Top 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in China [2024 Winners]

Kanas refers to beautiful and mysterious lake in Mongolian. Situated in northernmost Xinjiang, Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖) is one of the most beautiful lakes in China, which enjoys honors of National AAAAA Scenic Spot, National Geopark, National Forest Park, China Nature Reserve and National Cultural Heritage. The gorgeous Kanas Lake colored pure snowy mountains and vast green forests is hailed as the Fairyland on Earth.

With depth of over 188 m underwater, Kanas Lake is the deepest moraine-dammed lake originating from glacier meltwater and rainfalls and source of Kanas River. Spectacular mystery of Kanas Lake comes from the thousand meters long levee of logs, gathered by blowing wind against the current, huge unearthly lake monster alleged and amazing scenes of clouds sea and Buddha light only happen during sunshine after raining. Moon Bay weaves like a curved moon dropped into the verdant gorge, a blue jade belt twining in the luxuriant ground for the riverbed forms several half-moon bays and two unique footprint style small sandbeaches, and waters here present different kinds of colorful looks within every single day and each season. Therefore, Moon Bay, the essence site in Kanas Lake, offers endless wonderful pictures for photographers. Autumn is the most beautiful and charming season of Kanas. Hillside forests change with different colors and mist often occurs above the turquoise lake water, making Kanas an oil painting and a fabulous fairyland beyond description. Check more about Kanas Lake.

As the largest province in China, Xinjiang covers an area of 16% of China's total land area. Generally, Xinjiang can be divided into Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang by the Tianshan Mountains. The top tourist destinations in Northern Xinjiang include Urumqi, Turpan, Altay (Kanas), Ili (Yining), Karamy, Bortala, etc. While the recommended places to visit in Southern Xinjiang include Kashgar, Kuqa, Hotan, Aksu, Korla, etc. It has up to 1,100 tourist attractions of different types, including magnificent mountains, beautiful lakes, vast grasslands, unique landform (Danxia, Yardang...), grand canyons, primitive forests, wild deserts, rich flora and fauna, sweet fruits, etc. Check more about Top Xinjiang Tourist Attractions.

☛ 7 Days Classic Road Trip to Heavenly Kanas Lake

☛ 9 Days Kanas Lake Fairyland Tour from Urumqi

☛ 11 Days Best Xinjiang Landscape Tour

>> Check more about Kanas Tours | Xinjiang Tours

Worshipped as one the top three holy lakes in Tibet with Yamdrok Lake and Manasarovar Lake, Namtso Lake (纳木错) ranks the second largest lake of Tibet and the third largest saltwater lake in China. Namtso literally means Heaven Lake in Tibetan, is a rectangular gemstone fallen in the arms of snow mountains. Vast expanse of azure blue water, distinctive trails linked from Marnyi Stones, many flickering prayer flags, the pure and holy Namtso Lake appeals to numerous visitors not only for its beauty beyond description but also for the top sacred honor in Tibet Bonismo while lots of locals or Buddhists will make pilgrimage around. Awarded the third beautiful lake elected in Chinese National Geography, each year the azure blue water shows in different season to glut eyes and purify souls.

Sits in central Tibet region and about 250 km to south Lhasa, Namtso Lake gets guard from great Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains in south. And there are 5 bylands stretching into the lake from various directions, incarnation of Five Dhyani Buddhas according to Buddhist tale. Tashi Dor, a 10 sq km limestone peninsula in southeastern is the most famous byland within Namtso Lake where most accommodation and major spots concentrate. Spread north body into waters, Tashi Dor presents fantastic Karst landforms, including central hill, plenty of pillars and peaks connected by stone bridges, many stalactite grottoes, sacred Tashi Temple, mountain cave where Padmasambhava practiced Buddhism. Circle around the byland, tourists will watch the Yingbin Stone decorated with many colorful prayer flags, Husband & Wife Stone - door god of Namtso Lake from local legends, more temples with natural Buddhist statues. Check more about Namtso Lake.

