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Xuanwu Lake
Lake in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

Xuanwu Lake is located in Xuanwu District in the central-northeast part of Nanjing, Jiangsu. It is near the Nanjing Railway Station and Jiming Temple. Five islands within the lake are interconnected by arched bridges. Within the park are temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens, teahouses, restaurants, entertainment venues, a small zoo, and other attractions. Its main entrance is the Xuanwu Gate.

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History

The lake was formed, according to geologists, when tectonic plates shifted and created Mount Yanshan. A legend is that Emperor Sun Quan (182–252) settled in the Nanjing area and he had the lake created and filled with water.2 The lake was named for a black dragon, believed to be a water god by Chinese Taoists, from a Southern dynasty (420-859) legend. The dragon, seen in the lake, looked like a tortoise and a snake and was named Xuanwu, meaning Black Turtle-Snake.3

During the Six Dynasties period (222–859) a garden on a basaltic site was created, which is now considered one of the most scenic places in the park.4 The area was used for hunting and training by the emperor's family members.5

Also called "Military Rehearsal Lake", the lake was used for naval battle exercises during the Song dynasty (960–1279).67 The "Yellow Book Storage", or the "Yellow Register Archives", was built there in the beginning of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), and it was thus made an imperial garden and "forbidden land".89

The lake and surrounding area was made into a park in 1911 after the end of the Qing dynasty.1011 It was renamed from Yuanwu Lake Park to "Continental Park" in 1928 and officially made Xuanwu Lake Park in 1935.12 A plan was made for the 2005 creation of the Li Yu Cultural Park, Garden Park, Qingyinge pavilion and an immortality garden.13

Description

The main entrance to the Xuanwu Lake Park is through Xuanwu Gate, which is part of the Nanjing City Wall that borders the south and east portions of the park and Ji Ming Temple is in its southwestern area.14 The Zifeng Tower overlooks the lake. The 444 hectares (1,100 acres) lake is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) in circumference.15 Xuanwu Lake has a surface area of 3.78 square kilometres (1.46 sq mi). In recent years, the amount of water diverted from the upper reaches of Xuanwu Lake has increased, and the water quality has improved, supporting many creatures.16

Ecology

Spanning approximately 444 hectares with a 15 km shoreline, Xuanwu Lake encompasses five islets interconnected by arch bridges.17 Eutrophication became a major issue in the 1980s–2000s. Large-scale sediment dredging, algal bloom control, and vegetation planting efforts in 2009 and 2014 have notably improved water quality.1819 Recent surveys indicate further improvement, though nutrient management remains crucial.20

Park

Xuanwu Lake Park (玄武湖公园), once an imperial lake garden, is now a city park.21 In the spring, the pink cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Summer visitors experience emerald lotus leaves, flowers, and "a peaceful haven of weeping willows" followed by red maples and golden ginkgos in the fall. Arch bridges connect five islands.22 The "Autumn Chrysanthemum of Liang Islet" has the Lake God Temple, Wenji Pavilion, the Peony Garden, Bonsai Museum, and a fish pond. The "Flowers Sea of Ying Islet" is sanctuary to more than 200 rare species of birds. An entertainment venue, including a bandstand, is located on "Green Islet." Clouds and Mists of Ling Islet" has a playground for children. The fifth island is the "Willows and Smokes of Huanzhou Islet".23

Within the scenic park are pagodas, pavilions, tea houses, and restaurants. Entertainment options include boating, zoo, and an outdoor theatre.24 Key attractions include the Nuo'na tower, Lama Temple, cenotaph of Guo Pu, and the Rose Garden. On the lake are boats and ferries. It is also considered the "Pearl of the Stone City".25 If desired, a visitor could stroll through the park for up to five hours.26

It is designated a National Grade AAAA Attraction.27 The City of Nanjing has identified it as one of the top five parks in the city. Others are Mochou Lake Park, Qingliangshan Park, Wuchaomen Park and China Gate Castle Park.28

Nanjing's Couple Park, or Qinglüyuan Xuanwu (南京情侣园), is adjacent to the western edge of Xuanwu Lake and behind the Nanjing International Exhibition Center.29

Landmarks

Several notable historic structures occupy the five islets within Xuanwu Lake Park:

Guopu Mound

Guopu Mound (郭璞墩), located on Huan Isle, is a tomb mound topped by a commemorative pavilion and stone tablet honoring Jin‑dynasty scholar Guo Pu. The pavilion was rebuilt and inscribed in 1934.

