Dianshan Hu
Lake Freshwater lake west of Shanghai, local recreation area
Dianshan Lake, Shanghai’s largest freshwater lake on the municipality’s western edge, attracts weekend visitors for boat trips, birdwatching and riverside restaurants that serve local fish.
Dianshan Hu (Dianshan Lake) is the largest freshwater lake within the municipal boundaries of Shanghai, located in the city’s western Qingpu District. The lake is an important local water body and recreational area with boating and shoreline parks used by residents and visitors.
Shorelines contain wetlands and agricultural areas and the lake serves as a regional freshwater resource. The lake is linked by road to nearby historical water towns and suburban districts of Shanghai.
Dianshan Lake lies in western Shanghai’s Qingpu District, west of the urban core and near well-known water-town attractions; it forms part of the lower Yangtze delta landscape and is accessible from Shanghai by regional roads and public transport.
- Visitor note: The lake functions as a freshwater resource and recreational area for western Shanghai; nearby water towns such as Zhujiajiao are common day-trip destinations.
How to Get to Dianshan Hu #
From central Shanghai, take Line 17 of the metro to Zhujiajiao for western access, or drive about 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic (approximately 40-60 km). Local buses and hired taxis connect Zhujiajiao, Qingpu or Chongming side docks; renting a bike once at the shore is a good way to explore the flat lakeside roads.
Tips for Visiting Dianshan Hu #
- Rent a small boat to explore the lake's western shore - much of the scenery is visible only from the water.
- Bring insect repellent during summer months; the reed beds attract mosquitos.
- If visiting from Shanghai, combine Dianshan Hu with nearby Zhujiajiao water-town for a quieter contrast.
Best Time to Visit Dianshan Hu #
Best in spring and autumn for mild weather, birdlife and clearer skies; summer is hot and humid.
Weather & Climate near Dianshan Hu #
Dianshan Hu's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (984 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (162 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.