Rush to Wanlu Lake in Heyuan and enjoy the revelry of lakes and mountains
Wanlu Lake in Heyuan: An ecological gem and poetic dwelling place on the Tropic of Cancer
In the ecological landscape of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Heyuan Wanlv Lake shines like a jade gem embedded in the "desert belt" of the Tropic of Cancer. With its vast water area of 370 square kilometers and water storage capacity of 13.9 billion cubic meters, it nourishes the source of life for nearly 50 million people. Named for its year-round greenery, this largest lake in South China is not only a national 5A-level tourist attraction but also a United Nations-certified "China Good Water" source. Its ecological value and cultural charm interweave to create a flowing landscape painting of mountains and waters.
Natural Wonders: An Ecological Gene Bank of Ink Painting Landscapes
The ecological secrets of Wanlu Lake are hidden in every drop of its clear waters. As the largest eco-tourism attraction in South China, its water quality consistently maintains the National Class I Surface Water standard, with visibility reaching over 4 meters. Aquatic plants sway like jade forests on the lake bottom, while rare species such as freshwater jellyfish and Chinese merganser thrive and reproduce here. More than 360 islands are scattered across the lake, creating a magical landscape of "islands within lakes and lakes within islands": the fiery maple forests of Longfeng Island, the secret floral paradise of Mirror Flower Garden, and the wetland education center at Water Moon Bay perfectly blend natural education with ecological tourism.
The seasons here compose a symphony of colors—in spring, azaleas paint the mountain ridges red; in summer, vast emerald waters reflect the blue sky; in autumn, maple forests display vibrant hues; and in winter, light mist gently shrouds the lake, creating the visual spectacle of "one lake, nine colors." With an average annual temperature of 19°C-23°C and negative ion concentration reaching 100,000 per cubic centimeter, the lake area is known as "South China's natural oxygen bar," becoming an ideal "lung-cleansing sanctuary" for city dwellers escaping the hustle and bustle.
Cultural Poetry: A Dialogue Between Hakka Culture and Ecological Civilization
Wanglü Lake is not only a gift of nature, but also a living museum of Hakka culture. The Jinghuayuan Scenic Area, based on the Qing Dynasty novel "Jinghuayuan," creates an immersive cultural experience: Hakka song and dance performances in the Women's Kingdom bring the "Hundred Flower Fairy" legend to life, the karst caves of Hongyan Cave hide the secrets of geological evolution, and the high-altitude slide lets visitors experience the thrill of surging adrenaline amid screams of excitement.
The Hakka Culture Museum by the lake tells the story of the "ancient Hakka settlement" through over 5,000 artifacts—from the architectural wisdom of Hakka walled houses to the culinary philosophy behind lei cha (pounded tea) and fermented tofu, from folk rituals like childbirth lanterns and imperial examination flags to the melodious tunes of Hakka mountain songs. Each exhibit bears witness to the Hakka people's spirit of "revering culture, valuing education, and passing down farming and scholarly traditions." Visitors can experience making lei cha and singing Hakka mountain songs in duets, immersing themselves in the cultural texture of a city that is "half mountain scenery, half lake views."
Three. Strategy Guide: N Ways to Unlock the Beauty of Lakes and Mountains
1. Classic Route · In-depth Cruise
Recommend Route 1 (Longfeng Island + Mirror Flower Fate) or Route 2 (Water Moon Bay + Longfeng Island), cruise across "South China's Premier Lake" and experience the feeling of "boats sailing on the lake, people traveling through a painting." The 360° lakeside trail on Longfeng Island is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, with bamboo groves, ancient trees, and viewing platforms creating natural frames for photos. The fine sandy beach and palm trees at Mirror Flower Fate make you feel like you're in "Northern Guangdong's Little Sanya." At sunset, the golden lake surface creates stunning, therapeutic photos with minimal effort.
2. Secret Exploration · Unique Experiences
Located just a 15-minute drive from the main scenic area, Sujiawai Ancient Village is a cluster of Hakka walled houses with gray brick walls and dark tile roofs. The aroma of glutinous rice wine wafts from the brewery by the lotus pond, while the rhythmic sounds of wooden pestles striking ceramic bowls echo through the tea house. Visitors can participate in the Hakka rice wine sealing ceremony or hand-grind a bowl of healthy lei cha (pounded tea), experiencing the poetic charm of a "slow-paced lifestyle."
3. A Culinary Journey: Feast of Lake Delicacies
The "three-way fish" dish made from Wanlu Lake bighead carp is a must-try delicacy—steamed fish head locks in the fresh sweetness, baked fish belly exudes a fragrant aroma, and the fried and braised fish bones are crispy and flavorful. Paired with the tender Hakka stuffed tofu and rich rice wine chicken, you can feast at the riverside seafood restaurants near the scenic area for just 60 yuan per person. For a wilderness experience, head to Wanlu Valley Resort where you can camp under the stars, listen to frogs and crickets, and fall asleep to the lake breeze.
Practical Tips: A Thoughtful Guide for Worry-free Travel
• Transportation: Navigate to "Wanlu Lake Scenic Area-Visitor Center" when driving. The parking lot can accommodate over 1,000 vehicles. If taking high-speed rail, get off at Heyuan East Station and take a taxi for about 40 minutes to reach the destination.
• Admission: Combined ticket 175 yuan/person (includes boat ticket), recommend booking online in advance; boat departures are on a fixed schedule, with service ending after 14:30, so plan your time accordingly.
• Accommodation: Mercure Wiltun Hotel, Huixiang Xunmei Guesthouse, and others offer lake view rooms. Some guesthouses also provide Hakka cuisine cooking classes by reservation.
• Equipment: Prepare sunscreen, sun hat, comfortable sports shoes, as the Longfeng Island trail requires a 1-hour walk; bring your own snacks, as there are limited dining options on the island.
Five. Ecological Protection: A Green Experiment in Sustainable Development
The charm of Wanlu Lake stems from the balanced wisdom of ecological protection and tourism development. As the "water tower" of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, it supplies 11 billion cubic meters of quality drinking water to cities like Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen each year, maintaining a 100% water quality compliance rate for many consecutive years. The scenic area uses a smart monitoring system to track water quality in real time and has launched the "Leave No Trace" environmental initiative. Visitors can participate in beach cleanup activities to help protect this "Green Gem of South China."
In recent years, Wanlu Lake has leveraged its "water economy" to drive industrial upgrading, attracting beverage companies like China Resources C'estbon to establish operations there, building an industrial cluster worth tens of billions. From eco-tourism to green industry, from cultural heritage to rural revitalization, Wanlu Lake is writing a vivid story of how "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."
Conclusion
At Wanlu Lake, every breath is a gift from nature, and every pause is a dialogue with the mountains and waters. This place is not only a paradise for summer retreat and wellness, but also a utopia for the soul. When dawn breaks, the vast emerald waters are bathed in golden light; when the sun sets, the lake surface shatters into a sky full of stars, and you will understand—what we call "paradise on earth" is simply the deep embrace between nature and culture. Pack your bags and come to Wanlu Lake for a thousand-year rendezvous with the green mountains and clear waters!