Lansheng Tower

Lansheng Tower (览胜楼), originally built during the Six Dynasties and rebuilt in 1909, is a two‑storey pavilion with green glazed tiles that offers panoramic views of the lake and Purple Mountain.

Flora and wildlife

Xuanwu Lake Park is renowned for spring cherry blossoms on Ying Isle and Jiming Temple Road, with over 1,000 trees blooming in early spring.30 In addition to pink and white varieties, rare green cherry blossoms are also present.31 Ying Isle serves as a bird sanctuary hosting over 200 species of rare birds.

Seasonal highlights

  • Spring: Cherry blossoms bloom on Ying Isle and the trails near Jiming Temple, attracting thousands of visitors each March.32
  • Summer: Extensive lotus blooms cover the lake surface from June to August, especially near Liang and Ling Isles.33
  • Autumn: Chrysanthemum exhibitions on Liang Isle and canopy foliage along Huanhu Road offer picturesque vistas.34
  • Winter: Scenic mist and reflective waters set the scene for New Year strolls, with fewer crowds and serene atmosphere noted in January recommendations.35

Cultural events

The first Intangible Cultural Heritage Life Festivalwas held at Xuanwu Lake’s Ying Isle in October 2024, featuring over 100 intangible heritage artisans, exhibits, live performances, and interactive craft workshops.36

On February 14, 2025, the Spring Tour Nanjing · Flower Journey tourism event was launched at Xuanwu Lake, spotlighting flower appreciation, cycling routes, coffee festivals, and educational experiences for families.37

Additionally, the 2025 Nanjing Cultural & Tourism Festival opened at Lotus Square on June 12, 2025, featuring over 100 events including cultural exhibitions, sports activities, and parent-child educational programs.38

Conservation and environmental education

In September 2024, the Xuanwu District Environmental Protection Bureau organized an “ecological civilization education base open day” at Xuanwu Lake, inviting local students to explore biodiversity, conduct water-sample testing, and learn about rare aquatic plants and urban lake conservation.39

The Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area Protection Regulations, enacted in May 2010, govern land use, heritage conservation, and construction control within the park boundaries and its buffer zones.40

Access and activities

The park is served by Metro Line 1 at Xuanwumen station and multiple bus routes (e.g. 1, 3, 8, 22). Visitors enjoy boating, jogging along the 10-mile Huanhu Road, seasonal flower exhibitions, outdoor theater shows, and teahouses.41

The park is open daily from 07:00 to 21:00 with no entrance fee.

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References

  1. Xuanwu Lake. China Internet Information Center. Retrieved May 14, 2014. http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/112675.htm ↩

  2. Xuanwu Lake. China Internet Information Center. Retrieved May 14, 2014. http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/112675.htm ↩

  3. Xuanwu Lake. China Internet Information Center. Retrieved May 14, 2014. http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/112675.htm ↩

  4. The North Lake. Published in Nanjing Times and posted on China Dictionary (www.88dict.com). Retrieved May 15, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140517120958/http://www.88dict.com/archivesub/412684/11211991/ ↩

  5. Humanities: Collection of Scenic Spots & Historic Sites: Xuanwu Lake Park. Archived May 17, 2014, at the Wayback Machine City of Nanjing. Retrieved May 15, 2014. http://www.nanjing.gov.cn/en/gynj/humanities/201403/t20140325_2546756.html ↩

