Hongfeng Lake National Wetland Park
Red maple trees line the shores of Hongfeng Lake, and in golden autumn their leaves blaze like fire, creating a poetic scene. The park contains three ethnic villages, Miao, Dong and Buyei,…
Hongfeng Lake National Wetland Park, Guiyang
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥40 (March–October), ¥30 (November–February); Shangdong Village drum tower: ¥5
- Time needed
- 3–5 hours
- Getting there
- The Guiyang–Huangguoshu Expressway runs right across the lake. Tourist shuttle buses depart from Hebin Park in central Guiyang and reach the park in just over 20 minutes.
- Guidebook rating
- 3 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 464. Open in Google Maps
About Hongfeng Lake National Wetland Park
Red maple trees line the shores of Hongfeng Lake, and in golden autumn their leaves blaze like fire, creating a poetic scene. The park contains three ethnic villages, Miao, Dong and Buyei, where Miao stilt houses, Buyei stone-slab houses, and Dong drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges stand in pleasing arrangement, each with its own distinct character. Here you can also enjoy local ethnic song and dance and experience minority hospitality rituals such as Dong toasting songs and the Miao “roadblock wine” welcome. However, the Hongfeng Lake Ethnic Village feels rather artificial. Note also that the park has many worthwhile sights, but some require separate admission fees.
Tips from the guidebook
- 1. Boat fares: The entrance ticket only gets you to the boat dock; the scenery is on the islands in the lake, so you must take a boat. Large sightseeing boats cost ¥30 per person, speedboats ¥50 per person, and chartering a speedboat costs ¥300.
- 2. Avoid short skirts: Climbing the Dong village drum tower costs an extra ¥5. The wooden staircases are very high and steep, so women in skirts, especially short skirts, should take care.
- 3. Night tour: In summer and autumn, a night tour is recommended to avoid the midday heat and glare. Sunsets are stunning, and you can watch ethnic song and dance performances and join a bonfire party, making for a memorable evening.
- 4. Food: Don't forget to sample the fresh fish and shrimp from Hongfeng Lake while enjoying the views. A full fish banquet costs ¥150–200 and is available at the small restaurants around the front gate, which serve good food.
- 5. Beware of forfeit wine: When drinking the welcome wine at Dong or Miao villages, don't touch the horn cup holding the wine with your hands; otherwise you will be required to drink the whole horn in one gulp.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Hongfeng Lake National Wetland Park cost?
Admission to Hongfeng Lake National Wetland Park is ¥40 (March–October), ¥30 (November–February); Shangdong Village drum tower: ¥5, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
How do I get to Hongfeng Lake National Wetland Park?
The Guiyang–Huangguoshu Expressway runs right across the lake. Tourist shuttle buses depart from Hebin Park in central Guiyang and reach the park in just over 20 minutes.
How long should I spend at Hongfeng Lake National Wetland Park?
Plan on 3–5 hours for Hongfeng Lake National Wetland Park.
Where is Hongfeng Lake National Wetland Park?
Hongfeng Lake National Wetland Park is in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, in the Southwest of China.
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