When planning a trip to Juchao, it is worth exploring the wider area around Chaohu Lake as well. The regional destinations differ considerably: the islands and temple history take center stage by the lake, while wetlands, caves, and rock formations define other areas. You can therefore group the places by different themes, such as cultural history, nature education, or geological landscapes.

Culture Between Island and Shore

In the wider area around Juchao, Laoshan is the largest island in Chaohu Lake. It lies opposite Zhongmiao Temple on the north shore. The island is home to Wenfeng Pagoda, which is 51 meters tall and has seven stories. Zhongmiao Temple was founded in 239 AD and has a history spanning almost 1,800 years. These landmarks offer two distinct points of interest: the temple’s history stretches far back, while the pagoda stands out for its height and number of stories.

The Laoshan Scenic Area in Chaohu is designated a national 4A-rated scenic area. Its landscape features islands, lake scenery, temples and pagodas, wetlands, and rural areas. Another historic building in the region is the Zhaozhong Shrine, a structure in the Huizhou architectural style. Li Hongzhang had it built in 1892 to commemorate soldiers of the Huai Army who had fallen in battle. Its commemorative purpose highlights a different aspect of history from the founding date of Zhongmiao Temple.

Shoreline, Wetlands, and Nature Education

Near Juchao, Guishan Park lies on the north shore of Chaohu Lake. It covers around 100,000 square meters. A viewing platform extending out toward the lake and a lakeside walkway give the park its distinctive waterside setting. The park’s nature education center focuses on wetland culture and wetland studies.

Children can learn about wetland species and view bird and plant specimens there, as well as find out more about the protection of birds and wetlands. The Huatang River Wetland is also located in the Zhongmiao area of Chaohu Lake. It covers about 500 mu and was developed into a wetland park following ecological restoration. Shankou Park in the Zhongmiao Shankou area offers a green space for recreation and leisure. The regional attractions therefore have quite different focuses: the nature education center emphasizes learning, the Huatang area is a restored wetland, and Shankou Park offers green space for recreation.

Landscapes, Caves, and Blossoms

Another scenic area lies on the south shore of Chaohu Lake: Yinping Mountain Scenic Area is designated a national 3A-rated scenic area and is part of Sanbing Town. Xianren Cave in the Yinping Scenic Area is about 1,200 meters long. Its features include stalactites, unusual rock formations, and interconnected chambers. Ziwidong Cave is a rare, passage-like karst cave with an underground river. Inside are stalactite and rock formations, as well as notable sights known as the “Three Wonders and Four Special Features.”

The plant life also offers contrasting sights. The wild white peony “Yinping Qihua,” which is more than 1,300 years old, grows in Sanbing Town. It is rooted in a crevice on a cliff about 30 meters high and blooms around the Guyu solar term; the exact blooming time may vary from year to year. The Xin Chuantang Sea of Flowers is east of Xin Chuantang in the Zhongmiao subdistrict and covers 28,600 square meters. Its flower displays, laid out for visitors, are made up of cosmos, sulfur cosmos, and zinnias. Thus, a single wild plant on a cliff contrasts with a landscaped flower garden featuring several varieties.

Discover more destinations: Fuyang, Xuancheng, Bozhou, Hefei, Chizhou, Wuhu, Chuzhou, Bengbu

For the overview of the wider region: Anhui.