  6. Xuanwu Lake. China Internet Information Center. Retrieved May 14, 2014. http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/112675.htm ↩

  7. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: China. DK Publishing; 1 June 2012. ISBN 978-0-7566-9328-2. p. 226. https://books.google.com/books?id=jCq_Sbjc5dkC&pg=PA226 ↩

  8. Humanities: Collection of Scenic Spots & Historic Sites: Xuanwu Lake Park. Archived May 17, 2014, at the Wayback Machine City of Nanjing. Retrieved May 15, 2014. http://www.nanjing.gov.cn/en/gynj/humanities/201403/t20140325_2546756.html ↩

  9. Wenxian Zhang, The Yellow Register Archives of Imperial Ming China. Project MUSE. Retrieved May 15, 2014. ↩

  10. Xuanwu Lake. China Internet Information Center. Retrieved May 14, 2014. http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/112675.htm ↩

  11. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: China. DK Publishing; 1 June 2012. ISBN 978-0-7566-9328-2. p. 226. https://books.google.com/books?id=jCq_Sbjc5dkC&pg=PA226 ↩

  12. Humanities: Collection of Scenic Spots & Historic Sites: Xuanwu Lake Park. Archived May 17, 2014, at the Wayback Machine City of Nanjing. Retrieved May 15, 2014. http://www.nanjing.gov.cn/en/gynj/humanities/201403/t20140325_2546756.html ↩

  13. Humanities: Collection of Scenic Spots & Historic Sites: Xuanwu Lake Park. Archived May 17, 2014, at the Wayback Machine City of Nanjing. Retrieved May 15, 2014. http://www.nanjing.gov.cn/en/gynj/humanities/201403/t20140325_2546756.html ↩

  14. Xuanwu Lake. China Internet Information Center. Retrieved May 14, 2014. http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/112675.htm ↩

  15. Xuanwu Lake. China Internet Information Center. Retrieved May 14, 2014. http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/112675.htm ↩

  16. Pang, Min; Song, Weiwei; Liu, Yuan; Pang, Yong (2021-05-27). "Simulation of the Parameters Effecting the Water Quality Evolution of Xuanwu Lake, China". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18 (11): 5757. doi:10.3390/ijerph18115757. ISSN 1660-4601. PMC 8198726. PMID 34071994. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8198726 ↩

  17. "Xuanwu Lake, Nanjing". China Daily. 2019-06-03. https://govt.chinadaily.com.cn/s/201906/03/WS5cf49053498e079e680222c1.html ↩

  18. "Environmental quality of Xuanwu Lake, China, after restoration". ResearchGate. 2024. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379687160_Environmental_quality_of_Xuanwu_Lake_China_after_restoration ↩

  19. Xu, Yong (2018). "Research on the relationship between water diversion and water quality of Xuanwu Lake, China". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 15: 1262. ↩

  20. Wang, Jinqi. "Water Quality of Xuanwu Lake, China, After Restoration". Wetlands. Springer. doi:10.1007/s13157-025-01906-y. /wiki/Doi_(identifier) ↩

  21. Nanjing's Best Parks: Xuanwu Lake Park. City of Nanjing. Retrieved May 13, 2015. http://www.cityofnanjing.com/article/nanjings-best-parks/ ↩

  22. Nanjing's Best Parks: Xuanwu Lake Park. City of Nanjing. Retrieved May 13, 2015. http://www.cityofnanjing.com/article/nanjings-best-parks/ ↩

  23. Humanities: Collection of Scenic Spots & Historic Sites: Xuanwu Lake Park. Archived May 17, 2014, at the Wayback Machine City of Nanjing. Retrieved May 15, 2014. http://www.nanjing.gov.cn/en/gynj/humanities/201403/t20140325_2546756.html ↩

  24. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: China. DK Publishing; 1 June 2012. ISBN 978-0-7566-9328-2. p. 226. https://books.google.com/books?id=jCq_Sbjc5dkC&pg=PA226 ↩

