Qiandeng Lake in Foshan

Qiandeng Lake (千灯湖) is located in the Guicheng Subdistrict (桂城街道) of Nanhai District (南海区), Foshan City (佛山市), Guangdong Province (广东省), China. It is a large artificial lake surrounded by a scenic park that has become one of the city’s most beloved destinations. The park is widely known for its beautiful lakeside scenery, innovative design, and historical features. It covers an area of about 302 acres, with the lake’s surface spanning 132 acres (approximately 88,000 square meters). The park is characterized by its open design and is accessible to visitors throughout the day.

Historical Development

  • 1999: Construction of Qiandeng Lake began, aimed at creating a scenic park and recreational area for the local community.
  • 2001: The park was completed and officially opened to the public, offering a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.
  • 2002: The first phase of the park, located at the central area, was completed and integrated into the larger park system.
  • 2007: The expansion of Qiandeng Lake started, with new features being added to the park.
  • 2010: The second phase, Xigang Park (玺岗公园), was incorporated into the park. This expansion included the addition of cultural squares, poetry squares, Jin Hai Bridge, and Living Water Park.
  • 2015: The fourth phase of the park, including the Kuixing Pavilion (魁星阁), was completed.
  • 2016: The groundbreaking of the new Nanhai Cultural Center (南海文化中心), a landmark building, was marked by a foundation ceremony at the western side of the park.
  • 2017: Qiandeng Lake was officially upgraded to the Qiandeng Lake Central Park (千灯湖中央公园), which is now divided into four development phases.

Geographic Location

Qiandeng Lake is situated along Denghu West Road (灯湖西路) in the Guicheng Subdistrict (桂城街道) of Nanhai District. It is centrally located within the urban landscape of Foshan and is easily accessible from different parts of the city. The park spans about 302 acres and is a fully open public park, making it a central hub for both tourists and locals alike. The park is bordered by important urban roads on the north, south, east, and west, allowing for easy access by car, public transit, or on foot.

Key Geographic Features:

  • Lake Surface Area: Approximately 132 acres (88,000 square meters).
  • Shoreline: The park’s shoreline extends about 2.2 kilometers.
  • Water Depth: Shallow along the edges (0.8 to 1.2 meters) and deeper in the center (up to 2.8 meters).
  • Streams: The park has five main streams, each with its distinct theme: Knowledge, Harvest, Heron, Phoenix, and Dove.

Design and Architecture

Qiandeng Lake’s design blends traditional Chinese garden aesthetics with modern landscape architecture. The park is designed around the central water feature, incorporating water as the core element of the design. The surrounding park area contains various recreational spaces, cultural sites, and natural landscapes.

Notable Architectural Features:

  • Water Tea Pavilions (水上茶亭): These 12 pavilions float on the lake, providing a traditional space for tea-drinking and leisure.
  • Cypress Tea Houses (柏树茶店): A total of five tea houses around the lake offer visitors a chance to relax while enjoying traditional Chinese tea culture.
  • Historical Observation Tower (历史观测塔): A tower providing panoramic views of the park and lake.
  • Kuixing Pavilion (魁星阁): A traditional Chinese-style pavilion built as part of the park’s historical and cultural offerings.
  • Large Concrete “Cover Buildings” (掩体建筑): These structures are embedded into the hillside, where thick mountain soil is used to blend the buildings into the natural landscape. Only the entrance faces the lake, making the structures appear as part of the natural terrain.
  • Viewpoint Towers (景观塔): Six tall towers placed along the mountain slopes offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding park.

Other Features:

  • Phoenix Pavilion (凤凰亭): A scenic pavilion that is located by the water, providing a peaceful place to sit and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
  • Twenty-First Century Island (二十一世纪岛): An island within the lake that can be accessed via footbridges.
  • Flower Maze (花迷宫): A landscaped maze of flowers that adds a whimsical and colorful aspect to the park.

Cultural Significance

Qiandeng Lake is not only an important ecological park but also a cultural hub for the region. The park celebrates traditional water culture, which is deeply rooted in the local history of Guangdong Province. Various cultural activities, such as traditional tea-drinking ceremonies, opera performances, and dragon boat races, take place regularly, allowing visitors to experience the region’s rich heritage.

Cultural Activities:

  • Traditional Tea-drinking: Visitors can experience traditional Chinese tea culture at the lake’s water tea pavilions.
  • Opera Performances: Local operas and performances are held in the park, reflecting the region’s traditional arts.
  • Dragon Boat Racing: A traditional pastime in Guangdong, dragon boat races are held during special events.
  • Poetry Square (咏诗广场): A square dedicated to poetry, where visitors can appreciate both historical and modern works of Chinese poetry.

Recognition and Awards

Qiandeng Lake has received numerous accolades for its landscape design and urban significance:

  • National AAAA-Level Tourist Attraction: Qiandeng Lake was recognized as a National AAAA-Level Tourist Attraction by China’s National Tourism Administration.
  • Global Open Space Award: On October 8, 2015, Qiandeng Lake received the prestigious Global Open Space Award in San Francisco, often referred to as the “Oscar” of the landscape design industry. This made Qiandeng Lake the first project from China to win the award.
  • National Night Cultural and Tourism Consumption Cluster: In 2022, Qiandeng Lake was added to the list of National Night Cultural and Tourism Consumption Cluster Areas by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China.

Local Cuisine and Dining

The park is home to several eateries that offer local delicacies, giving visitors a taste of the region’s culinary culture:

  • Moon Feng Tang Bakery and Sweets (月枫堂面包甜点): A popular bakery offering pastries and desserts.
  • Tai Er Sauerkraut Fish (太二酸菜鱼): A famous dish in the region, this is a type of fish stew with pickled vegetables.

Accessibility and Transportation

Qiandeng Lake is easily accessible through various modes of transportation.

Public Transportation:

  • Bus: Several bus routes serve the area, including buses 102, 104, 120, 132, and 137. Visitors can take any of these buses to the Qiandeng Lake Terminal and walk to the park.
  • Metro: The Guangzhou-Foshan metro line connects directly to the Qiandeng Lake Metro Station, making it easy for visitors to reach the park.

By Car:

  • From Shanghai: Take the Hukun Expressway (沪昆高速), followed by the Jiguang Expressway (济广高速), and then head towards Foshan via the Nanshao Expressway (南韶高速).
  • From Guangzhou: Take Dongfeng Middle Road and then follow the directions to Qiandeng Lake via Hai Ba East Road (海八东路).

Visiting Hours and Admission

  • Opening Hours: Qiandeng Lake is open all day, providing visitors with the flexibility to visit at any time.
  • Admission Fee: There is no entrance fee, and the park is free to the public.

Qiandeng Lake (千灯湖) in Foshan is a stunning example of modern landscape architecture fused with traditional Chinese cultural elements. The park offers a range of activities and attractions that highlight the region’s natural beauty, history, and cultural heritage. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or a place to enjoy local traditions, Qiandeng Lake provides a delightful and enriching experience for all visitors.