Lhasa, in Tibetan means the Palace of the Gods, is the present capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region, also has been the religious, cultural and economic center of Tibet for centuries. It is famous for the devout Tibetan Buddhism, pleasant sunshine, classic architectural style. Lhasa is the most popular destination in Tibet and most of attractions in Lhasa are themed by Tibetan Buddhism, such as the Dalai Lamas’ palace - Potala Palace, the spiritual center of Tibet - Jokhang Temple, traditional Tibetan residential and market area - Barkhor Street, famous monasteries Drepung and Sera, etc. Check more about Lhasa Attractions.

Notice: Plateau weather changes frequently, thus tourists need to check the weather and road suitable for going in advance. For the high altitude, huge temperature difference between day and night and strong solar radiation on Namtso Lake, travelers should prepare warm clothes, sunblock and medicine to relieve altitude sickness, avoid fast running.

☛ 5 Days Lhasa Namtso Budget Tour (Budget-friendly)

☛ 5 Days Lhasa & Namtso Lake Tour (Holy City + Holy Lake)

☛ 9 Days Tibet Discovery Tour Including Everest and Namtso Lake

>> Check more about Lhasa Tours | Tibet Tours

Jiuzhaigou Valley (九寨沟), or Jiuzhaigou National Park is located in northern Sichuan province. It is known as the Most Beautiful Waterscape in China, Word Natural Heritage Site, Fairytale Land, 5A National Park. All people who have been to Jiuzhaigou know all these reputation match the reality. It is even regarded as the Paradise for Photographers.

Jiuzhaigou is arranged in the Y shape with a total length of over 50 km. By consisting of three main valleys, called Shuzheng Valley (main gully), Zechawa Valley(left gully), Rize Valley (right gully) and the magnificent Nuorilang Waterfall, Jiuzhaigou has over 100 lakes and waterfalls. Surrounded by mountains and trees, Long Lake is the longest and widest lake, located south east of the valley. As the smallest lake in Jiuzhaigou, Five Color Pond riches most colors, also called Jade Lake. Panda Lake features curious color patterns of blue and green, this lake was side the land where Giant Pandas came to drink. As the essence of Jiuzhaigou, Fiver Flower Lake features different colors by the different angles of light refraction and the blue lake will reflect more mixed colors when you view in different sides. like a mirror, the Mirror Lake reflects the surrounding peaks, plants into its quiet lake surface and changes the inverted images more beautiful than themselves. 144 km away from Jiuzhai Valley, the Huanglong National Park and Mounigou Valley are also worth to visit. Check more about Jiuzhaigou Valley.

Jiuzhaigou Valley is about 440 km away from Chengdu (the capital of Sichuan province). Chengdu is the best gateway to start a Jiuzhaigou tour. Apart from the convenient transfer between them, Chengdu itself is an attractive city to discover. It is most famous for its native resident - Giant Panda, but its appeal extends far beyond that. It is highly recommended to spend a few more days in Chengdu and visit the surrounding World Cultural Heritage Site - Dujiangyan Irrigation System & Mount Qingcheng and the World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha & Mount Emei. Check more about How to Get to & Around Jiuzhaigou.

☛ 3 Days Classic Jiuzhaigou Tour (Flight Arrival)

☛ 4 Days Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Highlights Tour from Chengdu by Private Car

☛ 5 Days Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Comfortable Tour with Panda Visit

>> Check more about Jiuzhaigou Tours | Chengdu Tours

Literally means indigo lake in Tibetan, Lake Kokonor in Mongolian, Qinghai Lake (青海湖) rates top beautiful lake with title of the largest inland saltwater in China. The most fascinating Qinghai Lake is the excellent picturesque scene of blue lake, golden rape blossom, and mountains in the distance during July to August. Used to be the essential pass of Ancient Silk Road and Tang-Tibet Ancient Road, Qinghai Lake has two national highways 109 and 315 running across currently.

