Liuye Lake tourist resort area, situated in the urban and rural linking area of the northeast of Changde city, is the provincial tourism resort, which has a total planning area of 16.93 square kilometers.

★ Fast Facts on Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
■ Chinese name: 常德柳叶湖
■ Main Scenic Spots: Liuye Lake, Boating in Liuye Lake
■ Admission fee: Free
■ Suitable for: All ages

Liuye Lake is one of the largest city lakes in China. In ancient times, the belt-shaped lake was well-known for its beautiful scenery with the “willows on the bank swaying in the wind, songs of fishermen spreading from the boats on the lake, pine trees singing in the gentle breeze, and the lake framing a belt of water.” At present, it is recognized as “A Jewel of Hunan”, and “The Best Wonder of Changde”. It is also one of the “Best Natural Aquatic Sports Fields”, as wells as an “Urban Aquatic Paradise”. In 2001, the Liuye Lake was officially recognised as a national AAA tourism spot; in 2006, it was selected as one of the “New Top Eight Scenic Spots of Hunan”.

The water area of Liuye Lake is vast and the lake bed is flat, so it is an ideal natural water arena. Since 1995, Liuye Lake has successfully held the Eighth National Canoe Games of Hunan Province, the National Canoe Final Championship and the National Canoe Championships. Liuye Lake won the good reputation of athletes, audience and tourists with first-class venues and beautiful environment, known as the "Water Paradise".