Nantian Lake Tourism Resort is located in Nantianhu Town, Fengdu County, Chongqing Municipality, nestled in the remaining ranges of the Qiyao Mountains of the Wuling Mountain system. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a municipal-level resort in Chongqing. The resort features a rich variety of natural landscapes, including alpine lakes, primeval forests, grassy meadows, and canyon streams. It offers multiple experiences such as summer retreat, winter ice and snow recreation, wellness vacations, and sightseeing, earning it the reputation of "Chongqing's Summer Backyard Garden" and "A Snowy Wonderland by Nantian Lake." The planned total area of the resort is about 22 km2, with a core scenic area of about 10 km2. The lake itself covers approximately 3,000 mu (about 200 hectares) with a shoreline of about 6 km and an elevation of about 1,750 meters above sea level. Within the resort, there are a visitor center, resort hotels, a commercial street, an ice and snow sports center, and other supporting buildings with a total floor area of about 50,000 m2, providing comprehensive facilities to meet the needs of different visitors for both recreation and accommodation.
History and Culture
The human history of the Nantian Lake area can be traced back to the pre-Qin period, when it was an important area of activity for the Ba people. They lived and multiplied here, leaving behind traces of production and daily life related to the mountains and waters. Their fishing, hunting, and sacrificial cultures laid the foundation for the historical depth of Nantian Lake. According to local Fengdu county annals, Nantian Lake was regarded by local people as a "sacred lake" in early times because of its perennial clarity at the summit of the southern Wuling Mountains. On important solar terms, villagers would hold prayer ceremonies by the lake, a custom that continued for centuries and became an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, several temples and Taoist monasteries were built around Nantian Lake, among which the Nantian Temple was the most famous. Originally constructed in the Yongle era of the Ming dynasty, it was located in a col east of the lake and was once a core site of Taoist activities in the area. Although it underwent repairs due to natural decay and historical changes, the remaining steles and architectural components bear witness to the development of religious culture in the Nantian Lake region. In addition, Fengdu County, where Nantian Lake is situated, has long been known as the "Ghost City." The natural scenery of Nantian Lake and the folk culture of Fengdu Ghost City complement each other, forming a regional cultural tourism feature of "one mountain, one lake, one culture," and making it an important cultural node along the Yangtze River Three Gorges tourism belt.
Major Attractions
Nantian Lake Lakeside Park
Nantian Lake is the core attraction of the resort. The lake covers 3,000 mu (about 200 hectares) at an elevation of 1,750 meters. Its water comes from surrounding mountain springs and natural rainfall, making it clear and meeting China's Class II drinking water standards. The lake is encircled by mountains with a forest coverage rate of over 95%. The scenery changes with the seasons: in spring, flowers bloom along the shores; in summer, the lake shimmers with ripples; in autumn, colorful forests are reflected in the water; and in winter, the lake freezes into a mirror-like surface. It is an excellent place to enjoy lake and mountain views. A 6-km lakeside boardwalk has been built around the lake, with viewing platforms and rest seats. Visitors can walk or take sightseeing cars, and also enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities.
Paradise Valley Forest Park
Located on the west side of the Nantian Lake scenic area, Paradise Valley Forest Park covers about 12 km2 and is a protected secondary-growth forest area with a forest coverage rate of 98%. The park's elevation ranges from 1,400 to 2,000 meters and is home to nationally protected rare plants such as dove trees, Chinese yew, and metasequoia, as well as wildlife including macaques, golden pheasants, and wild boars. An 8-km forest hiking trail has been built, passing by natural attractions such as Fairy Cave, One-Line-Sky, and Guanyin Waterfall. Among them, Guanyin Waterfall drops about 30 meters, pouring down from a cliff to form a spectacular view; Fairy Cave has an entrance about 5 meters wide and extends about 20 meters deep, with stalactites in various shapes that are quite ornamental.
Nantian Lake International Ski Resort
Located in the northern part of the scenic area, the Nantian Lake International Ski Resort covers about 100 mu (about 6.7 hectares) and is a well-known alpine ice and snow sports base in Southwest China. It is divided into three zones: skiing area, snow-play area, and ice-snow landscape area. The skiing area has one beginner run and one intermediate run. The beginner run is about 300 meters long with a slope of about 8°, and the intermediate run is about 500 meters long with a slope of about 15°, accommodating up to 500 skiers at the same time. The snow-play area offers more than 20 snow activities, including snowmobiles, snow tanks, and snow tubing. The ice-snow landscape area features ice and snow sculptures, and hosts an annual Ice and Snow Art Festival in winter displaying various themed ice and snow artworks. The supporting Ice and Snow Sports Center covers about 3,000 m2 and provides ski equipment rental and coaching services.
Nantian Lake Grassland Camping Base
Located on the alpine meadow area east of Nantian Lake, the camping base covers about 500 mu (about 33 hectares) at an elevation of about 1,700 meters. The grassland is vast, with vegetation dominated by alpine grasses and wildflower meadows. In summer, the grass is lush and dotted with colorful wildflowers, making it an ideal place for camping, picnicking, and stargazing. The base is divided into three zones: self-service camping area, glamping area, and RV camping area. The self-service area can accommodate 200 tents and is equipped with water/electricity hookups, restrooms, and showers; the glamping area provides full camping gear including tents, canopies, and tables/chairs, with 50 campsites; the RV area has 30 parking spaces with charging piles and dump stations. In addition, there are barbecue areas and an outdoor stage, with regular starlight concerts and bonfire parties.
