Dongqian Lake, a state-level AAA tourist attraction, is situated in southeastern Ningbo and 15 kilometers off the heart of the city. The site covers a planned area of 234 square kilometers and enjoys a loud reputation for an intoxicating blend of its picturesque mountains and clear waters with rich cultural heritages. This is a multi-functional retreat incorporating tourist destination, recreational spots, vacationing and entertainment.

The lake is known as the largest natural fresh-water lake in Zhejiang. Its water area occupies 19.89 square kilometers, four times that of the West Lake in Hangzhou. A vestige of a sea during the geological age, the lake is now 6.5 kilometers wide, 8.5 kilometers long and 45 kilometers in girth.

According to historical records, the lake emerged during the Jin Dynasty and was re-canalled in 744 AD during the Tang Dynasty. Thus it is more than 1200 years old now. Strenuous work of laborers in the subsequent dynasties finally turned Dongqian Lake into a first-rate reservoir and irrigation source, particularly renovations and expansions during the Tang and Song Dynasties under the direction of three consecutive county governors of Lu Jinnan, Li Yigeng and Wang Anshi. The lake has long since guaranteed good crops under all types of weather and transformed the whole region into "a fertile land of fish and rice". Later local people built "Temple of Reverends Lu and Li" and "Temple of Wang Anshi" by the lake, as a dedication to these governors' outstanding contributions to the lake.

Surrounded by mountains on four sides, the vast Dongqian Lake is a nice place for travel, recuperation and escaping the scotching sun in summer. Going to Dongqian lake is very convenient. The hotels, playing ground and all kinds of water sports facilities there will be sure to give tourists a real recreation.