Discover Muyu Island: A Hidden Gem in Chengdu’s Baital Lake

Location & How to Get There

Muyu Island sits at the heart of Baital Lake in Chongzhou, Chengdu, about an hour’s drive from downtown Chengdu. To reach this tranquil spot, you can:

  • Drive yourself: Take the expressway from Chengdu to Chongzhou, then follow signs to Baital Lake. Park near the lake’s entrance.
  • Public transport: Hop on a bus from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station to Chongzhou, then transfer to a local taxi or shuttle to Baital Lake.
  • Ride-hailing apps: Use DiDi or Didi (local taxi apps) for a hassle-free ride straight to the lake.

Once there, a short boat ride (or a scenic walk if the water is low) will take you to Muyu Island. Pro tip: Visit on a sunny day for the best views!

Natural Beauty: A Serene Escape

Muyu Island feels like a world apart. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the island is covered in lush greenery and dotted with weeping willows that bend like delicate dancers over the lake. Their branches sway gently in the breeze, creating a dreamy, almost ethereal vibe.

Wander along the island’s winding stone paths, which twist through groves of trees and open up to cozy nooks perfect for photos. The highlight? Climbing up to Muyu Pavilion, a traditional-style tower that offers panoramic views of the lake. On a clear day, you can see tiny boats floating like stars across the water, with laughter drifting up from distant travelers. It’s the kind of place where you want to pause, breathe, and soak it all in.

Cultural Charm: History & Design

The island’s name, Muyu, comes from its unique shape—it resembles a wooden fish (used in Buddhist rituals), hence the moniker “Wooden Fish Island.” The island’s architecture leans into this theme:

  • Ancient-style pavilions: Built in a classic Chinese style, these structures have curved eaves and dark wood beams, blending harmony with nature.
  • Muyu Pavilion: This iconic tower is your best bet for photo ops. Its rooftop offers a straight shot to Baital Lake’s famous white stupa (tower) in the distance, which adds a touch of history to the landscape.

Even the stone steps and bridges feel intentional, designed to slow you down and make you appreciate the island’s peaceful rhythm.

Practical Tips: What to Expect

  • Facilities: The island has basic amenities, including rest areas with benches, clean toilets, and signs in both Chinese and English. Boat rentals are available near the shore for exploring the lake.
  • Food & Drink: Bring a picnic! While there are small stalls near the lake, Muyu Island is more about enjoying nature than dining out. Pack snacks or visit a lakeside teahouse for local tea.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the island; in fall, the willows turn golden, and the air is crisp. Summer brings lots of shade, while winter adds a quiet, frosty charm.

Immersive Experience: What to Do

  • Photography Walk: Start at the dock, snap photos of the willows dipping into the water, then climb Muyu Pavilion for lakewide shots.
  • Boating on Baital Lake: Rent a paddleboat or join a guided tour to see Muyu Island from the water. It’s especially magical at sunset.
  • Zen Moments: Sit by the lake and listen to the rustling leaves, or practice yoga on the island’s grassy spots. The lack of crowds makes it easy to find solitude.
  • Cultural Spotting: Keep an eye out for locals practicing tai chi near the pavilion or families flying kites by the shore.

Final Thoughts: Why Muyu Island?

Unlike Chengdu’s bustling temples or pandas, Muyu Island offers something rare: a mix of natural beauty, quiet culture, and old-world charm without the tourist rush. Whether you’re here to hike, take photos, or simply escape the city, it’s a spot that sticks with you—like a whispered secret shared between the willows and the lake.

Don’t forget to bring a camera, comfy shoes, and a sense of wonder. Muyu Island isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a feeling to remember.