Shijiu Lake

Xiangyang Village in Shiqiu Subdistrict is located on the northern shore of Shijiu Lake in Lishui District, Nanjing. It marks the northern entrance of the Shijiu Lake Grand Bridge and is a classic vantage point for admiring the lake's famed "Mirror of the Sky." The dam viewing platform beside the village offers an unobstructed, panoramic view of the 12.6-kilometer bridge spanning the lake like a dragon resting on the water, with sky and lake merging into one. On clear days, the mirror-like surface reflects clouds and sunlight, creating the dreamlike "Mirror of the Sky" effect. At sunset, golden light shimmers across the water as trains cross the bridge in the distance—every shot is a masterpiece. From the dam, visitors can also watch boats pass and migratory birds soar overhead. Since stopping on the bridge is prohibited, the dam is the safest and most ideal viewing spot.

The Shijiu Lake Grand Bridge stretches 12.6 kilometers, connecting Lishui and Gaochun districts in Nanjing. It carries both a highway and the Ninggao Intercity Rail Transit (Metro Line S9). When an S9 train crosses the lake on the bridge, the view from the carriage windows—where water and sky merge into one—creates the illusion of a train gliding over the sea, earning it the nicknames "Nanjing's Sea Train" and "Water Train" among internet users. This unique transportation spectacle has drawn countless photographers who capture the train crossing the lake from various angles. Riding the S9 line is itself an unforgettable sightseeing experience: through the windows, the vast expanse of blue water, distant mountain silhouettes, and the horizon unfold in full. The bridge spans the lake from east to west, with the deck just meters above the water. When the lake is full, it feels like traveling on the open sea—most breathtaking in the misty early morning or under a sky blazing with sunset hues.

The Xizhao Village Birdwatching Point is located in Jiajia Xizhao Village, Honglan Subdistrict, Lishui District. It is a vital part of the Shijiu Lake wetlands and, thanks to its expansive open water, rich aquatic vegetation, and favorable ecological conditions, serves as a crucial habitat for migratory and wintering birds. Shijiu Lake is an important stopover on the migratory flyway. Survey data shows that 159 wild bird species across 16 orders and 44 families have been recorded in the area in recent years, including three species under national Class I protection—the Black-faced Spoonbill, Oriental White Stork, and Red-crowned Crane—and fourteen species under national Class II protection, including the Tundra Swan, Whooper Swan, Swan Goose, White Spoonbill, and Common Crane. Each year from autumn through early spring, flocks of swans and waterfowl arrive from Siberia and other northern regions to winter on the lake, creating a spectacular sight. The best birdwatching time is at dawn when mist lingers over the water and birdsong fills the air. Visitors are urged to observe birds responsibly—maintain distance, do not feed, and do not disturb.

The First Work Zone is located on the Lishui-side shoreline of Shijiu Lake, named after the lake's zoned management system. It has become an internet-famous photography destination in recent years. Two iconic landmarks define the area: a red-and-white lighthouse standing on the lakeshore, its clean lines and vivid colors making it a perfect compositional focal point against the blue water and sky; and a solitary tree standing alone in the shallow water, affectionately known as the "Lonely Tree." Through the seasons, the tree shifts from lush to bare, creating a minimalist and poetic image against the vast open lake. At sunset, the silhouettes of the lighthouse and the lonely tree against the evening glow are especially moving, drawing numerous photographers. The area features a winding shoreline, lush reed beds, and a beautiful ecological environment, making it a great spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying the lakeside wilderness. A nearby tree whose canopy naturally forms a heart shape—known as the "Heart Tree"—is another popular photo spot.

Zhangxu Village in Hefeng Town is located on the southern shore of Shijiu Lake and is a classic vantage point for viewing the lake's sunset and the "Water Train." A pier extends from the shore into the lake, and standing at its end opens up an unobstructed view of the boundless water where lake meets sky. The optimal visiting time is between 4:00 and 6:00 PM, when the setting sun casts golden light across the rippling surface and water merges with sky. If a Metro Line S9 train happens to cross the grand bridge at that moment, the composition of train and sunset creates an effortless masterpiece. From 7:00 to 8:00 AM, mist drifting over the lake lends a fairy-tale atmosphere. The pier area is rich in aquatic vegetation, and migratory birds occasionally appear, blending natural ecology with cultural scenery. Light-colored clothing is recommended for better photo results. The site has become a popular destination for photographers and travel bloggers alike.

Zhujia Village in Hefeng Town sits on the southern shore of Shijiu Lake. It is a traditional ancient village built along the water, with whitewashed walls and dark-tiled-roof houses scattered organically along the shoreline, preserving the simple and tranquil character of a Jiangnan water-town village. The village has a long history, with residents who have fished and farmed for generations and maintained a simple, honest way of life. Strolling through the village, visitors encounter old houses, ancient wells, stone-paved paths, and lakeside vegetable gardens, with smoke rising from kitchen chimneys and the sounds of rural life—a scene reminiscent of an earthly paradise. The open lake before the village offers vast blue waters on sunny days and misty, poetic vistas in the rain, with scenery that shifts beautifully through the seasons. Adjacent to the Zhangxu Village sunset pier, Zhujia Village can be combined into a single itinerary linking cultural heritage with natural lakeside beauty. It is an ideal destination to experience the original lakeside lifestyle and enjoy a slow, pastoral pace. In recent years, as Shijiu Lake tourism has grown, the village has developed farm-stay restaurants and guesthouses, offering visitors rural cuisine and accommodation.