Originates from the rainfall and surface runoff up to over 40 rivers, Qinghai Lake is located in northeast Qinghai Tibet Plateau and northwest Xining City, Qinghai Province, surrounded by four high mountains ranging from 3600 ~ 5000m, splendid Datong Mountain in north, majestic Riyue Mountain in east, rolling Qinghai South Mountain in south and craggy Rubber Mountain in west. The best travel season to Qinghai Lake falls on the autumn months when the vast prairie wear a golden coat of rape flowers, refreshing fragrance drifts with the wind, dotted herdsman tents looks like stars in the sky, herds moves as clouds, charming sunrise and sunset consisting of a poetic painting.There have two son lakes, Gahai Lake (saltwater lake - 48 sq km) and Erhai Lake (freshwater lake - 8 sq km) in eastern shore and vast prairie around Qinghai Lake. Check more about Qinghai Lake.

As a province larger than many countries in EU, Qinghai really offers many places to go and many natural or cultural scenery to enjoy, such as the Top National Park with Danxia Landform - Kanbula National Forest Park, One of the Four Sacred Mountains in Tibetan Buddhism - Amne Machin Snow Mountain, the Tourist Base Camp with Cultural Assembly - Xining and the Birthplace of Regong Art - Tongren, etc. Chaka Salt Lake, about 150 km away from Qinghai Lake is also a charming lake. Known as the mirror of the sky, it shows spectacular reflection of the surrounding view. Check more about Top 12 Attractions in Qinghai.

Notice: The best time to watch birds is in the end April and late July. And when you enjoy the birds scenes, please don’t disturb the wild birds.

☛ 4 Days Qinghai Lake Chaka Lake Tour from Xining

☛ 4 Days Qinghai Lake Kanbula National Forest Park Tour

☛ 7 Days In-depth Discovery Tour of Qinghai Culture & Nature

>> Check more about Best Qinghai Tours & Qinghai Lake Tours

West Lake (西湖) in west Hangzhou is the only World Cultural Heritage, one of the top ten scenic sites in China and the landmark sights and essence of Hangzhou. Great litterateur Su Shi in Song Dynasty once spoke highly of the superb beauty of Hangzhou West Lake - West Lake in Hangzhou tops all the 36 west lakes in China. During each season, West Lake has unique charm, gorgeous landscape in Spring, infinite lotus in Summer, artistic moonlight reflected in lake in Autumn and oblique red glum in the poetic winter painting.

Separated by Lonely Hill, White Embankment, Su Embankment and Yanggong Embankment, West Lake contains five areas, including Outer West Lake, West Inner Lake, North Lake, Little South Lake and Yue Lake based on scale. For the White and Su Embankments pass over the lake, three more small islands stands in central region and Leifeng Pagoda on Sunset Mountain faces against northern Baochu Pagoda on Stone Mountain across the lake, an amazing location of one mountain, two pagodas, three islands and banks, five lakes in West Lake thus formed. Marvellous landscape of West Lake covers the Lonely Hill - the biggest island in West Lake which is located between inner and outer lakes with height of 38m, Leifeng Pagoda - an octagon five-stored wooden pavilion-style tower on south lake shore, Baochu Pagoda - a seven stored pagoda on northern lake region which is originally built in Five Dynasties, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Middle-lake Pavilion, Ruangong Islet and ten gorgeous natural scenes. Tourists can make a circuit around West Lake through bike, cruise boat and sightseeing car. Check more about West Lake.

Hangzhou has long been reputed as the Heavenly City on Earth for her poetic and pleasant charming sightseeing as well as elegant culture complimented by many famous ancient poets, thus, anyone been to Hangzhou would love this picturesque city. Most of Hangzhou's attractions are located near West Lake, like Lingyin Temple, Liuhe Pagoda, and Longjing Tea Plantations. Xixi National Wetland Park and Qiandao Lake are not in the city center. Travelers can also pay a visit to Wuzhen Water Town, though it's not in Hangzhou, it's very close to it, less than one hour's drive will take you to there. Check more about Top 14 Hangzhou Attractions.

