Wanfo Lake Scenic Area is located in Wanfo Lake Town, Shucheng County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a national-level water conservancy scenic area, a national geopark, a provincial-level scenic spot, and a provincial-level resort. The scenic area integrates mountains, water, springs, rocks, cliffs, pools, caves, forests, flowers, water conservancy facilities, and cultural sites, and is known as "Anhui's Beidaihe" and "Hefei's Backyard Garden." It covers approximately 300 square kilometers, of which the core area occupies 15 square kilometers, the lake surface is about 50 square kilometers, the shoreline is about 205 kilometers long, and the reservoir capacity is about 903 million cubic meters. The water quality in the reservoir meets China's Class II surface water standard. The scenic area's massive dam, with clay rammed in the middle and stone masonry on the slopes, is magnificent and was praised by Mr. Lan Xi, former chairman of the International Commission on Large Dams, as a "very remarkable project."
History and Culture
Wanfo Lake was originally named Longhekou Reservoir, named after the Longhekou (Dragon River Mouth) between KaoLao Mountain and Niutou Village where the main dam is located. It is a multipurpose water conservancy project of the Pishihang Irrigation System. Construction began in November 1958 and it is one of the "five major reservoirs" in western Anhui. Work was suspended in April 1961, resumed in 1966, and was largely completed in 1970. Reinforcement works were carried out in 2002. The highest peak in the scenic area is "Laofo Peak" at 1,539 meters above sea level. Below it on Danfeng Mountain stands a "Self-born Stele," with four characters "Wanfo Mingshan" (Ten Thousand Buddhas Famous Mountain) engraved during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, after which the lake was renamed Wanfo Lake. In 1994, the Shucheng County government promoted the area under the name "Wanfo Lake" and signed development agreements. Over the following years, significant achievements were made in tourism infrastructure, reception capacity, market development, and industry management. The scenic area has also hosted numerous cultural events, such as the first Shucheng County Dragon Boat Race in 1996, the Asian Triathlon Series and National Championships in 1998, and the first China Wanfo Lake Tourism Culture Festival & International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament in 2002.
Major Attractions
Longhe Pagoda
The Longhe Pagoda is the landmark of the scenic area. Built in the Ming Dynasty architectural style, it covers 3,800 square meters, stands 56 meters tall, and has 7 floors. Each floor features murals depicting the cultivation of Guanyin (Bodhisattva). Floors 1 to 4 display calligraphy and paintings, floors 5 to 6 exhibit cultural relics, and the 7th floor is an observation deck. From the top, visitors can enjoy a bird's-eye view of Longshu land, look south to the main peak of Wanfo Mountain, and look north to the Dragon Head Pagoda.
Zhou Yu Island
Located on the southern shore of Wanfo Lake, Zhou Yu Island consists of many small islets, including Jinyuan, Ruizhi Garden, Zhiyin Garden, and Liansandun, centering on the culture of Zhou Yu, a famous general of the Three Kingdoms period. The island features Eastern Wu naval fortifications and follows the story of Zhou Yu's growth. Jinyuan has a sacred chestnut tree telling the tale of "Egret Nurturing Zhou Yu"; Ruizhi Garden has the legend of "Five Elders Bestowing Treasures" and visitors can experience Zhou Yu's study tower; Zhiyin Garden features "Meeting a Soulmate through Music" and the classic opera scene "Zhou Yu and Xiao Qiao."
Yanzi Island
The island features bamboo-art architectural complexes, peacock gliding performances, and the Li Gonglin Calligraphy and Painting Museum. It is a popular spot for fans of traditional Hanfu (ancient Chinese costume).
Dragon King Island
From the summit, visitors can overlook the 66 islands scattered across the lake. The "Dragon-shaped Fountain" at the top offers stunning panoramic lake views, especially at 4 p.m. when the light is perfect. For those with limited stamina, a cable car is available (one-way 30 RMB).
Suggested Itinerary：
In the morning, take a boat tour around the islands. Purchase a combined "admission boat ticket." First, take a boat to Yanzi Island to enjoy the bamboo architecture and watch peacock gliding performances. Have lunch at the restaurant on Yanzi Island or at the food street near the return pier. At 13:30, head to Zhou Yu Island to explore the hometown of the Three Kingdoms general, with photo spots like the "Straw Boats Borrowing Arrows" set and Zhou Yu's study tower. At 15:00, go to Dragon King Island; you may climb to the top for lake views or take the cable car if tired. At 17:00, return to Longji Bridge to enjoy the sunset before departing.
Travel Tips：
Check the weather forecast in advance and bring appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
On holidays, visitor numbers are high; book tickets and accommodation early.
If traveling with seniors or children, consider taking the electric cart to save energy.
Bring a transparent umbrella, fish food, and other props to add fun and enhance photos.
Important Notes：
Follow scenic area regulations; do not damage the environment or public facilities.
Keep personal belongings safe, especially in crowded areas.
Follow staff instructions and pay attention to safety when boarding boats.
Smoke only in designated areas and do not litter.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Navigate to Wanfo Lake Visitor Center. Parking fees: free for the first 30 minutes; 15 RMB/day for small passenger cars (9 seats or fewer), 20 RMB/day for large passenger cars (over 9 seats); new energy vehicles get 2 hours of free parking (including charging time) per day.
Public bus: Take a bus to Shucheng County town first, then transfer to a bus to Wanfo Lake. For specific routes, consult the local public transport department.
Opening Hours：
Open year-round from 08:00 to 17:30, with last entry at 17:00. The latest boat boarding time is 15:30.
Tickets：
Admission (including boat ticket): 125 RMB per person.