Hedi Yinhu | Guangdong’s largest man-made sea A hidden gem with lake views in western Guangdong
🌤 Hedi Yinhu (Hedi Reservoir), Lianjiang, Zhanjiang
🔥🌊 Also known as Lingnan Thousand Islands Lake, Guangdong’s largest man-made sea, a national-level water conservancy scenic area spanning two provinces, a hidden gem with lake views in western Guangdong
1. Basic information
📍 Address: Along County Road 672, Hechun Town, Lianjiang City, Zhanjiang. Navigate directly to Hedi Yinhu Scenic Area
🎫 Entrance ticket: Free admission, no reservation required
💰 Optional paid activities (must-see)
1. Large sightseeing boat: 30–40 CNY per person, about 1 hour around the lake, passing through hundreds of islands
2. Speedboat charter: 200 CNY per boat, suitable for groups sharing a boat to visit islands
3. Bike rental on the lakeside greenway: 40 CNY per bike per day
4. Fishing: 30 CNY per spot (bring your own gear)
⏰ Opening hours: Dam and lakeside trails open all day; memorial hall 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, closed on Mondays
⏱ Recommended visit duration: Half day for a relaxed visit; a full day recommended for deep exploration by boat and bike
✨ Best seasons to visit
· Summer (June–August): wide open lake for summer cooling, clear water
· Winter (November–December): large blooms of kapok trees by the lake, pink flower sea against blue water, perfect for photography
· Spring and autumn: comfortable climate, ideal for cycling around the lake and watching egrets and other birds
2. Transportation guide (self-driving recommended)
1. Self-driving (highly recommended)
· From Lianjiang city center: 8 km, 15 minutes direct drive, free parking at the scenic area
· From Zhanjiang city center: 45 km, 50 minutes by car
· From Guangzhou by car: about 4.5 hours, highway direct to Hechun Town
2. Public transportation (complicated, suitable for locals)
1. Take high-speed train to Zhanjiang West Station → taxi or coach to Lianjiang bus station
2. From Lianjiang bus station, take a local bus to Hechun Town, then taxi 3 km to the scenic area
3. Nearby connected route for sightseeing
Hedi Yinhu → Tangshanling, Lianjiang → Gaoqiao mangroves → Anpu ancient town, a one-day loop in Lianjiang
3. Eight core must-visit spots (in order of visit)
1. Reservoir dam (landmark center)
Magnificent dam over 1,000 meters long. From the top, overlook 122 square kilometers of vast lake with hundreds of lush islands scattered across the water. The view blends water and sky perfectly. Sunset backlighting is highly photogenic.
2. Youth pavilion (panoramic high point)
At the top of Qushou Mountain, with a plaque inscribed by Guo Moruo. A 5-minute climb to the summit offers a 360° unobstructed view of the entire Yinhu Thousand Islands, with better views than the dam. Old pine and cypress trees add historic charm.
3. Reservoir construction memorial hall (free)
Learn about the history of 100,000 people building Hedi Reservoir and the Leizhou Youth Canal in 1958. Exhibits include old photos and tools. A red cultural highlight, great for educating children.
4. Hundred islands lake tour boat (soulful experience)
A must-do! The lake spans two provinces with over 100 pristine islands. Sailing among them is like Guangdong’s version of Thousand Islands Lake. You can see water birds and mangrove shallows up close. Some large boats allow brief island walks.
5. 30 km lakeside ecological greenway
Rent an electric bike or bicycle to ride along lychee groves, pineapple fields, egret habitats, and waterside boardwalks. Quiet and peaceful, the breeze over the lake is very soothing. Evening rides to watch the sunset are stunning.
6. Yinhu waterside boardwalk & wetland park
Walk along the wooden boardwalk by the lake for close contact with the water. In autumn and winter, many egrets rest here. A must for nature and bird photography lovers.
7. Reservoir fishing area
The reservoir has excellent water quality and abundant wild fish. Fishing is charged. Farmhouses nearby can cook your fresh catch.
8. Winter kapok flower sea (seasonal)
Every November–December, the lakeside road is lined with pink kapok trees in full bloom, creating a perfect atmosphere for photos from the car.
4. Two ready-made itinerary options
Itinerary 1: Half-day easy version (recommended for tourists)
Parking lot → dam viewpoint for photos → walk up to Youth Pavilion for full lake view → visit memorial hall → take boat tour around the lake → eat fish head soup in Hechun Town and return
Itinerary 2: Full-day deep leisure version
Morning: dam + Youth Pavilion + memorial hall
Noon: fish feast at a farmhouse in Hechun Town
Afternoon: boat island tour + cycling on the lakeside greenway or lakeside stroll
Evening: watch the sunset over the lake from the dam
5. Must-try local specialties (all available in Hechun Town)
1. Hechun Reservoir fish head soup (signature must-order)
Freshly boiled bighead carp head, milky white and sweet broth, Lianjiang’s top specialty, ordered at almost every table
2. Whole fish feast: steamed large reservoir fish head, pan-fried fish fillets, fish belly casserole
3. Hechun dog meat porridge, Anpu chicken rice, bamboo basket steamed dishes, Tangpeng fresh stewed pork
4. Desserts: Lianjiang sweet fermented rice, fresh red oranges (winter specialty)
6. Accommodation options
1. First choice: lakeside lake view homestay in Hechun Town
150–280 CNY per night, rooms face Yinhu directly, some rent fishing gear, free parking, great for early morning lake mist photography
2. Alternative: hotels in Lianjiang city center
Around 200 CNY, full range of options, more dining and late-night snacks, 15 minutes by car from the scenic area
3. Premium option: Hechun hot spring resort, soak in natural geothermal hot springs