The lake is an artificial made round lake around year 2005 with a diameter of 4 km. The water is basically fresh water. The lake is connected via a channel with the sea. The water quality for Shanghai area is pretty good but not sure in how far it meets swimming water quality. Water is deep enough and pretty flat. As usual in China, some fish net can be in the water and you need to watch out for the sticks related to them.
In the middle of the lake is a half island. All around the lake is a wall. Dependent on the water level, the height is around 50cm, which makes it difficult to leave the water (not good for beginners). At some few places the wall is lower, so it is more easy to enter or leave. There is no real beach but enough green area to launch or land a kite. The whole area is new and still developing, so there is lot of construction work ongoing and changes around the lake will happen in next months/years.
The spot is suitable all round the year for riding. The climate is in line with Shanghai climate. From October to April a wetsuit is needed, the rest of the year depends on your personal preference.
The wind is pretty gusty and that is one main disadvantage about this spot. Direction of wind does not matter since the lake is exactly round and not too big. Generally wind is more stable in the far end of the wind because less land barriers and more open water. For wind forecast, refer to Shanghai/Pudong wind forecast.
The lake is right in a center of a complete new industrial developing area. All roads lead like a star towards it. It is supposed to be a tourist spot/relaxing area. Everybody who has experience what Chinese people need for this, may draw his imagination how the area will look like in couple of years. No way to get there without car. It is about 1h ride from SH city in the very south east. Close to the entrance point of Shanghai Deep Sea port bridge. Take either A4-A30-A2 or A20-A2 to get there. Take the first exit about 1km after the end of the highway toll area. You leave the highway on the right hand side and immediately drive over a bridge to cross the highway. Then go straight all the time and after about 5km you are right in front of DiShui. At the time of writing the post we turn normally left and go to the center of the lake but the spots to enter the water may change. There are also small road signs installed to show the way but drive slowly not to miss them. When going back in the night time the entry road towards the highway seems to be closed for whatever reason but if you drive in front, they will open and let you pass through.
At this time there are no restrictions but things may change quickly. Better check with local Shanghai kiteboarders about current situation. Respect the local initiatives/developing plans, even you may not like them.
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