Mount Laoshan Island is located in the heart of Chaohu Lake, Zhongmiao Subdistrict, Chaohu City, Hefei City, Anhui Province. It is the largest island in Chaohu Lake. The scenic area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, featuring a core blend of lake-island scenery, fishing culture, and ancient temples, combining natural ecology with historical and cultural landscapes. The highest point of Mount Laoshan Island is 104.8 meters above sea level, with a total island area of 0.86 square kilometers and vegetation coverage exceeding 70%. The island is home to historical structures such as Wenfeng Pagoda and Shengfei Temple, with Wenfeng Pagoda standing 51 meters tall as the landmark ancient building of the scenic area. Relying on the ecological resources of Chaohu Lake, the scenic area forms a unique landscape integrating lake, island, mountain, pagoda, and temple, and is a core component of the Chaohu National Scenic Area.
History and Culture
The name of Mount Laoshan Island originates from a local folk legend of the Chaohu Lake region. According to legend, when a great flood struck the Chaohu Lake area in ancient times, a woman named Jiao Lao sacrificed herself to save the villagers and turned into a mountain to protect them, hence the island was named Laoshan ("Old Lady Mountain"). This legend has become an important folk cultural symbol of the Chaohu Lake basin, passed down for over a thousand years.
The human history of Mount Laoshan Island can be traced back to the Wei and Jin dynasties. Shengfei Temple on the island was first built during the Western Jin Dynasty in honor of Jiao Lao. It has undergone multiple renovations over the centuries and preserves the marks of ancient Jianghuai folk beliefs and architectural craftsmanship.
Wenfeng Pagoda, the core historical building on the island, was first constructed in the fourth year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty and was completed during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. The pagoda is built of stone strips and blue bricks, with seven stories. It houses cultural relics such as inscriptions and Buddhist relief carvings from various dynasties, making it a representative ancient pagoda on a lake island in the Jianghuai region.
As an ancient island in the heart of Chaohu Lake, Mount Laoshan has long been an important landmark for lake navigation and a gathering place for fishing communities, giving rise to a distinctive Chaohu fishing folk culture. It stands as an important witness to the historical changes and water civilization of Chaohu Lake.
Major Attractions
Wenfeng Pagoda
Located at the summit of the main peak of Mount Laoshan Island, Wenfeng Pagoda is the iconic structure of the scenic area. It was first built in the fourth year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty and completed in the third year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, initiated by Li Hongzhang. The pagoda is 51 meters high, a seven-story, octagonal pavilion-style brick-and-stone structure. It has 135 stone steps inside, and its exterior walls are inlaid with 802 stone carvings, including Buddhist figures and inscriptions. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Chaohu Lake and distant lakeshore scenery, making it the best spot to view sunrises and lake vistas.
Shengfei Temple
Located at the southern foot of Mount Laoshan Island, Shengfei Temple was first built during the Western Jin Dynasty in memory of Jiao Lao. It is one of the oldest temples in the Chaohu Lake basin. Covering an area of about 800 square meters, the temple features the Huizhou-style ancient architectural style. Inside, it enshrines a statue of Jiao Lao and preserves ancient steles, incense burners, and other relics, serving as a key site to experience the folk belief culture of Chaohu Lake.
Fisherman's Folk Garden
Situated along the coastal area of Mount Laoshan Island, the Fisherman's Folk Garden is themed around Chaohu fishing culture. It displays traditional fishing utensils, tools, folk costumes, and other artifacts, recreating scenes of fishing life. Visitors can experience folk customs and learn about Chaohu's fishing culture and waterside living traditions.
Mount Laoshan Island Ecological Trail
The ecological trail encircles the island, with a total length of about 3.8 kilometers. Built along the lakeshore, it links all natural and cultural attractions. The trail is lined with lush vegetation, offering views of the Chaohu shoreline, wetlands, and mountain forests. It is the core route for hiking, leisure, and lake viewing.
Wanghu Terrace
Located on the east side of the island, Wanghu Terrace is an observation platform covering about 200 square meters. It provides a close-up view of Chaohu Lake's waterscape, with vistas of the central lake islands and Zhongmiao Temple. The open view makes it an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing.
Suggested Itinerary：
The standard tour route around Mount Laoshan Island takes about 3 hours, combining walking and sightseeing. The route is: Take a ferry from Zhongmiao Pier to the island → Mount Laoshan Island Pier → Shengfei Temple → Fisherman's Folk Garden → Ecological Trail → Wanghu Terrace → Wenfeng Pagoda → Return along the trail to the pier and take the ferry back. This route covers all core attractions without repetition, allowing a complete tour of the island's cultural and natural scenery. The walking distance is moderate, suitable for all types of visitors.
Travel Tips：
Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours. Allow 30 minutes before boarding for ferry waiting to avoid a tight schedule.
Choose a sunny day for climbing Wenfeng Pagoda to clearly view the lake panorama. The stone steps are steep, so ascend slowly for safety.
Best seasons: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), with comfortable weather and optimal lake views.
Wear comfortable sports shoes for hiking; the 3.8?km ecological trail includes some slopes.
Bring some drinking water and snacks; convenience service points are available on the island with reasonable prices.
Photography enthusiasts should prioritize Wanghu Terrace and Wenfeng Pagoda, the best photo spots.
Important Notes：
Ferry operations are affected by weather; strong winds, heavy rain, and dense fog may cause temporary suspension. Check the weather before your trip.
Flammable and explosive items are prohibited on the island. Smoking and open fires are strictly forbidden; observe fire prevention regulations.
Inside Wenfeng Pagoda, space is narrow; crowding, leaning on railings, carving, and damaging cultural relics are prohibited.
Protect the ecological environment; do not litter or pick vegetation on the island.
Elderly visitors and children must be accompanied by family members. Sit firmly and hold on during the ferry ride; comply with safety regulations.
Swimming and fishing are forbidden in the scenic area. Stay away from dangerous lakeside zones for personal safety.
Respect historical relics and folk culture; do not touch or damage temple and pagoda facilities.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Navigate to the Mount Laoshan Island Pier Parking Lot in Zhongmiao Subdistrict, Chaohu City. The parking lot can accommodate 500 vehicles.
Public transit: Take Bus H105 from Hefei city center to Zhongmiao Bus Stop, then walk 500 meters to the pier.
Ferry: Visitors must take a ferry from Zhongmiao Pier to the island; the one-way journey takes about 15 minutes.
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train to Chaohu East Station, then transfer to Chaohu Bus Route 10 and then H105 to Zhongmiao Pier.
Opening Hours：
Regular opening hours: 8:00–17:30. The last ferry departs at 17:00; boarding stops after 17:30. During statutory holidays, hours are adjusted to 7:30–18:00, with additional ferry services to accommodate visitors. The scenic area is open year-round with no closure days; in severe weather, hours may be adjusted with advance notice.
Ticket Price：
Ticket: 60 RMB per person (including ferry fare).