Shengjin Lake
升金湖
A national nature reserve in Dongzhi County and Guichi District of Chizhou, on the south bank of the Yangtze opposite Anqing. Hooded cranes and white storks winter here in flocks, making it a renowned birdwatching site in the middle and lower Yangtze.
Shengjin Lake lies between Dongzhi County and Guichi District in Chizhou, across the Yangtze from Anqing. It is a well-preserved lake connected to the Yangtze in the middle and lower reaches and is both a national nature reserve and a Wetland of International Importance. From November to March each year, large numbers of waterbirds winter here, including hooded cranes, white-naped cranes, oriental white storks, and tundra swans, making it one of the key places in China to see hooded cranes. Birdwatching requires a telephoto lens and binoculars. The core zone of the lake is not open to the public, so watch from the lakeside roads and viewing points, follow reserve rules, and do not approach or disturb the flocks. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Anqing across the Yangtze bridge.
Opening hours
Open all day (core area off-limits)
Nearby sights
- Anqing Yangtze River Bridge & Riverside
- Yingjiang Temple & Zhenfeng Pagoda
- Shitaishidi (Zhao Puchu's Former Residence)
- Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Anqing
- Huangmei Opera Guild Hall
- King of Ying Mansion
- Daopashi Historic Street
- Former Anhui University Red Building & Jingfu Academy