☛ 2 Days Hangzhou Essence Tour (Most Time-Efficient)

☛ 3 Days Classic Hangzhou Tour (at Leisure Pace)

☛ 3 Days Best Hangzhou Tour with Wuzhen Water Town

>> Check more about Hangzhou Tours | Wuzhen Tours

Situated in suburb of Dali City, the second largest freshwater lake - Erhai Lake (洱海) looks like a narrow human ear with two outlets. Moon on Erhai Lake is one of the four major sights of Dali when the jade moon reflecting on the peaceful lake every mid-autumn festival. Not only rich in aquatic resources and high quality waters, the lake is a beautiful scenic, mother lake in the Bai ethnic group. Winter spectacle of sea gull on the lake adds more delights for lake circumnavigation.

Making a circuit along the 30km coastline whether by bike, motorcycle or car, and taking a boat is the best way to enjoy the immaculate crystal gem lying in mountain groups, experience the fantastic serenity in the poetic painting. On northeast coat, Shuanglang Town, site of Nanzhao Culture Island (one of the three islands of Erhai Lake), is one best charming site surrounded by hills on three sides, Chicken Foot Mountain to the east and Little Putuo Mountain to south. In southeast coast, the Erhai Park consisting of pavilion, swimming pool, botanic garden, zoo and amusement park is a perfect viewing point of Cang Mountain and Erhai Lake and summer resort with moderate water temperature, even suitable for winter swimming. Clockwise tour to the Dali Ancient City in west, a historical essence with lots of ancient gate towers, academies, temples and ruins, streets, Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas, also called Three Pagodas of Dali, is one important China’s pagoda built in Tang Dynasty. Further 17km tour arrives to the northwestern Bai Nationality Residences of Xizhou, a characteristic architecture complex and construction heritage in China. Check more about Erhai Lake.

Dali is well located on the west tourist route of Yunnan as the middle stop of Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-La line. It is about 260 kilometers from Kunming and 140 kilometers from Lijiang. “Romantic” and “Beautiful” are the common words to describe Dali. Silver Cangshan Mountain and Jade Erhai Lake are famous in Dali that travelers should never miss them during your Dali trip. Located between the magnificent Cangshan Mountain and elegant Erhai Lake are Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas, Xizhou Ancient Town, Zhoucheng, etc. All of the attractions will give you historical and cultural feast. Check more about Top Dali Attractions.

Notice: To protect environment around the Erhai Lake, personal feeding to sea gulls is highly not advised.

☛ 3 Days Dali Classic Tour with Erhai Lake

☛ 4 Days Dali Leisure Vacation for Nature & Culture Savory

☛ 6 Days Yunnan Essence Tour (Kunming, Dali & Lijiang)

>> Check more about Dali Tours | Yunnan Tours

Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍措) - jasper lake and upper coral lake in Tibetan language is one the three most holy lakes in Tibet with Namtso Lake and Manasarovar Lake. Elevated at 4,441m (14570ft) above sea level, it is a dark jade eardrop lying in the arm of giant mountains and a jade belt decorated with alpine snow land, and location of the largest hydropower station and the highest pumped-storage hydroelectricity in Tibet. Making a circular pilgrimage around Yamdrok Lake equals to one time in Lhasa, which will harvest bless from Buddha for a whole year, local Tibetan believe that. Based on the sacredness, the lake is also the biggest paradise for various kinds of wild birds resting on 21 small islands.

About 70 km to northeast Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake is the largest inland lake in Himalaya Mountains, the top beautiful lake in southern Tibet regions. Climb across the Gangbara Pass (5,030m/16503ft), the beautiful irregular sapphire appears and spread its body to 70 times of West Lake in Hangzhou. Longer drive from the pass to lakeside needs nearly 30 mins and then tourist can feast eyes and minds on the marvelous beauty of Yamdrok Lake along the road. In-depth tour of Yamdrok Lake includes visiting couples of small island, Seduo Island, Mother Deer & Deer Island and Bird Island. Noijin Kangsang Peak, a traditional holy mountain (7,206m/23,642ft) of La-track Kangri Hill (a natural separate stretch between Yamdrok Lake and Yarlung Zangbo River) lies in the western region. Join our Tibet tour starting from Lhasa to Gyantse, Shigatse or Mount Everest must be the most recommended way to enjoy Yamdrok Lake when passing by.

