Taining Dajin Lake

Dajin Lake, located in Taining County of Sanming City, Fujian Province, is one of the top most beautiful Danxia landform in China, ranked by China National Geography Magazine. It covers a total area of more than 230 square km and can be divided into five scenic areas: Jinhu Scenic Area, Shangqingxi Steam Scenic Area, Zhuangyuan Rock, Luohan Mountain and Taining Ancient Town.

According to the investigation certification of 63 well-known geological experts, the Danxia Landform above Dajin Lake is the world's most complete development one with the widest varieties, richest landscapes, largest area and highest altitude.
 

Taining World Geological Park

In 2005, Dajin Lake National Geopark was accredited by UNESCO, and was upgraded to Taining World Geopark. The park covers a total area of 492 square km, which Danxia area occupies square km. Consisting of Stone Net, Dajin Lake, the Eight Immortals Cliff, Gold Naoshan, the four parks and Taining Ancient Town, it is a composition of adolescent Danxia Landform (as the main landform), granite, volcanic, tectonic geomorphology and other geological heritage.

Dajin Lake not only has unique landform landscape, but also offers "cave culture" spectacle. It is said that there were up to 130 temples in Dajin Lake area, and each one was built in caves on a hillside. So far there are only about 70 remained, including Ganlu Temple(Sweet Dew Temple), which was modeled with the most prestigious World Heritage in Japan - Nara East Great Buddha.
 

Why Visit Dajin Lake?

Dajin Lake is part of the larger Taining Danxia Landform, which is included in the UNESCO-listed China Danxia geological heritage sites. The lake was formed after the construction of a hydroelectric dam, but what makes it extraordinary is the way water intertwines with towering red sandstone cliffs, caves, narrow gorges, and lush green forests.

Here, you’ll experience:

• Unique Danxia red rock formations

• Clear, calm lake waters

• Boat tours through dramatic canyons

• Ancient temples built into cliffs

• Peaceful hiking trails

• Fresh mountain air and ecological beauty

It’s a destination perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking tranquility.
 

Five Main Scenic Areas in Dajin Lake

【Jinhu Lake Scenic Area】Jinhu Lake is located in the middle of the park, originated from Jinxi Stream. After the hydropower station built here in 1980, the area of the lake’s surface is 36 square km. Since then, the vast deep clear water and the oddly-shaped Danxia hills became the perfect combination of dynamic and static, known as "the World’s First Lake Mountains” and it is very famous at both home and abroad. Now, Jinhu Lake is the largest artificial lake in China, with a water capacity of 870 million cubic meters.

【Shangqingxi Stream Scenic Area】
Shangqingxi Stream hides in between the valleys among the mountains. It is an incised meander in the valley formed by geological movement 65 million years ago. Sit in a bamboo raft and flow down along the stream, the scenery by the stream is very beautiful like the heaven.

【Zhuangyuan Rock Scenic Area】
Zhuangyuan means the Number One Scholar in Chinese. Zhuangyuan Rock is the representation of Taining Confucian culture and Taining World Geopark. It is said that, the No. one scholar Zhou Yinglong used to climb the rock and studied hard in the cave of the rock for 5 years when he was young. Later he became the No. One Scholar, and was revered as a sage. Subsequently ancient Confucianism students imitated the ancestors to read and debate in the cave.

【Luohan Mountain Scenic Area】
Here you can find red Danxia cliffs, ancient trees, vines, mountains and water. You could see mountians looks like Luohans, hence the name.

【Taining Ancient City】
Taining Ancient City has a long history of more than 1340 years. Here you can see well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasties’ buildings. And you can find authentic local rural life of southern China. 
 

Best Time to Visit

The best seasons to visit Dajin Lake are:

Spring (March–May)

• Mild temperatures (15–25°C)

• Misty mornings create dreamlike scenery

• Lush greenery and blooming flowers

Spring is ideal for photography and relaxed sightseeing.
 

Autumn (September–November)

• Comfortable weather

• Clear skies

• Beautiful reflections on the lake

Autumn is widely considered the best season because humidity is lower and the scenery is crisp and colorful.
 

Summer (June–August)

• Warm and humid

• Suitable for water activities

• Occasional rain showers

Summer is greener but can be hot. Morning and late afternoon are best for exploration.
 

Winter (December–February)

• Fewer tourists

• Quiet and peaceful atmosphere

• Cooler but rarely freezing
   

 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning: Arrive in Taining

• Late morning: Boat cruise on Dajin Lake

• Afternoon: Visit Ganlu Temple

• Evening: Walk around Taining Ancient Town

Day 2

• Morning: Hike in Wild Fun Valley

• Afternoon: Explore additional Danxia viewpoints

• Late afternoon: Relax by the lake before departure

If you have more time, you can explore nearby geological parks and rural villages.

 Outdoor Activities

Dajin Lake is not only about sightseeing — it also offers outdoor experiences:

• Hiking along scenic cliff paths

• Photography (especially sunrise and misty mornings)

• Light trekking in canyon areas

• Boat sightseeing

• Nature study and geological exploration

Because the terrain is not extremely high-altitude, it is suitable for families and older travelers as well.

How to Get There

By High-Speed Train

Taining has a railway station connected to major cities such as:

• Fuzhou

• Xiamen

• Shanghai

From the station, taxis or local buses can take you to Dajin Lake Scenic Area.

By Car

Driving is convenient if you want flexibility. The roads are well-maintained and scenic.

Travel Tips

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes

2. Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

3. Carry water

4. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds

5. Check weather forecasts during rainy season