Phoenix Tianchi

Updated June 4, 2026

Phoenix Tianchi is a highly acclaimed tourist attraction located in Chaozhou, China. With a rating of 5.0 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated tourist attractions in the area.

Location

You can find Phoenix Tianchi at Chaoan, Chaozhou, China, 514375.

Visiting Phoenix Tianchi

Located in Chaozhou, China, Phoenix Tianchi is a tourist attraction that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

The tourist attraction is located at Chaoan, Chaozhou, China, 514375. GPS coordinates: 23.968045, 116.641104. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

Location

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Phoenix Tianchi is an alpine lake perched at 1,325 meters on Wushan Peak in Chaozhou’s Phoenix Mountains, Guangdong Province. It’s best known for its moody surface—sometimes glassy, sometimes whipped into waves within minutes—and its spot among eastern Guangdong’s highest scenic points at the second-tallest peak (1,391 meters).

If you’re after sunrise views above cloud seas, access to ancient Song Dynasty tea trees, or a mashup of natural beauty and cultural sites—think temples and monuments tied to Chinese mythology and the patriot Wen Tianxiang—this rare high-altitude pool is honestly a great pick.

The 76-acre lake is cradled in a landscape of granite, shaped by centuries of erosion, with odd rock formations framing the water in unexpected ways. Local legend has it the Queen Mother of the West, a heavyweight in Chinese mythology, once bathed here.

Beyond stories, this area is also the heartland of Fenghuang Dancong oolong tea. Some “king” tea trees from the Song Dynasty are still alive and well in nearby Songcha Village.

You can visit any hour, any day, for 30 RMB—so catching sunrise from the eastern side or wandering to cultural landmarks like Taiping Temple, Prince Cave, and Wen Tianxiang’s Hall of Righteousness is totally doable. Plan on 1-3 hours for the pool and immediate area, though if you’re a hiker or photographer, you’ll probably want longer.

During azalea season, Dujuan Valley nearby bursts into color, painting the grey peaks with wild blooms.

Key Takeaways

• Phoenix Tianchi is a high-altitude lake at 1,325 meters in Chaozhou’s Phoenix Mountains, famous for its shifting water surface and sunrise views above the clouds.
• The site mixes granite formations and azalea valleys with cultural gems like ancient tea trees, Buddhist temples, and monuments.
• Open 24/7 with 30 RMB admission, you’ll need 1-3 hours to explore, and it’s one of eastern Guangdong’s highest spots.

Key Details and Quick Facts

Phoenix Tianchi sits at 1,325 meters on Wushan Peak, inside Chaozhou’s Phoenix Mountain range. It covers about 76 acres, with the main peak rising to 1,391 meters.

The site is open all day, every day. That means you can chase the sunrise or even show up after dark if that’s your thing.

Basic Information

• Admission: 30 RMB for adults; half-price for kids 1.2-1.5 meters tall; free for kids under 1.2 meters
• Time needed: 1-3 hours for the pool and nearby spots
• Contact: 0768-6782732 or 0768-6780508
• Location: Summit of Wushan Peak, Fenghuang Mountain range, Chaozhou City

This alpine lake sits in the region’s second-highest peak area. It’s pretty accessible from the entrance at 1,200 meters, but you’ll need to tackle a steep 125-meter climb.

What Makes It Notable

The lake’s surface is unpredictable—it can go from perfectly still to wild and choppy in a flash, thanks to the high-altitude microclimate. The area itself is a natural crater from ancient volcanic activity.

Around the pool, you’ll stumble across Taiping Temple, Taizi Dong cave, and places tied to Song Dynasty poet Wen Tianxiang. The Phoenix Mountains are also where Fenghuang Dancong oolong tea comes from; some Song Dynasty tea trees still thrive in Songcha Village. When azaleas bloom, Azalea Valley is a riot of color.

What to Expect at Phoenix Tianchi

Imagine a 76-acre alpine lake, 1,325 meters up on Wushan Peak, with a water surface that changes moods fast—calm one minute, restless the next. When the lake is still, it mirrors the granite peaks, creating an atmosphere that’s almost surreal.

Locals will tell you tales about the Queen Mother of the West bathing here, and honestly, with the fog and the rocks, it’s easy to see why the stories stuck. The terrain is full of eroded granite formations—nature’s own sculptures.

Spring is something else here. Azalea Valley explodes with color, rhododendrons everywhere, bright against the rocks and green slopes.

The site is open 24/7, so if you’re game, sunrise is the main event. Morning light hits the cloud seas below the peak and it’s just… wow.