Tibet, the Roof of the World, has a magic attractive force for travelers for hundreds of years. Many people take Tibet trip as a Must Journey that must be taken at least once in a lifetime. The awe-inspiring plateau landscape, the overwhelming devoted religion, the welcoming and friendly Tibetan people, the long-standing customs and tradition... Tibet proudly dominates the highest peak in the world - Mount Everest which attracts thousands of tourists to explore each year. Tibet Buddhism is the second feature. Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse are the most popular places to visit brilliant Buddhist monasteries and palaces. Pure holy lake is the third feature of Tibet. And Tibet offers far more than these, come to discover further! Check more about Tibet Small Group Tours with Valuable Prices and Quality Services.

☛ 5 Days Landscape Group Tour from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake

☛ 7 Days Lhasa Shigatse Gyantse Tibetan Culture Private Tour

☛ 8 Days Classic Mount Everest Private Tour from Lhasa

>> Check more about Tibet Tours | China Tours including Tibet

Naturally formed by the erupting volcano long time ago, Tianchi Lake (天池) on Changbai Mountain, or Changbai Mountain Pool in the Sky is the largest and highest volcanic lake in China and the world’s deepest highland lake. The oval Tianchi Lake seems amagnificent jasper studded in the grand peaks in Changbai Mountain. It is still the natural lake border between China and North Korea, where can watch the other side peak in the neighbor.

All around stands towering mountains in great numbers, the crystal aquamarine lake is the headstream of the three major rivers in northeastern China, Songhua River, Tumen River and Yalu River. Embraced by 16 peaks in surroundings with one outlet of Changbai Waterfall, the serene clear Tianchi Lake already becomes a mystery-land where monster appears sometimes and drags horses into deep lake. Tourists can get to the lake located on top of the dormant volcano on Changbai Mountain from north, west and south slopes, consequently different scenery will get from various viewing directions. Midsummer is the best season to visit Tianchi Lake when the melting water emerges much blue than sky, clouds and fog are the least, higher chance to reveal its true face. Cold winter days will turn the lake into a completely white mirror covered with thick ice and snow. Jiangjun Peak (2749m) lying in North Korea is the highest peak encircling Tianchi Lake, and in west side, White Cloud Peak (2691m) is the highest peak in northeastern China, Tianwen Peak (2670m) enjoys a good viewing sight of this miraculous blue jewel. Check more about Tianchi Lake.

Jilin is one of the birthplaces of the Manchu ethnic group in China, which surrounded by the Songhua River deduces different customs in four seasons, and winter is its highlighting time. Jilin is rich in snow resources. The most popular scenic spots are Jilin Wusong Island, Beidahu Ski Resort, and Songhua Lake Ski Resort in the suburban area of Jilin. It is a good choice to extend your trip to Harbin, the Ice City of China, where you can immerse yourself into the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival with numerous innovative snow sculptures and feel the charm of snow in the paradise-like world in No.1 Snow Town in China - China Snow Town, etc. Check more about Top 8 Things to Do in Harbin in Winter.

☛ 5 Days Changbaishan Winter Tour with Ski Experience

☛ 6 Days China Snow Town & Changbai Mountain Tour from Harbin

☛ 7 Days Northeast China Winter Tour with Changbaishan & Wusong Island

>> Check more about Jilin Tours | Harbin Tours

As the highest lake in Yunnan Province and the third deepest freshwater lake in China where mainly lives Mosuo, Yi ethnic groups, Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) originally named as the lake in the valley, for in Mosuo langue of Naxi nationality, Lu means valley, Gu refers to inside. Located in southwest Sichuan and southeast Qinghai Tibet Plateau, the fascinating Lugu Lake is the best hub for Shangri-La travel circuit, made up of 5 islands in the lake, 4 byland and 1 long island on lakeshore, all in different shapes. American scholar once described Lugu Lake a wonderful living place for immortals.

