Two lakes inside Kaifeng's Ming-era city wall, lined with willows and pavilions. They are shallow and decorative, ideal for rowboats, walks and evening views rather than swimming.
Yangjia Lake and Baogong Lake are two lakes inside the Ming-era city wall of Kaifeng, Henan Province, China, at the heart of the old city. The lakes are named for the Yang family and for Bao Zheng (Lord Bao), the celebrated Song-dynasty magistrate associated with Kaifeng, and their shores are lined with willows, pavilions, stone bridges and traditional-style halls. They are not beaches: the edges are stone embankments and landscaped banks, with no sand or pebbles. The water is shallow, generally green and decorative, and clarity is modest. Swimming is not the purpose of the lakes; they are meant for rowboats, walks and evening views.
The lakes are sheltered by the old-city setting, so there is little wind or wave action, and the shape is that of two broad ornamental ponds with pavilion-dotted edges rather than an open shoreline. The atmosphere is gentle and traditional, popular with local residents, families and visitors exploring the old city. Evenings can be lively when lights illuminate the pavilions and the surrounding streets fill with strollers, but there is no party beach scene.
Amenities include rowboats, lakeside paths, tea houses and toilets. There are no sun loungers or lifeguards. Tea houses provide a place to sit by the water, and the old city around the lakes offers a wide range of Kaifeng food, from night-market snacks to sit-down restaurants, within easy walking distance. Boat rental prices and hours vary by season and are best confirmed on site.
Access is easy because the lakes sit in central Kaifeng. Visitors can walk from the Drum Tower area or take a short taxi ride from Kaifeng station. Paths around the lakes are generally paved and flat, although some bridges and pavilion approaches involve steps. Parking in the old city is limited, so walking or taxis are more practical. The best months are April to October, when willows are in leaf and evenings are warm; summer midday heat can be intense, so morning and early evening are the most pleasant times. Combining a lake stroll with the nearby old-city sights makes a natural half-day in Kaifeng.
| Distance | In central Kaifeng |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Walk from the Drum Tower area or take a short taxi ride from Kaifeng station |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | April-October |
| Address | Baogong Lake and Yangjia Lake, Kaifeng, Henan 475000 |
Amenities
- Rowboats
- Lakeside paths
- Tea houses
- Toilets
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, families, photographers, walkers
Location
Baogong Lake and Yangjia Lake, Kaifeng, Henan 475000
34.8010, 114.3300 View on map
Highlights
- Rowboats on shallow, willow-lined lakes inside the Ming city wall
- Pavilions and stone bridges along the lake edges
- Evening lighting that draws local strollers
- Walkable from the Drum Tower area and the old-city food streets
Tips for visiting
- Do not swim; the lakes are shallow and decorative.
- Visit in the early morning or at dusk to avoid midday heat.
- Walk from the Drum Tower area, as parking in the old city is limited.
- Pair the lakes with old-city food streets for a full half-day.
- Confirm rowboat prices and hours on site.
When to visit
April to October, in the early morning or evening when it is cooler and the lights are on.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim in Yangjia or Baogong Lake?
No. The lakes are shallow and decorative, and are used for rowboats, walks and evening views.
Where are the lakes located?
Both are inside Kaifeng's Ming-era city wall in the centre of the old city.
How can visitors get there?
Visitors can walk from the Drum Tower area or take a short taxi ride from Kaifeng station.
When is the best time to visit?
April to October is best, with mornings and evenings the most comfortable.