  25. Humanities: Collection of Scenic Spots & Historic Sites: Xuanwu Lake Park. Archived May 17, 2014, at the Wayback Machine City of Nanjing. Retrieved May 15, 2014. http://www.nanjing.gov.cn/en/gynj/humanities/201403/t20140325_2546756.html ↩

  26. Nanjing's Best Parks: Xuanwu Lake Park. City of Nanjing. Retrieved May 13, 2015. http://www.cityofnanjing.com/article/nanjings-best-parks/ ↩

  27. Xuanwu Lake. Jiangsu.NET. Retrieved May 14, 2014. http://nanjing.jiangsu.net/attraction/premier.php?name=Xuanwu_Lake&city=Nanjing&id=81 ↩

  28. Nanjing's Best Parks: Xuanwu Lake Park. City of Nanjing. Retrieved May 13, 2015. http://www.cityofnanjing.com/article/nanjings-best-parks/ ↩

  29. Qinglvyuan Xuanwu, Nanjing, China. Google maps. Retrieved May 13, 2014. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Qinglvyuan/@32.0742794,118.8064617,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x35b5f32ea7cff181:0x97be789ca6d7415e ↩

  30. "Blooming cherry blossoms draw visitors to Nanjing park". CGTN. 2024-03-20. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-03-20/Blooming-cherry-blossoms-draw-visitors-to-Nanjing-park--1s7JmYlI2PK/index.html ↩

  31. "Cherry trees of a different color". China Daily. 2021-03-31. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202103/31/WS606447e1a31024ad0bab2d85.html ↩

  32. "Blooming cherry blossoms draw visitors to Nanjing park". CGTN. 2024-03-20. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-03-20/Blooming-cherry-blossoms-draw-visitors-to-Nanjing-park--1s7JmYlI2PK/index.html ↩

  33. "The sea of lotus blooms at Xuanwu Lake". TopChinaTravel. 2019. https://www.topchinatravel.com/china-attractions/xuanwu-lake.htm ↩

  34. "Chrysanthemum displays at Xuanwu Lake". 玄武湖官网. 2023-10-28. https://www.xuanwuhu.net/yshd/detail.aspx?Id=748 ↩

  35. "Winter at Xuanwu Lake: a serene retreat". People's Daily. 2024-12-07. https://www.peopleapp.com/column/30047621180-500005978259 ↩

  36. 毛艳 (2024-10-17). "2024 Xuanwu Lake "Intangible Cultural Heritage Life Festival" Debuts with Traditional Craft Displays". 江南时报. https://www.jntimes.cn/jsnj/202410/t20241017_8410904.shtml ↩

  37. "Spring Tour Nanjing • Flower Journey Kicks Off at Xuanwu Lake". 中华人民共和国文化和旅游部. 2025-02-17. https://www.mct.gov.cn/wlbphone/wlbydd/xxfb/qglb/202502/t20250217_958452.html ↩

  38. "2025 Nanjing Cultural Tourism Festival Launches at Xuanwu Lake". 中国江苏网. 2025-06-13. https://zgjssw.jschina.com.cn/shixianchuanzhen/nanjing/202506/t20250613_8494954.shtml ↩

  39. "Xuanwu District Hosts Biodiversity Education at Xuanwu Lake". 中国江苏网. 2024-09-27. https://jsnews.jschina.com.cn/nj/a/202409/t20240927_3505237.shtml ↩

  40. "Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area Protection Regulations". 南京市玄武湖景区管理处. 2010-05-27. https://zh.wikisource.org/wiki/%E5%8D%97%E4%BA%AC%E5%B8%82%E7%8E%84%E6%AD%A6%E6%B9%96%E6%99%AF%E5%8C%BA%E4%BF%9D%E6%8A%A4%E6%9D%A1%E4%BE%8B ↩

  41. "Huanhu Road jogging route at Xuanwu Lake". TopChinaTravel. 2019. https://www.topchinatravel.com/china-attractions/xuanwu-lake.htm ↩