Fairy Lake Travel Guide: Explore 99 Islands of Romance & Legends
Introduction:
Cradled by green hills in Xinyu, Jiangxi, Fairy Lake (Xianü Lake) is a jewel-like reservoir stretching across roughly 50 square kilometers. Ninety-nine islands of varying shapes dot its surface, giving this spot the nickname “China’s sanctuary of love.” The Eastern Jin chronicle Sou Shen Ji recorded a legend of a fairy descending to earth and falling in love here more than 1,600 years ago. Today, Ming-dynasty stone bridges rest on the water, egrets skim temple eaves, and couples clip locks on a heart-shaped bridge—whether you come for romance, photography, or solitude, Fairy Lake blends myth and nature into an unforgettable landscape.
1. Myth Becomes Reality: A Sanctuary of Love
The soul of Fairy Lake is its unmistakable “love gene.” According to Gan Bao’s Sou Shen Ji from the Eastern Jin period, a celestial maiden once bathed and lived by these shores before falling for a mortal—an image still memorialized at a lakeside bathing rock. Every year during Qixi (the Chinese Valentine’s Day), the park stages a grand festival: performers don historical costumes to reenact the weaver maiden and cowherd story, lotus lanterns drift on the water, and the scene becomes one of China’s most dreamlike traditional celebrations.
2. The Ecological Secrets of 99 Islands
Gliding by boat through the lake feels like turning the pages of a living scroll. Each of the 99 islands has its own character:
– Love Island: White wedding-dress sculptures and a wall of traditional Chinese love locks make it a top wedding-photo destination.
– Dragon King Island: The largest island preserves remains of the Ming-era Wannian Bridge; its 384-meter stone arches have withstood six centuries of weather and remain passable.
– Shengji Temple: Tang-dynasty chanting seems to travel through time here; a thousand-year-old ginkgo drops golden leaves in deep autumn.
The water quality meets China’s Class II national standard and the lake hosts 38 bird species. Early mornings often reveal egrets skimming the surface—an iconic scene for ecology photographers chasing the poetic image of “a line of white egrets rising to the blue sky.”
3. Cultural Layers Across Time
Fairy Lake’s history is richer than it appears:
– Architectural treasures: Wannian Bridge’s piers use an “ingot-lock” stone technique. Huge red sandstone blocks fit tightly like a Ming engineering masterpiece.
– Buddhist heritage: The main hall of Shengji Temple retains Tang dynasty “reduced-column” architectural traits. A gilt Ming Buddha statue in the temple is rated a protected national artifact.
– Living folk traditions: Nearby villages keep crafts alive—Fairy embroidery and Cha Opera remain practiced. Intangible cultural heritage workshops let visitors try these millennia-old skills.
4. Scenic Beauty in Every Season
– Spring (Mar–May): Rhododendron blooms and thin morning mists create ink-wash landscapes. Best spring views are from Dragon King Island’s observation deck.
– Summer (Jun–Aug): Night boat tours reveal firefly enclaves; Qixi brings water fireworks and lantern displays.
– Autumn (Sep–Nov): Ginkgo at Shengji Temple and lingering lotus pods craft a meditative photo season.
– Winter (Dec–Feb): Islands shrouded in morning fog appear like mythic isles; after snowfall the Wannian Bridge becomes a photographer’s dream.
Special phenomena can enhance a visit: after rain and clearing skies you may see a “fairy halo” effect, and snowy scenes on the ancient bridge are especially rare and beautiful.
5. Practical Visitor Guide
Transportation:
– By car: About a 2-hour drive from Nanchang Changbei International Airport (private car or charter recommended).
– By rail: Xinyu High-Speed Railway Station — take the K302 tourist shuttle to the park (about 40 minutes).
Suggested routes:
– Half-day highlights: Circular boat tour (stops at Love Island and Dragon King Island) → Shengji Temple → Wannian Bridge.
– Two-day deep visit: Day 1 lake ecology tour → Day 2 intangible cultural workshops and homestay (recommend staying in a lakeside guesthouse).
Tickets & costs:
– Combined entrance + boat ticket: RMB 150 (students half-price).
– Night boat requires a separate ticket (includes light show).
Tips & local services:
– The park offers bilingual electronic audio guides (deposit RMB 100).
– Love Island has a glass panoramic walkway; those afraid of heights can use the gentler circular path.
– Recommended local dishes at lakefront restaurants include the “Fairy Lake Trio”: steamed silverfish with egg, silver carp, and river shrimp.
Conclusion:
Fairy Lake reads like a three-dimensional poem of water and mountains; its 99 islands are punctuation marks and its ancient love legends give the landscape soul. Whether seeking a romantic blessing, cultural discovery, or simply the quiet beauty of Jiangnan waters, Fairy Lake promises more than expected. Start planning now and let Fairy Lake add the most romantic chapter to your China travels.
