Songhua Lake

Overview

About

Songhua Lake lies on the Songhua River 15 km south-east of Jilin City, Jilin, on the west side of the Changbai Mountains, a reservoir behind the Fengman hydro dam, over 200 km long, 10 km at its widest and 550 km² in area; the dam is 91 m high and 1,000 m long.

Dozens of peaks over 1,000 m line its shores and it is rich in fish, especially whitefish and crucian carp. The Songhua Lake ski resort lies south-west of Fengman.

It is in the second batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 1988.

Travel tips

Getting there: Songhua Lake is southeast of Jilin city. From Changchun, an intercity train to Jilin station takes about half an hour, then a bus or taxi to the lakeside in Fengman District takes twenty to thirty minutes.

Fengman Dam: the Fengman hydropower station is the lake's outlet. Viewing platforms near the dam look over the dam wall and the Songhua River below.

On the lake: in summer boats leave from lakeside piers. The lake is broad with hills rising on both shores, and there are resorts and islands along it.

Winter and rime: in winter the Songhua River banks are covered in rime, Jilin city's best-known winter sight. Ski areas around the lake make it one of the main ski areas in the northeast.

Time: a day covers the lake and the dam; stay a night if you want to ski or see the rime.

Season: summer is cool on the water and good for boats. Winter is the coldest, often around minus twenty degrees, so bring warm clothing.

Where to stay: both Jilin city and lakeside resorts have lodging; book early in ski season and high season.