Crystal-clear lake surrounded by lush mountains with serene natural beauty.

Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area, a preeminent lake-and-mountain wonder located in Zixing City, Chenzhou, Hunan Province, is celebrated as a "National 5A-level Tourist Attraction" and one of "China’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Lakes." Spanning 160 square kilometers (with a water storage capacity of 8.12 billion cubic meters), it enchants visitors with its pristine blue waters (classified as "Class I Drinking Water"), 12 emerald islands (like "Wanlu Island"—home to 2,000+ wild sika deer), and 127-kilometer shoreline framed by 1,500-meter-tall forested peaks.

The area features iconic landmarks: the "Misty Xiaojiang River" (a 12-kilometer stretch where morning mists rise from the 8°C cold spring-fed waters, creating a "floating white silk" effect that has inspired countless photographers), the "Dragon King’s Gorge" (a 3km canyon with 18 waterfalls, including the 120-meter "Sky Curtain Waterfall" thundering into a turquoise pool), and the "Dongjiang Dam" (a 157-meter-high concrete arch dam, a marvel of 1980s hydropower engineering offering panoramic lake views from its observation deck). Steeped in local culture, it preserves Tujia ethnic traditions—fishermen in wooden boats still practice "night cormorant fishing," a 1,300-year-old technique where trained birds dive for fish, while the lakeside "Tujia Folk Village" showcases handwoven bamboo crafts and "Long Drum Dance" performances.

Today, Dongjiang Lake remains a top eco-tourism destination, attracting millions annually to take a "Sunset Cruise" (gliding past islands dotted with red-blossomed camellia trees), hike the "Cloud-Treading Trail" (a 5km path along the canyon rim with 270° lake vistas), or savor "Dongjiang Salmon" (freshwater salmon raised in the lake’s cold, oxygen-rich waters, served in local restaurants as sashimi or grilled). It stands as a harmony of nature and humanity—where every ripple reflects mountain grandeur, every mist whispers of serenity, and every visit offers a retreat into Hunan’s most breathtaking aquatic paradise.