Clear lake water, winding greenways, and pristine natural scenery offer you a dual healing experience of nature and comfort

Jianshui Qingshan Lake Travel Guide: A Slow Travel Secret Between Lake Views and Greenways Jianshui Qingshan Lake, hidden near the ancient city suburbs, is an excellent choice for a peaceful slow travel escape with its clear lake water, winding greenways, and pristine natural scenery. It is suitable for light day hikes and also offers diverse activities such as cycling and boating. This guide will help you explore the core experiences. 1. Core Activities: Nature and Comfort Coexist 1. Cycling/Hiking Around the Lake Greenway (Free) The Qingshan Lake Greenway is known as the "Jianshui Ecological Corridor." The entire route is flat and open, with some sections winding along the lake, offering views of the lake, mountains, and distant fields. The recommended classic clockwise route is: Wo Jia → Shenghe Pier → Mantuo Huayang → Wanghu Park → Water Forest → Flower Sea → Sun Bay Station → Moon Bay Station → Shenghe Pier → Wo Jia, about 20 kilometers in total. Beginners can experience it in segments. The key check-in section is from Wanghu Park to Water Forest, where there is no shade, so be sure to apply sun protection. You can scan a QR code at the greenway entrance to rent an electric-assist bike; check the battery in advance. For hiking, it’s best to start early in the morning when the sunlight is gentle, and you might encounter locals exercising, feeling the lively city atmosphere. 2. Water Forest and Boat Experience The Water Forest is a signature landscape of Qingshan Lake, with dense dawn redwoods and duckweed-covered shores. The fresh greenery in spring and colorful foliage in autumn create a "Wizard of Oz" vibe in photos. You can walk along the boardwalk through the forest or take a boat from Shenghe Pier. While boating, you might see black swans gliding leisurely, which is very pleasant. For a more unique perspective, try kayaking, either solo or in pairs, freely navigating the lake and immersing yourself in the blend of water and forest. 3. Off-the-Beaten-Path Check-in Spots - Rainbow Bridge & Floating Bridge: Popular photo spots in the middle section of the greenway, with brightly colored bridge surfaces, perfect for dynamic cycling or walking photos. The floating bridge narrows, so pass through orderly. - Spring Rapeseed Flower Field: Located halfway up the hill beside the red small arch bridge, blooming golden in March, it contrasts beautifully with the lake view and is a spring-exclusive photo spot. - Foyin Lotus Island: Located in Wulong Lake Park adjacent to Qingshan Lake, it is quiet with few people. The lotus-shaped lake landscape is even more stunning than photos show, ideal for sitting quietly and relaxing. 2. Transportation Guide: Easy and Stress-Free Access - Public Transport: From Jianshui Ancient City, take the suburban bus to the "Qingshan Lake Greenway Entrance" stop, then walk 5 minutes to Shenghe Pier. You can also take a taxi from the ancient city, about 15 minutes and around 20 yuan. - Self-Drive/Cycling: Navigate to "Jianshui Qingshan Lake Shenghe Pier," where free parking is available nearby. Cycling from the ancient city takes about 30 minutes, with countryside scenery along the way. - Combined Itinerary: Qingshan Lake is close to Zitao Li Commercial Street and Ant Workshop, so you can plan a one-day trip combining "Qingshan Lake + Zitao Li Food + Ant Workshop Photo Shoot" for a compact yet rich experience. 3. Food and Accommodation Recommendations: Matching the Slow Travel Pace 1. Food Choices - Seasonal Wild Flavors: In spring, try stir-fried bracken, stir-fried chicken eggs with Chinese toon, and salted pig’s trotters stewed with bamboo shoots. In autumn, enjoy steamed river shrimp with bean paste and braised grouper. Ingredients mostly come from local mountains and lakes, fresh and flavorful. - Nearby Dining: The Yuyuan Restaurant next to Shenghe Pier is elegantly decorated, and you can visit nearby art studios after dining. During cycling, choose Yuying Restaurant near the fishing center, where freshly caught white fish is cooked on the spot, fresh and authentic. - Commercial Area Supplies: After playing, head to Zitao Li Commercial Street. The Qujiang Xinxing Restaurant is recommended for generous portions and authentic flavors, popular with locals. 2. Accommodation Suggestions - Lake View Homestay: The first choice is Yuyuan Homestay, nestled among mountains and water. The second-floor rooms have lake-view balconies, and the first floor serves hand-brewed coffee. At night, you can stargaze on the large lawn, and the owner will recommend off-the-beaten-path activities. - Ancient City Accommodation: If you want to enjoy night tours of Jianshui Ancient City, stay near Chaoyang Tower or Zhujia Garden. You can walk to the ancient city night market at night, try grilled tofu, and take a taxi to Qingshan Lake the next day. Qingshan Lake has no noisy crowds, only lake breezes, green water, and slow time. Whether you want a one-day escape from the ancient city bustle or to include it in a deep Jianshui itinerary, it will let you experience the dual healing of nature and comfort.