Xili Lake西丽湖
Xili Lake, in Xili, Nanshan District, is Shenzhen's largest man-made lake at about 4 sq km. With clear water, wooded hills and fresh air, it is one of the city's rare pockets of lake-and-hill scenery. The roughly 30 km lakeside greenway is a classic cycling route, and lakeside resorts and farm restaurants make it a favorite weekend retreat for locals.
Shenzhen · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Xili Lake worth visiting?
Shenzhen's largest man-made lake, ringed by a roughly 30 km greenway made for cycling, with birdwatching and fishing along the way. Free to enter, next door to Shenzhen Safari Park.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Free admission (resort facilities charged separately) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Recommended duration | 3-5 hours |
| Best time to visit | Year-round, best in spring and autumn; early morning and dusk have the finest light |
| How to get there | Metro Line 7 to Xilihu Station Exit D; buses 101 and 104 to the Xilihu stop |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Water area | About 4 sq km |
| Location | Xili, Nanshan District |
| Type | Reservoir lake (man-made) |
| Claim to fame | Shenzhen's largest man-made lake |
| Ticket | Free |
What to expect
Xili Lake, in Xili, Nanshan District, is Shenzhen's largest man-made lake at roughly 4 sq km of clear water wrapped in wooded hills. Its healthy habitat draws abundant birdlife. Created in the 1960s as a reservoir, the lake has been restored and tidied up in recent years into one of Shenzhen's important urban green lungs and a leisure retreat. Tree shade lines the shore, and the roughly 30 km lakeside greenway — scenic and gently graded — is a classic route for cyclists of every level.
Facilities around the lake are well developed. The Xili Lake Resort offers lodging, dining and meeting facilities suited to company retreats and family gatherings, and several farm restaurants along the shore serve up fishing, fruit-picking and farm experiences. The island in the lake has a dedicated fishing zone — one of the few proper angling spots in Shenzhen. The lake neighbors Shenzhen Safari Park (about 15 minutes on foot), and the two combine easily into a family day out. University campuses including Shenzhen University's science-and-engineering campus and Shenzhen Technology University also line the lakeshore, lending the area a scholarly air.
Best explored by bike or on foot: the full loop runs about 15-20 km (roughly 1.5-2 hours cycling, 4-5 hours walking), with viewing platforms and rest points along the way. Early morning and dusk bring the best light for photos, and there are bike rental points by the lake. The farm restaurants are reasonably priced and tasty, but there are no large shops in the area — bring your own water and snacks.
How to get there
Exit D of Xilihu Station on Metro Line 7 puts you about 5 minutes' walk from the shore. Buses 101, 104 and M203 stop at Xilihu. From Shenzhen North Station, take Line 5 to Xili and transfer to Line 7 — about 30 minutes.
Best photo spots
- Sunrise over Xili Lake
- The lakeside cycling greenway
- The central-island fishing zone
- Xili Lake Resort
- The shore redwoods in autumn and winter color
Tips
- Cycle the loop rather than walk — you will take in far more of the shoreline
- Early morning and dusk have the best light; prime photo hours
- The Safari Park next door pairs easily into the same visit
- The farm restaurants by the lake are good — eat with a lake view
- In summer pack sun protection and mosquito repellent
Scams to avoid
- No major scams to speak of
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee for Xili Lake?
No — the lake area is free and open. The resort and farm restaurants charge separately for whatever you use.
Can I cycle around the lake?
Yes. The lakeside greenway runs about 30 km and is made for cycling; there are bike rental points on site.
How close is the Shenzhen Safari Park?
Right next door — about a 15-minute walk, easy to do both in one day.
How long should I spend here?
Plan on 3-5 hours; the full loop by bike or on foot takes longer.
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