China Exploration - China Adventure Tours and Travel Service
  • China Exploration - China Adventure Tours and Travel Service
  • 86-28-86270775
  • info@chinaexploration.com
  • Tour Code Search
  • HOME
  • China Tours
    • Top 10 China Tours
    • Classic China Tours
    • Yangtze Cruise Tour

        Yangtze Cruise Routes

        Yangtze Cruise Calendar

    • Join-in Group Tours
    • Short Stay Tours

        144 hours VISA free tours

        Less than 7 days tours

    • Family Tours
  • Adventure Tours
    • Overland Off-road Tours
    • Culture & Folklore Tours
    • Wildlife Exploration Tours
    • Trekking & Hiking Tours
    • Eco-Tour
    • M.I.C.E. & Event
    • School and Education Tours
  • DESTINATIONS
      BeijingChengduChongqingDaliDatongGuilinGuiyangHangzhouHongkongHuangshanKunmingLanzhouLhasaLijiangLuoyangPingyaoSanyaShanghaiShangrilaHohhotUrumqiWuhanXiamenXi’anXiningYinchuanZhangjiajie Explore All Destinations>>
  • Customized your trip
  • TRAVEL GUIDE
    • Travel to China
    • China Visa and Permit
    • Chinese Attractions
    • Chinese Culture
    • China Nature Reserve
    • China City Guide
    • China Maps
    • China Travel News
    • Hotel Booking
    • FAQS
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Glory
    • Olympic Torch Bearer
    • Feedback
    • Photo Album
    • Travel Story
    • Travel Video
    • Teams and Condition
    • Insurance Policy
    • Site Map
  • China Tours
  • Top 10 China Tours
  • Classic China Tours
  • Join-in Group Tours
  • Short Stay Tours
  • Family Tours
  • Adventure Tours
  • Overland Off-road Tours
  • Culture & Folklore Tours
  • Wildlife Exploration Tours
  • Trekking & Hiking Tours
  • Eco-Tour
  • M.I.C.E. & Event
  • School and Education Tours
  • Honeymoon Tour
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Beijing Tours
  • Chengdu Tours
  • Chongqing Tours
  • Dali Tours
  • Dalian Tours
  • Datong Tours
  • Guilin Tours
  • Guiyang Tours
  • Guangzhou Tours
  • Haerbin Tours
  • Hangzhou Tours
  • Hohhot Tours
  • HongKong Tours
  • Huangshan Tours
  • Kashgar Tours
  • Kunming Tours
  • Lanzhou Tours
  • Tibet Tours
  • Lijiang Tours
  • Luoyang Tours
  • TRAVEL GUIDE
  • Travel to China
  • China Visa and Permit
  • Chinese Attractions
  • Chinese Culture
  • China Nature Reserve
  • China City Guide
  • China Maps
  • China Travel News
  • Hotel Booking
  • FAQS
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Glory
  • Olympic Torch Bearer
  • Feedback
  • Photo Album
  • Travel Story
  • Travel Video
  • Terms And Condition
  • Insurance Policy
  • sitemap
Home > TRAVEL GUIDE > China Attractions > Zhejiang Attractions
South Lake (Nanhu) Scenic Area
South Lake, also known as Nanhu, is a renowned scenic and historic lake located in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, just 100 kilometers from Hangzhou and Shanghai. As one of the most iconic attractions in the Jiangnan region, it is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and profound historical significance.
The history of South Lake dates back over 2,000 years, with its origins tracing to the Han Dynasty. Originally formed by natural waterways and ancient irrigation projects, the lake gradually became a popular retreat for scholars and poets during the Tang and Song dynasties. The lake’s layout is defined by its serene waters, lush islands, and traditional Chinese gardens, creating a classic Jiangnan landscape. At its heart lies the small but famous “Red Boat,” a symbol of great historical importance.
South Lake is divided into several key scenic zones, combining natural scenery with cultural heritage. The central lake area features the iconic Red Boat, a replica of the vessel where a pivotal chapter in modern Chinese history unfolded. The surrounding gardens, including Yanyu Tower (Misty Rain Tower), offer panoramic views of the lake and showcase classical Chinese architecture. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises on the lake, explore historic pavilions, and visit museums dedicated to the lake’s rich history. The lake’s calm waters, misty mornings, and lotus blooms in summer make it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
In 2007, the South Lake Scenic Area was officially awarded the national AAAAA level tourist attraction rating by the China National Tourism Administration. It is also listed as a key national cultural relic protection unit, recognized for its role in both natural and historical heritage preservation.
Today, South Lake has been developed into a comprehensive tourist destination that balances natural beauty, historical education, and leisure activities. It offers a range of experiences including guided tours, boat rides, cultural exhibitions, and seasonal events. As a symbol of both natural elegance and historical legacy, South Lake continues to draw visitors from around the world, offering a unique blend of scenic charm and cultural depth.

More Attractions

  • West Lake
    West Lake
    West Lake is a freshwater lake in Hangzhou as the top attraction in tours of Hangzhou. West......

Recommended Tours

Mt. Wudangshan Off-beaten Track Tour in Hubei

It is overland tour to Mt. Wudangshan in Hubei province from Xian. Hubei province is located in mid China connecting many provinces in China by convenient transportation of railway, cruise, and flights......

8 Days New Sichuan Tours of Jiuzhaigou,Leshan, Emeishan, Dujiangyan and Chengdu

Classic Sichuan tours cover all of the highlights of Sichuan from culture to nature, including classic Chengdu tours, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong bullet train tours, Emeishan Mountain and Leshan Giant Bud......

The Most Beautiful Sichuan Plateau Tours

Tours to the most beautiful Sichuan Plateau on Tibetan plateau of Western Sichuan, including Kham Tibetan of Ganzi prefecture and Amduo Tibetans of Nagwa prefecture with all highlights as Jiuzhaigou, D......

3 Days Jiuzhaigou Valley Train Tours

Classic three days Jiuzhaigou tours of bullet train riding, save budget from Jiuzhaigou air tours, easier and comfortable than traditional bus tours. ......

Jiuzhaigou Private Tours By Train/Air/Car

Provide private tours to Jiuzhaigou valley for tourist both by flights or overland bus tours, and just tell your need, and we will tailor-made a private package for your tour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglon......

2 Days Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tours

Classic two days tours to west Chengdu, where Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt Emeishan are both world class top tour destinations, and also visit a local old town. ......

Popular China Packages
  • Top 10 China Tours
  • Yangtze Cruise Tours
  • China Short Trips
  • Tibet Tours
  • Sichuan Tours
  • Yunnan Tour
  • Guilin Tour
  • Xiamen Tours
Adventure Tours
  • Overland Off-road Tours
  • Culture & Folklore Tours
  • Wildlife Exploration Tours
  • Trekking & Hiking Tours
  • Eco-Tour
  • M.I.C.E. & Event
  • School and Education Tours
  • Honeymoon Tour
China Travel Guide
  • Travel to China
  • China Visa and Permit
  • China Attractions
  • Chinese culture
  • China Nature Reserves
  • City Guide
  • China Maps
  • China Travel News
  • FAQS
Follow Us
Keep me updated
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest news direct to your inbox.

Address: 35th, Yangguang Business Center, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Zip610065, China
About us | Contact us | Teams and Condition | Customer Center | Site Map
TEL: 028-86270775 E-mail: info@chinaexploration.com
Working hours:9:00AM-6:00PM(GMT+8)),Copyright(2003-2026) 蜀ICP05000963号 China Exploration Tour

  • Email: info@chinaexploration.com
  • Telephone: 86-28-86270775