Hidden Gem｜A Guide to Experiencing the Magical Dawn at Duhu Lake and Baiyang Lake, Cixi

At 5:30 am, the alarm clock rang, and I was still drowsy. But the moment I stood on the banks of Duhu Lake, all traces of sleepiness were swept away by the morning light— 🌅A Secret Realm Awakened by the First Light of Dawn As the first hint of dawn appeared in the east, a morning mist, like a thin veil, enveloped Duhu Lake. The silhouette of the island in the center of the lake appeared faintly in the fog. Reeds along the shore swayed gently in the breeze, startling egrets that skimmed across the water's surface, their wingtips adorned with dewdrops sparkling like tiny diamonds. An old fisherman set sail in his wooden boat, the oars parting the mirror-like surface of the lake. The ripples reflected the distant, dark green mountains, creating a scene reminiscent of Song Huizong's painting, *A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains*. 📸Golden Hour for Perfect Shots 6:10-7:30 am is a magical time treasured by photographers! I recommend heading straight to these three fantastic spots: 1️⃣Duhu Lake South Bank Viewing Platform: Use a telephoto lens to capture the dance of fishing boats and the morning light. Wearing plain-colored clothing for silhouette shots is recommended. 2️⃣Baiyang Lake Ancient Bridge Ruins: The remnants of the bluestone bridge piers and the newly grown aquatic plants create a dialogue between the past and the present. 3️⃣Tea Plantation Trail on the West Side of the Lake: Stand at the highest point to overlook the two lakes mirroring each other. Aerial photography with a drone is even more stunning. 🍃A More Rustic Jiangnan Charm Than West Lake If Duhu Lake is an elegant lady, Baiyang Lake is a lively country girl. As you venture deeper along the bluestone path, you'll encounter: ▫️A theater of light and shadow created by centuries-old camphor trees ▫️Water pheasant nests hidden in the wild water chestnut fields ▫️Old tea farmers carrying bamboo baskets to pick pre-Qingming tea ▫️Egrets fishing at a turn in the lakeside boardwalk ✨Tips for Your Visit: ✅Navigate to "Duhu Villa parking lot" if driving. Parking spaces are limited on weekends, so arriving before 7 am is recommended. ✅For capturing the morning mist, choose a clear day after rain, ideally with around 70% humidity. ✅Nearby farmhouses offer the "Three Treasures" of lake cuisine: steamed silverfish with egg, drunken crab with white shrimp, and water shield soup with fish balls. ✅The entire loop around the lake is 5.8 km, taking about 2 hours by bike or on foot. While the city is still asleep, the landscape here has already awakened. Without expensive entrance fees or long queues, this unique morning Jiangnan poetry awaits you at Cixi's twin lakes. Baiyang Lake