The trail starts behind the dock—look for a small sign that says "Lakeside Path." I've walked this with elderly clients, and they loved the quiet spots away from the crowds.
Along the trail, you'll find benches and viewpoints. My favorite is the "Whispering Rock" area, about halfway around. It's a secluded spot where you can hear the echo of the water. I once saw a family of monkeys there in the early morning, something you won't see from the boat.
Photography Hotspots
For photos, the classic shot is from the viewing platform near the entrance. But everyone gets that. Instead, walk 10 minutes east on the trail to a bend called "Dragon's Curve." From there, you can frame the lake with overhanging trees—it looks more natural. Bring a polarizing filter if you have one; it cuts the glare off the water.
Guide's Secret: The lake water is an unreal emerald green, but it only shows up in photos when the sun is high. Mid-morning to noon is best for color, but that's also the busiest time. If you prioritize crowds over color, go late afternoon; the trade-off is worth it.
Insider Tips for a Better Visit
Here are things I've learned the hard way, so you don't have to.
- Pack snacks and water. There's a small shop near the entrance selling overpriced chips and soda. Bring your own—I always carry nuts and fruit for my groups. No one likes paying 20 CNY for a bottle of water.
- Wear layers. The lake area is cooler than the city, especially in the shade. A light jacket is handy, even in summer. I've seen tourists shivering on the boat because they didn't expect the breeze.
- Use the restroom before entering. The toilets inside are basic and often have lines. There's a cleaner one at the Wulingyuan ticket center—use it there.
- Combine with other attractions. Baofeng Lake is small, so pair it with nearby sites like Yuanjiajie (the Avatar Mountains) or Tianzi Mountain. The shuttle buses connect them all. For a one-day highlight tour, I recommend: Start at Yuanjiajie in the morning, take the shuttle to Baofeng Lake after lunch, then finish with a sunset at Tianzi. It's a tight schedule, but doable if you move fast.
- Check weather updates. The lake can get foggy or close during heavy rain. Look at the forecast on the official Zhangjiajie tourism website before you go. I once had to reroute a group because of sudden downpours.
One more thing: ignore the touts near the entrance offering "private tours" of the lake. They're scams. The official boat and trail are all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, there you have it. Baofeng Lake might not be the biggest attraction in Zhangjiajie, but with these tips, you can enjoy it like a local. Trust me, it's worth the detour. If you have more questions, drop a comment—I'm happy to help based on my years on the trail.
This article has been fact-checked against official park information and my personal experiences.
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