Nan Lake

Updated April 6, 2026

Nan Lake is a well-regarded lake located in Nanning, China. With a rating of 4.3 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated lakes in the area.

Visiting Nan Lake

Located in Nanning, China, Nan Lake is a lake that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

GPS coordinates: 22.809371, 108.354172. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

Location

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Nan Lake sits right in the heart of Nanning, offering locals and travelers a quiet escape from the city’s endless buzz. This big urban lake—locals just call it Nanhu—has been a gathering spot since the Tang Dynasty, when some clever government types tamed a flood-prone brook and turned it into the peaceful water body you can stroll around today.

The lake stretches almost 8 kilometers around, so you’ll never feel boxed in. There’s room to walk, sit, or just zone out while watching the water.

Nan Lake weaves itself into daily life here in a way that’s hard to overstate. You’ll find it tucked into southeastern Nanning, wrapped in subtropical plants that somehow keep things lush and green, even in the city’s thickest traffic.

Water dominates most of the park’s footprint, which honestly just makes the whole space feel more relaxed. It’s easy to get here—buses stop right at the entrances, and you won’t pay a cent to wander in.

Key Takeaways

• Nan Lake is Nanning’s largest inland lake, with roots all the way back to the Tang Dynasty
• The park is open and free, all year long, with public buses from across the city dropping you at the gates
• You get water activities, subtropical gardens, and a dose of history at the Baise Uprising Museum—all in one spot

About Nan Lake

This calm lake in southeastern Nanning started as a flood-prone waterway, but now it’s one of the city’s favorite green spaces. I’ve seen locals and travelers alike come here just to breathe and get away from Nanning’s hectic pace.

History and Significance

The story kicks off during the Tang Dynasty’s Jingyun era. Back then, the Yong River would regularly flood and make a mess of the surrounding farmland and homes.

A local official, Lü Ren, put together a crew to build dikes and tame the wild Yongxi Stream. That’s how Nan Lake came to be.

The name literally means “South Lake,” which is fitting, since it sits in the city’s southern quadrant. Over time, the spot grew from pure flood control to a full-blown cultural landmark.

Now, the park wraps around more than 930,000 square meters—three-quarters of it is water, which is honestly impressive for a city park.

Tucked inside, you’ll come across the Li Mingrui and Wei Baqun Baise Uprising Memorial Hall. It’s a reminder of Guangxi’s revolutionary past and adds a layer of meaning to the whole place.

What Makes It Special

Here’s what really sets Nan Lake apart: the specialized gardens hidden within the park. There’s a Chinese medicinal herb garden showing off more than 200 plant varieties from all over China.

The orchid garden is a treat, especially if you’re into rare species like Summer Cymbidium and Flame Orchid. Not something you stumble on every day.

The nine-arch bridge is pure classic China—think reflections of subtropical plants shimmering on the water. You can rent a boat and paddle around, or just fish from the shore if you’re feeling patient.

The park never closes, and there’s no admission fee. Metro Line 1’s Nanhu Station (Exit B2) puts you right in the middle of it all.

If you ask me, early mornings are best. Locals practice tai chi, the air’s fresh, and the city hasn’t quite woken up yet.

What to See and Do

The park is split between water and gardens—three-quarters of the area is lake. You’ll find tropical plantings, some historical corners, and loads of shady spots to just hang out by the water.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The lake itself is the main event. Rent a boat and paddle across, or try fishing if you’re lucky.

The nine-arch bridge offers killer views, especially if you catch the early morning light glancing off the green hills. I always end up taking way too many photos here.

There are three “garden within garden” zones worth wandering into. One’s packed with over 200 types of Chinese medicinal herbs, including some wild orchid varieties like gladiolus and Chinese cymbidium.

You’ll also spot tropical trees—palms, sabal, even betel nut—that you just don’t see up north.

The Baise Uprising Exhibition Hall is inside the park, and it’s more interesting than it sounds. Built in 1984 for the 55th anniversary of the Baise and Longzhou uprisings, it’s got statues of martyrs Limingrui and Weibaqun, plus some pretty moving exhibits. There’s even an inscription by Deng Xiaoping.

Along the lakeside, you’ll find little fish restaurants dishing up Guangxi specialties. The long walkway and scenic bridges give you plenty of angles for photos, and honestly, the sunsets aren’t bad either.

Best Time to Visit

Nanning’s got a humid subtropical climate, so you can swing by South Lake Park any time of year. No snow, just a steady 21.6°C on average with a mix of sun and rain.

Spring is famous for its flower shows—huge displays that draw in the crowds. Summer gets hot and sticky, but the lake breeze and water activities are a relief.

The park’s been free since 2002, so you don’t even have to think about ticket prices.

Visitor Information

Nanhu Lake Park is open all day, every day, and it won’t cost you a thing. It’s in the southeast part of Nanning, and honestly, it’s easy to get to whether you’re hopping on a bus, calling a taxi, or just walking from downtown.

Location and How to Get There

The park covers about 1.3 square kilometers in Qingxiu District, with the lake itself taking up nearly a quarter of that. Buses No. 3, 8, 14, 20, 33, 65, 86, and 215 all stop at Nanhu Gongyuan (Nanhu Park Station) or Nanhu Guangchang (Nanhu Square Station).

Taxis and ride-shares are straightforward—just say “Nanhu Gongyuan” and you’re set. If you’re staying near the city center, you can walk it in 15 or 20 minutes and catch a slice of Nanning street life on the way.

No entrance fees. None. Come day or night, the gates are open. Just pick your time based on the vibe you’re after.

Tips for Visitors

Early mornings at Nan Lake are something else. The park wakes up gently—locals drift through tai chi routines, the air feels fresh, and you won’t be jostling for space.

If you’re not an early riser, late afternoons have their appeal too. Between 4 and 6 PM, the sun chills out and the vibe gets relaxed.

Honestly, October and November are my favorite months here. You get those cool breezes, blue skies, and walking feels effortless.

Summer? It’s sticky and hot—no sugarcoating that. Don’t forget water and sunscreen, or you’ll regret it pretty quickly.

Winter’s not bad at all. Mornings can be a bit crisp, so a light jacket doesn’t hurt.

You’ll want solid walking shoes because the waterfront path is a good 4,100 meters. It’s a decent stretch, especially if you wander off the main route.

One little tip—bring your own tissues. The public restrooms sometimes run out, and you don’t want to get caught off guard.

Accessibility’s not an issue here. The park’s got wide, smooth paths that work for wheelchairs and strollers alike.

If you’re after peace and quiet, avoid weekends and holidays. The place buzzes during festivals like the Lantern Festival—think music, food stalls, water shows, and crowds.

That can be fun, but if you’re hoping for a tranquil stroll, weekdays are your best bet.