Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake)
Also known as Mirror Lake. In the long history of Jianhu, the passages most familiar to us are probably those about the Wannian opera stage in Lu Xun’s writings, and the heroic spirit of Qiu Jin,…
Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake), Shaoxing · 猫猫的日记本 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Admission
- Three-zone combined ticket ¥130 (includes boat ticket)
- Opening hours
- 8:00–17:00 (1 May–7 October); 8:30–16:30 (8 October–30 April of the following year)
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Getting there
- Near Keyan Scenic Area bus stop
- Guidebook rating
- 4 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 1176. Open in Google Maps
About Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake)
Also known as Mirror Lake. In the long history of Jianhu, the passages most familiar to us are probably those about the Wannian opera stage in Lu Xun’s writings, and the heroic spirit of Qiu Jin, the heroine of Jianhu. The Ancient Jianhu area within Keyan Scenic Area is the core of the lake today. Visitors must take a boat from the Keyan Scenic Area pier to get there.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake) cost?
Admission to Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake) is Three-zone combined ticket ¥130 (includes boat ticket), as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake)?
Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake) is open 8:00–17:00 (1 May–7 October); 8:30–16:30 (8 October–30 April of the following year).
How do I get to Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake)?
Near Keyan Scenic Area bus stop
How long should I spend at Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake)?
Plan on 1–2 hours for Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake).
Where is Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake)?
Jianhu Lake (Mirror Lake) is in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, in the East China of China.
More places in Shaoxing
Houshan Hill
Beyond its unique rock formations, Houshan preserves a remarkable ancient Yue culture. Ride a wupeng boat through a watery Jiangnan countryside that looks like a painting, and leave the noise of the city behind. Some 2,400 years ago, King Goujian of Yue practised 'sleeping on brushwood and tasting gall' here before achieving the restoration of his kingdom. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, this was already a kiln site for ancient Yue celadon. Lu You, the Song dynasty poet, had ancestors who lived here for three generations. Beyond its natural beauty, the imperial gardens and private residences carved into the landscape earn it the reputation of a model of ancient Yue stone culture.
¥40 · 2 hours
Luzhen Town
Luzhen first appeared as a fictional place in Lu Xun’s stories such as Kong Yiji, The New Year’s Sacrifice and Village Opera. Today’s Luzhen is a theme park recreating Lu Xun’s “Luzhen” as a Jiangnan water town, a microcosm of Shaoxing’s waterside life. Stroll past the grand Lu Mansion, pause at the stage to listen to village opera, exchange a silver dollar for a cup of wine at Xianheng Tavern, and hear Xianglin’s Wife go on endlessly about her son Amao… Inside the play and out, it all feels wonderfully real.
Three-zone combined ticket ¥130 (includes boat ticket) · 2–3 hours
Keyan Scenic Area
Keyan dates back to the Han dynasty and has more than 1,800 years of history. Rooted in ancient Yue culture, it blends the water-town charm of Shaoxing. Keyan's 'cloud bone' rock formations are the most extraordinary; known as the 'first stone under heaven', they are a marvel of quarrying carried out since the Sui and Tang dynasties. Don't forget to use your wine voucher to sample a small cup of Shaoxing Huadiao and old rice wine on Hulu Island (Calabash Island).
Combined ticket for Keyan, Jianhu and Luzhen scenic areas: ¥130 (includes boat ticket) · 4–5 hours
Chuanyan Nineteen Peaks
One of China's most magnificent Danxia landform scenic areas. The park excels in natural scenery, with peaks, cliffs, caves, valleys, streams, rapids, waterfalls and pools all present, and mountain light and water colours blend into one. It embodies the four hallmarks of elegance, seclusion, uniqueness and danger, and is well suited to sightseeing, holidays, hiking, adventure and water activities.
¥60; small train ¥30 · 0.5–1 day
East Lake Scenic Area (Shaoxing)
This area was once a quarry. On both banks of the lake stand the steep cliffs left by quarrying, which mountain spring water has washed into streaks of brilliant colour, a truly striking sight. There are also narrow stone caves, some barely wide enough for a single boat to pass through, which are quite remarkable. The water of East Lake is far clearer than the canals of urban Shaoxing, so many visitors come specifically to ride a wupeng boat (乌篷船) here. The scenic area was also a filming location for the Kingdom of Women in the 1982 TV version of Journey to the West.
¥50 · 2–3 hours
Ziyang Street
Ziyang Street is considered Zhejiang's first ancient street, a microcosm of a thousand-year-old city and a symbol of a city of rich history and culture. The centuries have not diminished its endless charm. Stroll along Ziyang Street and discover its history, its folk customs and its cultural essence, along with the unique charm it has slowly accumulated over the passing years.
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