汉丰湖 (Hànfēng Hú) spreads across the heart of Kaizhou District (开州区), Chongqing, a calm expanse formed behind the Three Gorges dam works. It is the largest artificial lake in the Three Gorges hinterland, holding some 15 square kilometres of open water, and it carries national wetland-park status.
Across the water stands the slender Wenfeng Pagoda (文峰塔), its reflection broken only by the wakes of touring boats. The wetland edges draw more than 75 species of migratory birds through the season, and the quiet shallows make an easy place to watch them without leaving the shore.
When the light goes low, a wooden sailboat (木帆船) drifts out for a sunset cruise, or you can take the paved loop on a rented bike. On the far shore the old Kaizhou town (开州故城) switches on its lanterns, so the water carries both the pagoda and a second city of lights.
Words and Names
汉丰湖 Hànfēng Hú — Hanfeng Lake 开州区 Kāizhōu Qū — Kaizhou District 文峰塔 Wénfēng tǎ — Wenfeng Pagoda 木帆船 mùfānchuán — wooden sailboat 开州故城 Kāizhōu gùchéng — Kaizhou Ancient Town
What the Locals Know
The open lakeside is free to roam — the waterfront and cycling loop cost nothing, while boat rides and the wetland boardwalk are priced separately (boat and bike hire run modestly, ask at the dock). The birds are best at first light, and the sunset sail sells out on weekends, so locals book the late-afternoon slot early. All checked October 2026.
flowcloud would say that few places near Chongqing let you pedal a lake loop at dusk with a whole old town glowing back at you across the water. All checked October 2026.
Where to find it: In central Kaizhou, a short ride from the district’s urban core, with the lake, pagoda and the opposite-bank ancient town all signed along the ring road. All checked October 2026.