Dongjiang Lake

Dongjiang Lake is Chenzhou's crown jewel — a vast reservoir of startling emerald-green water cradled between steep, forested mountains. Formed by the Dongjiang Dam in the 1980s, the lake now stretches over 160 square kilometres and reaches depths of more than 100 metres, giving it the extraordinary clarity and colour that photographers travel from across China to capture.

The lake's most famous experience is its 28-kilometre whitewater rafting route — one of the longest in China. The route follows the Dongjiang River through a dramatic gorge, with rapids ranging from gentle floats to genuine white-knuckle drops. The journey takes around three hours and ends at a scenic riverside village where you can dry off and eat fresh river fish.

Beyond rafting, the Bailang Scenic Loop is a must-do: a winding road around the lake's perimeter with over ten designated photography stops, each offering a different angle on the water and mountains. Sunrise visits are particularly rewarding — the morning mist sits low over the lake, and the light turns the water a deep jade green.