Hanyuan Lake
汉源湖
A high-canyon lake formed by the reservoir of the Pubugou hydropower station, with pear blossoms and rapeseed flowers along its shores in spring, ideal for a drive around the lake.
Hanyuan Lake is an artificial lake formed after the Pubugou hydropower station on the Dadu River was impounded. It encircles the new county seat of Hanyuan, with a wide water surface and hills rising around it. Hanyuan is known as China's Sichuan pepper hometown and a pear-growing region. From mid to late March, the hills and fields around Qingxi and Jiuxiang are covered with pear blossoms and rapeseed flowers. Cherry and peach blossoms also bloom by the lake, making it a popular spring blossom drive from the Chengdu area. In autumn, pear leaves turn yellow and red, colouring the whole landscape. You can stroll along the lakeside walkway in the new county seat, drive the lakeside road to viewpoints overlooking the water, or take a boat trip on the lake. Entry is free. From Ya'an city, it is about 1.5 hours via the Ya'an–Xichang Expressway, and it can be combined with the Jiuxiang Stone Archway.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Jiuxiang Stone Memorial Archway
- Longcanggou National Forest Park
- Anshunchang (Dadu River Crossing Site)
- Wanggangping Scenic Area
- Wangyu Ancient Town
- Zhougong Mountain Hot Spring
- Ya'an Museum
- Yazhou Covered Bridge