Cultural sites near the lake:

• Taizi Dong (Prince Cave) and Xian Jing (Immortal’s Well), both wrapped in local legend
• Taiping Temple, if you’re into Buddhist heritage
• Wen Tianxiang’s Hall of Righteousness, paying tribute to the Song Dynasty poet
• Ancient tea trees in Songcha Village, some dating back centuries

For a basic visit, 1-3 hours is enough to see the pool and nearby sites. Tickets are 30 RMB, year-round.

Getting there means a mix of driving and hiking; the trail gives you glimpses of Chaozhou’s countryside and mountain ridges as you climb. It’s smart to call 0768-6782732 to check the latest on trail conditions before heading out.

Plan Your Visit

The area is open 24/7 all year, with a 30 RMB ticket. Hiking from Fenghuang town is about 20 kilometers and takes 4-5 hours to hit the summit at 1,325 meters.

Spring and autumn are the best bets for stable weather. Summer afternoons can bring clouds that ruin sunrise views, so timing matters.

Best Time to Go

April to June and September to November—these months usually have clear skies and decent temps for the climb. Azaleas in Dujuan Keng peak late April to early May, and it’s pretty spectacular.

July and August? Expect humidity and fog most afternoons. The sunrise can get blocked by mid-morning clouds.

Winter (December to February) means crisp air and fewer crowds, but it can get cold—sometimes below freezing at the top at night. Bring layers, no matter when you go; the mountain is always cooler than Chaozhou city by 5-7°C.

Getting There

Start at Fenghuang town, which you can reach by bus from Chaozhou city center (about 40 kilometers north). The main hike follows a paved road for most of the 20 kilometers, but you’ll climb steadily toward Wushan Peak.

Give yourself 4-5 hours for the hike at an average pace. At least 2 liters of water per person is a must—there aren’t many places to refill along the way.

If you’re aiming for sunrise but don’t want to hike in the dark, you can camp near the summit. Some folks hire a car to drive partway up, which can cut the hike to 2-3 hours.

Insider Tips

If you’re chasing sunrise at the pool, start hiking by 2:00 AM. First light is usually around 5:30-6:00 AM, depending on the season.

There are a few unmarked side trails along the main path—some lead to awesome views of tea terraces and rock outcrops.

The Taiping Temple near the top is a good rest stop, and sometimes local vendors sell tea and snacks during busy times.

Call the tourism office at 0768-6782732 before your trip for the latest on trail conditions and camping rules. Once you leave Fenghuang town, don’t count on mobile signal.

Pack a headlamp, fresh batteries, rain gear, and snacks that won’t melt or spoil. If you have any energy left on the way down, the Song Dynasty tea trees in Songcha Village are worth a detour.

Nearby Attractions and Explore More in China

Within 10 kilometers of Phoenix Tianchi, you’ve got options: Chaozhou Phoenix Reservoir, Chaozhou Fengnan Baizhang Waterfall, and Taiping Temple, all in the Fenghuang Mountain area of Chao’an County.

Local Area Highlights:

• Songcha Village — Ancient tea trees from the Song Dynasty, right inside the Fenghuang Mountains, and the birthplace of Fenghuang Dancong oolong tea.
• Azalea Valley (Dujuan Keng) — A seasonal hotspot when rhododendrons bloom, painting the mountain slopes.
• Fenghuang Town — The main gateway for mountain access, with spots to arrange rides and pick up local tea.

The Phoenix Mountains have more than just the lake. You’ll find Taizi Dong (Prince Cave), Xian Jing (Immortal’s Well), and Wen Tianxiang’s Zhengqi Tang (Hall of Righteousness) scattered around, each tied to local lore and Song Dynasty history.

If you’re sticking around Guangdong, Chaozhou City itself is worth a look. Historic temples, traditional architecture, and a food scene that’s different from the rest of Cantonese cuisine.

The city is your gateway to the mountains and a place to recharge with urban amenities before or after your hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix Tianchi is in Guangdong Province, near Chaozhou City. It’s not the same as the famous riverside ancient town in Hunan, and you’ll need to plan for mountain access, weather, and maybe even a multi-day stay if you want to see both the lake and surrounding tea villages.

Which province is the Phoenix Ancient Town most commonly associated with, and what’s the easiest way to reach it without backtracking?

Phoenix Ancient Town (Fenghuang) in Hunan Province is probably the place you’re thinking of, but Phoenix Tianchi is a totally different spot in Guangdong, near Chaozhou City. The lake is at 1,325 meters on Wushan Peak, about two hours from Chaozhou’s center.

To get there, head to Chaozhou first, then make your way to Fenghuang Town in Chaoan District. Most people hire a car or join a tour from Chaozhou—public buses are possible but take multiple transfers. The mountain road climbs to the parking area below the summit, and from there, it’s a final hike or cable car ride up to the lake.