The northern Lege Peninsula embraced by Gemu Goddess Mountain (3770m - the highest peak around Lugu Lake) is the most famous and gorgeous spot. When summer comes, boating in the southeastern Caohai Lake (Grass Sea), a fairyland with of flora and fauna in an area of 10sq km definitely make sure you escape from the bustles. Later autumn is the best season of photographing Lugu Lake when trees on shore all dressed in various colors, flowers bloom into idyllic painting. During winter, lots of rare birds, like swan, black-necked crane and etc usually migrant here to survive, making it the best time to watch waterfowls. Tourists interested in local culture can pay a visit to the Mosuo Museum – the only theme museum systematically exhibiting Mosuo history, culture and folk customs. More pretty natural spots including Bay of Goddess - a peaceful harbor honored as eastern Hawaii, Dazuhu Bay at foothill of Goddess Mountain, Lover Beach, Daluoshui Village with old ethnic buildings. Check more about Lugu Lake.

Traveling to Yunnan is a dream to many travelers. In this ethnic kingdom, travelers can explore in Lijiang - a Naxi minority city which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997; Shangri-La, an ethic Tibetan township with Lost Horizon scenery; Dali - Bai ethnic group inhabited as well as a historic center of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms; Yuanyang, a Hani minority settlement with vast rice-terraced mountains; Kunming - the capital of Yunnan also being the gateway to Stone Forest and Dongchuan Red Land... Check more about 10 Best Places to Visit in Yunnan.

☛ 2 Days Magic Lugu Lake Tour with Mosuo Ethnic Culture

☛ 5 Days Lijiang Lugu Lake with Mosuo Matriarchal Society Experience

☛ 7 Days Yunnan Paradise Tour to Lijiang, Shangri-La & Lugu Lake

>> Check more about Yunnan Tours & Valuable Yunnan Tour Packages

Formed as a reservoir of the Xinanjiang Hydropower Station - China’s first large-scale self-designed and constructed hydro power station, Qiandao Lake (千岛湖) is a National AAAAA scenic area and the famous lake with the most islands in the world. Qiandao Lake is praised the Most Clean Water in the World for the its high quality of national first class level, which can be drunk directly. The impoundage of Qiandao Lake is 17.84 billion cubic meters, 3000 times that of West Lake.

Beauty of Qiandao Lake lies in the fascinating green and purity. Natural color transition between each island makes up a harmony of various green in the beautiful lake. More surprisingly, waters in Qiandao Lake shows different color in different season and weather, green with yellow in Spring, emerald green in Summer, crystal like in Autumn and turns into dark jade in Winter, and seems wear a white gauze in foggy days. Divided into five regions (the southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest and middle), Qiandao Lake looks like a phoenix spreading wings from bird’s view. Central and southeast lake districts are the two main scenic areas. In central lake area, there are many major scenic spots, the Meifengguan Island in Zhuangyuan Byland is the best viewing site of the over 300 islands around. In southeast lake area, Huangshan Peak gets the best view of the Chinese character (公) made up of lots of green islands. Club Med Joyview Thousand Island with upscale accommodation is a nice idea for a wonderful weekend in Qiandao Lake. Check more about Qiandao Lake.

For those who want a classic Jiangnan city tour, you are recommended to visit Qiandao Lake with popular surrounding cities such as Hangzhou, Shanghai and Suzhou. Many people are familiar with Shanghai, The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, etc. are very popular among tourists. As the most famous backyards of Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou are popular for their traditional elite culture and exquisite attractions. In Suzhou, Zhouzhuang Water Town, Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, etc. are definitely must-go places for you. As for Huangzhou, West Lake, Linyin Temple, Longjing Tea Plantations, etc. should always be on your visit list. Check more about How to Plan Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tours.

Notice: Tours can only visit one scenic area within Qiandao Lake, next day tour need extra service charges excluded in the ticket fees.

☛ 3 Days Hangzhou Highlights Tour with Qiandao Lake

☛ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

☛ 6 Days Shanghai Hangzhou & Suzhou Bullet Train Tour with Wuzhen Water Town

>> Check more about Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tours