Cormorant Pool
Located in the southeastern part of the Nantian Lake scenic area, Cormorant Pool is a natural alpine lake covering about 50 mu (about 3.3 hectares) at an elevation of about 1,800 meters. It is named after the cormorants that often inhabited the area in earlier times. The pool is surrounded by lush woods and has a quiet, clean environment. It is home to freshwater fish such as crucian carp and carp. A 1-km leisure boardwalk has been built around the pool, with bird-watching platforms where visitors can watch birds, relax, and take photos. It is a relatively tranquil leisure spot in the scenic area.
Suggested Tour Routes：
One-Day Tour: Start from the visitor center, first visit Nantian Lake Lakeside Park, walk along the lakeside boardwalk for about 2 hours, and enjoy a boat ride (about 30 minutes). Then head to Paradise Valley Forest Park to hike to Fairy Cave, Guanyin Waterfall, and other sights, taking about 2.5 hours. Have lunch at the commercial street, and in the afternoon go to the Nantian Lake Ice and Snow Park (winter) or Grassland Camping Base (summer) for recreational activities, taking about 3 hours. End the day trip.
Two-Day Tour: Day 1 – Enter from the visitor center, tour Nantian Lake Lakeside Park with lakeside sightseeing and water activities. In the afternoon, go to Paradise Valley Forest Park for a deeper hike, and in the evening stay at the Grassland Camping Base or a resort hotel, joining a bonfire party or stargazing activity. Day 2 – In the morning, go to the ski resort (winter) for skiing and snow play, or visit Cormorant Pool for leisure (summer). In the afternoon, browse the commercial street, buy local specialties, and then return.
Family-Friendly Tour: Start from the visitor center, first go to the Grassland Camping Base for a picnic and family games (about 2 hours). Then go to Nantian Lake Lakeside Park to take the sightseeing mini-train to enjoy the lakeshore scenery (about 1 hour). In the afternoon, visit the Ice and Snow Park (winter) for snow-play activities, or take the family-friendly trail in Paradise Valley Forest Park (summer). The pace is relaxed and suitable for family outings.
Travel Tips：
The Nantian Lake area is at high altitude, with an average summer temperature of about 20°C and an average winter temperature of about -5°C. Please bring appropriate clothing: light jackets in summer, and down jackets and non-slip shoes in winter.
Best travel times: Spring (March–May) for flowers, summer (June–August) for retreat and camping, autumn (September–November) for autumn foliage, winter (December–February) for snow activities. June–August and December–February are peak seasons.
The hiking trails in Paradise Valley Forest Park are long; wear comfortable sports shoes, bring drinking water and some snacks, and limit hiking time to 3 hours to avoid overexertion.
Camping at the Grassland Camping Base requires reservation 1–3 days in advance. In summer, take insect repellent measures; nighttime temperatures are low, so bring a sleeping bag or light blanket. In winter, keep warm.
Skiing at the Ice and Snow Park requires helmets, gloves, and other protective gear. Beginners should choose the beginner run or hire an instructor to avoid accidents.
Dining in the area features Chongqing-style and farmhouse dishes. Try local specialties such as cured meat, bamboo shoots, and wild mushrooms at the commercial street.
Important Notices：
Some areas are primeval forests; do not leave designated trails to enter undeveloped areas to avoid getting lost or injured.
The lake water is deep, and some shore sections lack guardrails. Do not play in or swim in the lake; parents must supervise children closely.
Due to the high altitude, some visitors may experience altitude sickness. Take it easy upon arrival. If you feel dizzy or have chest tightness, go to the visitor center or the clinic for rest and consultation.
Smoking and open fires are prohibited in the scenic area, especially in grassland and forest areas. Violators will be fined according to regulations, and serious cases will be referred to public security authorities.
When shopping for local products (such as Fengdu spicy chicken, Nantian Lake wild mushrooms, etc.), choose reputable shops and check expiration dates.
During holidays, the area is crowded and parking is limited; consider traveling off-peak or using public transport. Sightseeing buses have limited capacity, so plan your itinerary in advance to avoid long queues.
Follow all scenic area regulations, protect the environment, do not litter, and do not damage vegetation or public facilities.
Transportation：
Self-driving: From downtown Chongqing, take the G50 Shanghai–Chongqing Expressway and G69 Yinchuan–Baise Expressway, exit at Fengdu East, then follow S203 Provincial Road to Nantianhu Town. The total distance is about 180 km and takes about 2.5 hours. From Fengdu county town, follow S203 to Nantianhu Town for about 45 km, about 1 hour.
Public transport: From Chongqing downtown, long-distance buses to Fengdu depart from Longtousi Bus Station and Sigongli Transport Hub; the journey takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival at Fengdu Bus Station, transfer to the Fengdu–Nantianhu shuttle bus, which takes about 1 hour and runs from 7:00 to 17:00, hourly.
On-site transport: Sightseeing buses operate within the resort, covering major stops including the visitor center, Lakeside Park, Paradise Valley, and the ski resort, from 8:00 to 18:00. Electric sightseeing car rentals are also available.
Opening Hours：
Open year-round. Core scenic area hours: 8:00–18:00.
Nantian Lake Ski Resort hours vary by season: winter (December–February) 8:00–17:30; off-season open only on weekends and public holidays, 9:00–17:00.
Paradise Valley Forest Park: 8:00–17:00, last entry at 16:00.
Grassland Camping Base: open 24 hours, with support services from 8:00–22:00.
The last sightseeing bus departs at 17:30; please allow enough time to return.
Admission：
Ticket price: 60 RMB/person.