Natural wonders

For those who like to be close to nature, a visit to the Baihua Lake near Wenggong village is highly recommended.

The lake itself is about 11 square kilometers, dotted with 108 islands of different sizes and shapes. The lake was named Baihua, which literally means "hundred kinds of flowers" in Chinese, and every spring it is engulfed in a blaze of color.

"Due to long-term strict ecological protection measures, no large-scale tourism development has been carried out here, allowing us to preserve an ecological wonder in the midst of the urban sprawl," says Zhao Ling, director of the general department of the Baihua Lake Scenic Area's management office.

The site covers 122 sq km, accounting for some 40 percent of the total area of Guanshanhu district in which it is located.

"The period from April to October is peak tourist season, and it's just a short Metro ride from downtown," he says.

Zhao says that the scenic area offers boat tours, allowing visitors to enjoy the full spectacle of the lake in about 40 to 50 minutes. Visitors can also enjoy barbecues, mahjong and sunbathing at farmhouses equipped to cater to visitors.