贛州陽明湖景区

Yangming Lake, formerly known as Doushui Lake, is a large 4A-level scenic area straddling Shangyou and Chongyi counties west of Ganzhou, a vast artificial lake created by damming the mountain valleys of southern Jiangxi. Surrounded by forested hills and fed by clear mountain streams, it is one of the great freshwater landscapes of the Ganzhou region. For travelers who enjoy lakeside scenery and boat trips, it is a relaxing full-day excursion.

The lake covers an enormous area of water set among green, wooded mountains, with a shoreline broken into inlets and small islands that give the place a fjord-like quality. Around its banks and across its surface are clustered some thirty named scenic spots, including waterfalls, dramatic rock formations like Lion and Elephant Mountain, the Iron Fan Pass, and the winding "nine bends" stretch that is the most photographed part of the lake. Small Hakka villages dot the shore, adding a layer of human settlement to the wild surroundings.

A visit typically combines a boat trip across the lake with stops at the main scenic points, so allow most of a day to do it justice. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable and photogenic seasons, when the forests are lush and the light is warm on the water, while summer brings vivid greenery to the hills. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are worth carrying for the boat-and-walking combination, and an early start helps you see more of the lake before the midday heat.

Yangming Lake sits well west of downtown Ganzhou and combines naturally with the Shangbao Rice Terraces in the same part of Chongyi county, making a rich countryside day of water and mountains. For travelers drawn to large, serene landscapes and the chance to get out on the water, it is one of the most rewarding natural destinations in southern Jiangxi and a beautiful counterpoint to Ganzhou's historic cityscapes.