Yuanjiang Travel, Yiyang, Hunan

Yuanjiang City, Yiyang, Hunan — a lakeside city on Dongting Lake, combining lake island scenery, wetland ecology, and fishing village culture. Featuring Dongting Lake, Chishan Island, Yanzhi Lake and other special attractions, a one-day trip offers the natural ecological beauty of "Dongting misty waves + lake island fairyland + wetland reed marshes".

2019
Square Kilometers Area
740K+
Resident Population
16
Chishan Island Area (km²)
80
Ten Thousand Mu of Reed Marsh
Dongting Lake Scenery in Yuanjiang, Yiyang
Dongting Lake Wetland - Ecological Business Card of Yuanjiang
Yuanjiang lies in the heart of Dongting Lake, boasting vast lake areas and wetland landscapes. Islands dot the lake like stars, and reed marshes stretch endlessly — the core area for Dongting Lake eco-tourism.

Yuanjiang One-Day Lake Island & Ecology Tour

Explore Dongting, discover Chishan, boat on Yanzhi, watch birds in the reeds

Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Dongting Lake, Chishan Island, Yanzhi Lake, Yuanjiang Reed Marshes, Qionghu Park
Suitable For
Nature lovers, photographers, eco-tourists, outdoor enthusiasts
Budget per person
¥90 – ¥280
Full Day
Yuanjiang Lake Island & Ecology Experience Tour
Dongting Lake · Chishan Island · Yanzhi Lake · Yuanjiang Reed Marshes
Highlights

Morning: cruise Dongting Lake to feel the vast misty waves, visit Chishan Island to explore the fairyland on the lake. Afternoon: enjoy leisure time at Yanzhi Lake, observe the wetland ecology at Yuanjiang Reed Marshes. Evening: stroll through Qionghu Park and experience urban waterfront relaxation.

Attractions
Dongting Lake
The second largest freshwater lake in China. The Yuanjiang section has wide open waters with misty waves, known as "Eight Hundred Li Dongting." Rich in aquatic products and numerous birds, you can take a boat tour to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, experience fishing village life, and feel the magnificent scene described in the poem "Steam rises over Yunmeng Marsh, waves shake Yueyang City."
Chishan Island
The largest island in Dongting Lake, covering 16 square kilometers, named for its reddish-brown mountain body. The island boasts beautiful scenery, ancient fishing villages, dense forests, and rich historical legends. You can hike up the mountain to view the lake, visit fishing families, taste lake delicacies, and experience island life.
Yanzhi Lake
A national wetland park, named because the lake water appears rouge-colored under certain light conditions. The lake covers an area of 8 square kilometers, with clear water surrounded by green mountains. You can go boating, fishing, or cycling around the lake — an ideal place for vacation and relaxation.
Yuanjiang Reed Marshes
China's largest reed production base, covering an area of 800,000 mu. When the reeds bloom in autumn, the white flowers create a spectacular snowy landscape. You can take a small boat through the reed marshes, watch birds and photograph, experiencing the poetic scene of "flying reed flowers like snow."
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Tourist shuttles from Yuanjiang city to major attractions
  • Bus from city to Dongting Lake pier
  • Ferry required from Dongting Lake to Chishan Island
  • Yanzhi Lake is within walking distance from downtown
Ticket Info
  • Dongting Lake: Free (boat rides extra)
  • Chishan Island: Free (ferry extra)
  • Yanzhi Lake: Free
  • Yuanjiang Reed Marshes: Free
  • Qionghu Park: Free
Food Recommendations
  • Dongting Lake Whole Fish Feast
  • Yuanjiang Silverfish
  • Stir-fried Reed Shoots with Bacon
  • Yanzhi Lake Lotus Root Powder

Must-Try Foods in Yuanjiang

Dongting Lake Whole Fish Feast

Made with fresh fish and shrimp from Dongting Lake, including steamed mandarin fish, braised carp, fish head tofu soup, fried small fish and many other dishes. The fish is tender, prepared in various ways, fully showcasing the delicious flavor of Dongting Lake fresh produce — the most representative feast of Yuanjiang.

Yuanjiang Silverfish

A specialty of Dongting Lake, transparent as silver, with tender flesh and no bones. Can be pan-fried, stir-fried, or made into soup. Delicious and nutritious, it is a characteristic lake fresh dish suitable for all ages.

Stir-fried Reed Shoots with Bacon

Made with tender reed shoots picked in spring from Yuanjiang reed marshes, stir-fried with homemade bacon. The reed shoots are crisp and refreshing, while the bacon is salty and fragrant — a perfect combination and a local seasonal specialty.

Yanzhi Lake Lotus Root Powder

Made from nine-hole lotus roots specially produced at Yanzhi Lake. When brewed, it becomes crystal clear with a smooth texture. It has effects of clearing heat, promoting body fluids, strengthening the spleen and stimulating appetite — a local health food specialty.

Yuanjiang Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Reeds sprout, lake islands full of spring vitality
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Lotus flowers bloom, enjoy lake fresh cuisine
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Reed flowers bloom, witness the "flying reed flowers like snow" spectacle
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Migratory birds winter here, best season for birdwatching
Must-Do Experiences
  • Boat tour on Dongting Lake to enjoy lake and mountain scenery
  • Visit fishing villages and hike up Chishan Island to view the lake
  • Boating and cycling around Yanzhi Lake
  • Take a small boat through the reed marshes for birdwatching and photography
  • Taste the authentic Dongting Lake Whole Fish Feast
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: ¥0-60 (main cost is boat tickets)
  • Meals: ¥50-90 (including lake fresh feast and snacks)
  • Transport: ¥40-80 (including ferry and bus fares)
  • Shopping: ¥20-100 (local specialties and gifts)
  • Total: ¥90-280
FAQ
  • Is the Dongting Lake boat ride safe? → Regular boat companies operate with safety equipment
  • Ferry schedule to Chishan Island? → Every hour, last return at 18:00
  • Best time to see the reed marshes? → October-November when reed flowers are in full bloom
  • Transport from Yuanjiang to Yiyang city? → Direct bus available, about 1 hour

Explore Districts & Counties of Yiyang