Overview
Nestled in the northern heart of Guilin, Guangxi, Mulong Lake Scenic Area (Mulong Hu) is a captivating fusion of natural beauty, historical recreation, and cross-cultural celebration. Spanning from the Li River in the east to Zhongshan North Road in the west, and bordered by Diecai Mountain to the south and Dongzhen Road to the north, this scenic zone forms an integral part of Guilin’s famed “Two Rivers, Four Lakes” urban water system—a modern engineering marvel that revitalized the city’s historic canals and transformed them into a luminous aquatic circuit.
Historical Background
While Mulong Lake itself is a relatively recent addition to Guilin’s landscape—created during the late 1990s as part of the Two Rivers, Four Lakes restoration project—it draws deep inspiration from China’s imperial past. The entire area was meticulously designed based on the aesthetic and urban layout of the Song Dynasty masterpiece, "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" (Qingming Shanghe Tu). This iconic scroll painting depicts daily life in Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, and serves as the architectural blueprint for Mulong Lake’s pavilions, bridges, towers, and waterfront promenades. Visitors will notice sweeping eaves, vermilion pillars, and intricate wooden latticework reminiscent of Tang and Song dynastic grandeur.
Architectural and Natural Harmony
The scenic area masterfully integrates man-made elegance with Guilin’s legendary karst topography. The lake reflects the surrounding limestone peaks and lush greenery, while classical Chinese structures—such as the Nine-Dragon Bridge, Moonlight Pavilion, and Dragon Boat Dock—dot the shoreline. At night, the entire zone transforms into a shimmering spectacle: thousands of LED lights illuminate the water, bridges, and buildings, earning it comparisons to Venice and solidifying its reputation as one of Guilin’s most photogenic evening destinations. Boat tours along the interconnected waterways offer a tranquil perspective of this illuminated dreamscape.
ASEAN Cultural Zone
In 2012, the “Mulong Lake – ASEAN Garden” was unveiled as a vibrant cultural extension celebrating the ten member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam). This themed section comprises three core components: the ASEAN Food Plaza, the ASEAN Cultural Theater, and the ASEAN Specialty Bazaar. Travelers can savor authentic dishes like Thai green curry, Vietnamese pho, Indonesian satay, and Malaysian laksa—all prepared by chefs from their respective countries. The theater hosts rotating performances featuring traditional dances, shadow puppetry, and folk music from across Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the bazaar offers handcrafted textiles, spices, ceramics, and souvenirs, providing a microcosm of ASEAN’s rich artistic heritage.
Visitor Experience
Mulong Lake is particularly popular among domestic tourists seeking evening strolls or romantic boat rides, but it remains refreshingly uncrowded compared to Guilin’s major daytime attractions like Reed Flute Cave or Elephant Trunk Hill. Families appreciate the flat, accessible pathways and clean restrooms, while photographers flock here at dusk for golden-hour shots of the lit-up bridges against the backdrop of Diecai Mountain. The ASEAN Garden adds a unique international flair rarely found in inland Chinese cities, making it a standout stop for culturally curious travelers.
Practical Notes
The park closes earlier than many expect—typically at 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM—so plan accordingly if you wish to catch the full transition from daylight to nighttime illumination. While daytime visits offer clarity and photo detail, evenings provide atmosphere and ambiance. Note that although general admission to the lakeside promenade is free, certain activities (like boat cruises or ASEAN theater shows) may incur separate fees. Always check current schedules, as performance times and food stall operations can vary seasonally.
Sustainability and Urban Integration
As part of Guilin’s broader ecological urban renewal, Mulong Lake contributes to flood control, water purification, and public green space expansion. Its success has inspired similar projects across China, demonstrating how historical aesthetics can coexist with modern environmental planning. For visitors, this means enjoying not just beauty, but also a model of sustainable city design.