For international travelers visiting Shanghai, the city’s soaring skyline and fast-paced urban life are often the primary draw. But just beyond the skyscrapers, in the far southeast corner of Pudong New Area, lies a tranquil escape — Dishui Lake (滴水湖). This vast manmade lake offers a refreshing counterpoint to Shanghai’s metropolitan core, combining natural beauty, modern design, and recreational leisure in one remarkable destination.
Dishui Lake is an increasingly popular getaway for locals and tourists alike, particularly for those who want to experience a quieter, scenic side of Shanghai. With golden sunsets over wide-open waters, boat cruises, lakeside hotels, and wide promenades perfect for walking or biking, this circular lake is a relaxing yet culturally rich destination that’s still relatively unknown to many foreign visitors.
🏞️ A Lake Born from Vision: Urban Planning with Nature in Mind
Unlike traditional lakes formed by nature, Dishui Lake is a fully planned and engineered body of water. Constructed in the early 2000s as the centerpiece of Lingang New Area, the lake was designed to support the city’s long-term development by creating a liveable waterfront environment integrated with business, research, and leisure.
Shaped like a perfect circle with a diameter of about 2.5 kilometers, the lake represents a harmonious balance between human design and ecological thinking. It’s part of Shanghai’s effort to build a “city of the future”, where innovation, sustainability, and quality of life go hand in hand.
“You wouldn’t expect such peaceful open space in a city like Shanghai. It’s calm, clean, and has beautiful design. Perfect for slowing down.”
— Anna R., tourist from Sweden
🌇 Sunset Serenity on the Northeastern Shore
One of the most breathtaking experiences at Dishui Lake is watching the sunset from the northeastern edge of the lake. On clear days — especially in spring or autumn — the sun dips low over the water, casting a golden glow across the lake’s surface. The reflections shimmer gently, framed by minimalist architecture and walking paths lined with ornamental grasses.
Photographers and nature lovers frequently gather here during the late afternoon, capturing the interplay of light and water. Whether you’re traveling with a camera or simply enjoying the moment, it’s a magical, almost meditative experience — and a highlight that many Western travelers say rivals sunset spots around the world.
🚤 Things to Do: Boats, Walks, and Waterfront Leisure
Dishui Lake offers a wide variety of leisure activities that cater to different travel styles, from casual walkers to luxury seekers.
🛥️ Boat Rides
Visitors can board sightseeing boats that cruise around the circular lake, offering panoramic views of the surrounding skyline and modern waterfront parks. It’s an easy and relaxing way to take in the lake’s full scale and enjoy the breeze off the water.
🚶 Walking & Biking
Paved trails circle the lake and are ideal for walking, jogging, or renting a bike. The open space and lack of heavy traffic make it family-friendly and safe — a welcome contrast to Shanghai’s busier downtown areas.
🏨 Lakeside Luxury
There are a few upscale hotels directly on the lakefront, including four-star and five-star properties with modern designs and scenic views. Some even have terraces that extend over the water, perfect for enjoying a sunset cocktail or a quiet breakfast with a view.
“We stayed at a lakeside hotel and couldn’t believe how peaceful it was. The room looked right over the water, and we took a boat cruise at sunset — totally unforgettable.”
— James M., traveler from the US
🧭 Architecture & Urban Design
The Lingang area around Dishui Lake has become a hub for modern architecture and urban experimentation. The layout reflects futuristic principles — circular symmetry, green corridors, and public spaces that encourage walking and community life. Notable buildings and attractions around the lake include:
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China Maritime Museum – a massive modern complex showcasing the history of navigation and sea trade in China.
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Shanghai Planetarium – the world’s largest planetarium, just a short drive from the lake, offering stunning space exhibits and immersive digital shows.
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Waterside parks with art installations and sculpture gardens.
These features make Dishui Lake not just a nature retreat, but a destination for culture, design, and learning.
🌿 A Peaceful Contrast to the City
For many international tourists, Dishui Lake offers something they didn’t expect to find in Shanghai — silence, space, and sky.
Here, the air feels cleaner, the pace is slower, and the surroundings are open and calm. You’re more likely to hear birds chirping than car horns, and the wide horizon over the lake gives a sense of breathing room that’s rare in major cities.
“Dishui Lake reminded me of the lakes in Scandinavia — not just in beauty but in how well it’s planned for people to enjoy without disturbing the environment.”
— Peter N., visitor from Norway
🍜 Food & Drink
Around the lake, visitors will find a growing selection of restaurants and cafés, many with outdoor seating to enjoy the view. Seafood is a local highlight, and several bistros offer both Chinese and Western-style menus. You can grab a coffee and sit by the water, or have dinner at a rooftop restaurant as the sun sets.
📍 Visitor Information
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Location: Lingang New Area, Pudong District, Shanghai
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How to Get There:
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Take Metro Line 16 to Dishui Lake Station (last stop)
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Walk or take a short taxi ride to the lakefront
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Best Time to Visit:
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Late afternoon to early evening on clear days for the sunset
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Spring and autumn for the most comfortable weather
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Activities: Boat rides, photography, biking, family walks, museum visits
Dishui Lake is a modern oasis that combines urban sophistication with natural calm, making it one of the most underrated travel experiences in Shanghai for international visitors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the water, a scenic photo spot, or a modern lakeside escape from the city noise, this lakeside destination delivers an unexpectedly beautiful experience.
For travelers from the West who want to explore beyond the tourist checklist, Dishui Lake offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s future-forward spirit and a peaceful place to slow down, breathe, and take it all in.
