Featured Hotels Near Jinniu Lake

Jin Niu Lake International Resort is highly recommended, offering lake-view rooms and private docks with panoramic views of the shimmering waters. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, eco-trails, and a family activity center, located just 40 minutes from Nanjing city center.

For a more rustic experience, consider Green Dream Homestays, a cluster of renovated farmhouses with nature-inspired interiors. Each unit includes access to eco-tours and night sky gazing sessions, perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and connection with nature.

Take Line S9 Metro to "Jin Niu Lake Station," which takes about 50 minutes. From there, transfer to local bus or walk directly into the scenic area. For greater flexibility, rent an electric scooter or book a private car—driving along Ninghang Expressway takes only 35 minutes.

Multiple intercity buses run daily between Nanjing South Station and Jin Niu Lake, with frequent departures ideal for visitors without cars. On-site, an electric shuttle service circles the lake, connecting key attractions like the White Crane Pavilion, Ancient Jin Niu Site, and Water Park, ensuring smooth exploration.

Jin Niu Lake offers diverse outdoor adventures, including paddle boating (manual or electric), cycling along the 12-km lakeside trail, and floating bridge exploration. In spring, join wetland birdwatching tours guided by experts who help identify rare species like white cranes and gray herons.

During summer, enjoy evening light & music festivals and camping events combining ambient lighting with live performances. Additionally, the agricultural experience zone allows guests to pick strawberries, plant rice, and engage in hands-on farming—ideal for families seeking authentic rural immersion.

Jin Niu Lake Kids’ Resort is designed specifically for families, featuring kids’ playrooms, parent-child craft workshops, and a mini zoo. All rooms come equipped with safety gear and complimentary children’s toiletries.

Adjacent to the resort is a children’s playground and nature education center, hosting daily themed activities such as making plant specimens and learning about lake ecosystems. The on-site family camping zone allows tent pitching, barbecues, and stargazing—perfect for bonding under the open sky. Easily accessible from downtown Nanjing in just 40 minutes.

The area is famous for its fresh lake delicacies, especially steamed bass, crab roe tofu stew, and lotus root and pork rib soup, all made with ingredients sourced directly from the lake.

Along the lakeside food street, you’ll find century-old stalls serving Jin Niu Sesame Buns (filled with red bean paste and sesame) and lotus leaf-stewed chicken using locally grown ingredients. The organic farm restaurant offers healthy meals crafted from homegrown vegetables and free-range eggs, promoting sustainable dining. Some hotels even offer lakeside al fresco dinners with sunset views and live music for a romantic setting.

5:30–7:30 AM is ideal for capturing misty mornings when the lake glimmers under soft dawn light, creating dreamlike reflections perfect for wide-angle shots and long-exposure water effects.

5:00–7:00 PM is another prime window, with golden hour sunlight casting warm hues across the water, enhanced by silhouettes of distant hills and flying egrets. Bring a tripod and polarizing filter to enhance contrast and reduce glare. Designated viewing platforms and photography trails throughout the park provide optimal vantage points while minimizing ecological disturbance.