Why do some maps and guidebooks use different names for the same ‘Phoenix’ destination, and how can travelers confirm they’re booking the right place?

It’s confusing—there are several Phoenix (Fenghuang) spots in China, with similar names but different Chinese characters and locations. Phoenix Tianchi in Guangdong translates to “Phoenix Heavenly Pool,” and it’s an alpine lake. Fenghuang Ancient Town in Hunan is a riverside town, totally unrelated to the mountain lake.

To be sure, look for “Chaozhou” or “Chaoan District” in the address, and mentions of Wushan Peak or Phoenix Mountain range. The contact numbers 0768-6782732 and 0768-6780508 are for the Guangdong Tianchi site. If you see hotels near Hunan’s Phoenix, it’ll show Fenghuang County in Xiangxi Prefecture instead.

What’s the difference between the famous riverside old town experience and the lesser-known mountain ‘Phoenix’ scenic areas travelers often confuse it with?

Hunan’s Fenghuang Ancient Town sits along the Tuojiang River, with wooden stilt houses and lanterns glowing at night. It’s a historic district, full of preserved Miao culture and that unmistakable riverside vibe.

Phoenix Tianchi in Guangdong, on the other hand, is all about altitude—think highland hiking, a 76-acre alpine lake, and sunrise views from granite peaks that top 1,300 meters. No cobblestone streets or bustling river trade here.

The Guangdong spot doesn’t draw the same international crowds. It’s quieter, more about the wild scenery than old architecture.

There’s Taiping Temple and the Hall of Righteousness near the lake, both honoring Song Dynasty poet Wen Tianxiang. But honestly, if you’re chasing that riverside market feeling, you won’t find it.

What you will find is Fenghuang Dancong oolong tea, grown from Song Dynasty trees in Songcha Village. It’s a bit of a pilgrimage for tea lovers, and the plantations are still working the old way.

When is the best time of year to visit to avoid peak crowds while still getting clear weather for night photography and river views?

Late October through early December is your sweet spot at Phoenix Tianchi. Skies are usually clear, crowds are thin, and daytime temperatures hover around 15-20°C.

Spring, from March to May, brings azaleas to Dujuan Valley. It’s beautiful, but the mist can be a pain if you’re hoping for a perfect sunrise or crisp night shots.

Definitely steer clear of Chinese National Day (October 1-7) and Spring Festival. Those weeks get packed.

If you’re into photography, autumn weekdays are your best bet. You get those mirror-like lake reflections and a shot at catching the sea of clouds at dawn.

The site is open 24/7, so you can head up before sunrise if you’re feeling ambitious. Just double-check trail safety if you’re hiking in the dark—conditions can change.

What are the most worthwhile detours outside the main old-street loop—quiet viewpoints, villages, or short hikes that most first-timers miss?

The ancient tea villages below Phoenix Tianchi are a solid detour. Songcha Village, in particular, has those centuries-old tea trees and farms where folks still make Fenghuang Dancong oolong the old-fashioned way.

These villages are tucked between Fenghuang Town and the summit, and you can get there by the same mountain road.

Taizi Dong (Prince Cave) and Xian Jing (Immortal’s Well) are both near the lake, but most people skip them in favor of the main pool. If you like wandering, the granite rock formations up top are worth checking out—even if the trails aren’t always marked in English.

Azalea Valley is only really special during bloom season, but when it’s on, it’s a burst of color in a landscape that’s mostly grey-green the rest of the year.

How many nights should travelers plan to stay for an unhurried visit, and what’s a smart day-by-day itinerary that balances landmarks with local food?

Honestly, you’ll want at least two full days. One for Phoenix Tianchi itself—arrive the afternoon before, catch sunrise the next morning, then spend a couple of hours at the lake and summit.

That second day? Use it for wandering through tea villages and poking around Chaozhou’s historic center back in the valley. If you can, stay overnight in Fenghuang Town or somewhere at the mountain’s base.

That way, you can reach the summit parking area by 5:00 AM for sunrise, and you won’t have to drag yourself out of bed for a pre-dawn drive from Chaozhou City. Trust me, nobody enjoys that.

If you like mixing things up at mealtime, Chaozhou City makes a solid base. The city’s got all the distinctive eats—oyster omelets, beef hot pot, that famous local braised goose.

Up in the mountain area, though? Not much beyond some basic noodle shops. So, maybe don’t expect a culinary adventure up there.

For your first afternoon, tackle the climb, grab a sunset at the lake, then come back early in the morning. On your last day, swing by a tea farm for some tastings and maybe grab some Dancong tea straight from the source.