Quyang Lake: The Eye of the Earth

Quyang Lake is like a quietly opened eye of the earth, serene and profound. The lake water resembles flowing emerald green jade (metaphor). When a gentle breeze passes, the ripples on the surface resemble fine wrinkles etched by time. Along the lakeshore, aquatic plants sway gracefully, as if adorning the lake's skirt (personification). At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight fall, Quyang Lake awakens, shrouded in morning mist like a thin veil, adding a touch of mystery. In the evening, the golden hues of the setting sun dye the lake water, as if it were nature's most proud masterpiece. At Quyang Lake, you can feel time slowing down. It exists quietly, embracing everything around it. It is a cradle of life, nurturing countless creatures, and also a solace for the soul, offering inner peace to all who visit. 🌄 1. Introduction to Quyang Lake Located 28 km northwest of Jingxi City, Baise, Guangxi, Quyang Lake is a plateau lake in a karst landscape, hailed as the "Guilin on Water" and the "Most Beautiful Lake on the China-Vietnam Border." * Area: The lake spans 10.36 square kilometers, with a total storage capacity of 92 million cubic meters. It stretches 15 km in length and reaches 1 km at its widest point. * Features: The crystal-clear, jade-like waters are dotted with 14 karst peaks resembling lions, carps, and snails. Zhuang ethnic stilt villages, bamboo groves, and cooking smoke along the shore create an ink-wash painting. * Title: A free-entry national water conservancy scenic area, it remains underdeveloped, preserving its pristine tranquility. 🚗 2. Transportation Guide 1. Self-drive (recommended): * Navigate to "Quyang Lake Restaurant" or "Baqi Village Viewing Pavilion" (about 40 minutes from Jingxi city center). * The southern ring road is well-paved, while the northern section is narrower (SUVs advised). 2. Public transport: * Take a bus from Jingxi North Station to Kuiwei, alight at Quyang Town (fare ¥15), then walk to the lake. 🎫 3. Tickets & Fees * Entrance: Free. * Boat fees: * Official boats: ¥58/person (online advance purchase), ¥68/person (on-site), covering half the lake in ~40 minutes. * Private boats: Charter for ¥80~100 (seats 4), full lake tour in 1.5 hours (better value). 🌟 4. Must-Do Activities & Attractions 1. Boat Tour * Best times: Dawn (misty) or dusk (golden sunset). * Route: Qizhen Pier → Lake island clusters → Zhuang village reflections, weaving through peaks like a fairyland. 2. Panoramic Views * Baqi Viewing Pavilion: Navigate to "Baqi Village," hike 15 mins to the top for a bird's-eye view (prime photo spot). * Qizhen Boardwalk: Near Qizhen Pier, 360° lake-mountain vistas, ideal for sunrise shots. 3. Lakeside Leisure * Cycling/driving: South shore route (Quyang Lake Restaurant → Bama Village → Pogu Camp), with scenic overlooks. * Camping: Pogu Auto Camp (full facilities, overnight stays), stargazing at night, misty lake views at dawn. 4. Cultural Immersion * Visit lakeside Zhuang villages (e.g., Huiju Village) for stilt-house experiences and colorful sticky rice making. 📸 5. Photo Spots 1. Baqi Viewing Pavilion: Lake-island panoramas, sunset. 2. Qizhen Pier Boardwalk: Sunrise, mist, peak reflections. 3. Linling Village Shore: Fishing boats at dusk, golden waters. 4. Quyang Town Fish Restaurant: Close-up lake-peak views (all day). 🍜 6. Food Recommendations * Quyang Lake fish feast: Steamed grass carp, sour bamboo shoot fish (freshly caught, no mud taste). * Zhuang cuisine: Five-color sticky rice (plant-dyed), Jingxi dumplings (thin wrappers), sour pickled fruits. * Top picks: Quyang Town lakeside fish restaurants, Pogu Camp farmhouse eateries. 🏡 7. Accommodation 1. Lakeside camping: Pogu Auto Camp (toilets/showers, ¥50~100/tent). 2. Quyang Town homestays: Zhuang-style (¥100~200/night), lake-view windows. 3. Jingxi city hotels: E.g., Boman Hotel (full amenities, 40-min drive to lake). 📅 8. Itinerary (1~2 Days) Day trip: * Morning: Sunrise at Qizhen Boardwalk → Full-lake private boat tour → Baqi Village hike. * Afternoon: South shore drive → Pogu Camp picnic → Sunset at Linling Village. * Dinner: Fish feast in Quyang Town. 2-day trip: * Day 2: Combine with nearby E’Quan (springs, 50 km) or Tongling Grand Canyon (waterfalls/caves, 60 km). ⚠️ 9. Tips 1. Best seasons: April–May (spring blooms), September–October (autumn colors). 2. Essentials: Sun hat/cream, mosquito repellent, motion sickness pills, camera (telephoto + wide-angle). 3. Eco-reminder: No littering—protect the water ecosystem.