Luxelakes: Chengdu’s “Venice of the East”—A Journey of Nature and Art

In Chengdu—a city famous for spicy hotpot and giant pandas—lies a “future community” that challenges everything you know about urban living: Luxelakes Water City.

Instead of crowded skyscrapers, you’ll find 2,100 acres of crystal-clear water connecting art museums, ecological parks, lakeside bistros, and floating homes. It feels like a blend of Venice’s canals and Singapore’s “Garden City.” For travelers who love nature, art, and a slower pace of life, Luxelakes is more than a destination; it’s a living experiment in how humans and nature can thrive together.

I. The Soul of Luxelakes: Where Water Meets Life

A. Ecological Wonder

Luxelakes is an ecological miracle. It took designers seven years to transform shallow hills into a massive network of lakes and wetlands. Today, it acts as Chengdu’s “green lungs.” The water is so clear you can see the bottom, while white egrets and black swans rest in the reeds. Watching a boat glide by, you might honestly forget you’re in the heart of a major Chinese city.

B. Art Without Borders

Buildings here were designed by international masters like Tadao Ando and Paul Andreu. Every structure looks like a piece of art growing out of the ground. From the winding paths of Red Sandstone Park to the geometric walls of the A4 Art Museum, art isn’t trapped in a gallery here—it’s part of the public space. As the MoMA in New York suggests, “Art should belong to everyone,” and Luxelakes makes that a reality.

II. 4 Must-Do Experiences at Luxelakes

1. Tianfu Gourmet Island: A Floating Food Haven

This floating food street on the lake has over 20 restaurants ranging from local Sichuan cuisine to Southeast Asian flavors. Every spot has a waterfront view.

• Lunch: Try the seafood hotpot at “Yintan”—perfect for those looking for a healthy, fresh meal.
• Afternoon Tea: Grab a coffee and Tiramisu at “Yan Ji You” lakeside bookstore and watch the boats pass by.
• Dinner: Head to “Bu Er Music Restaurant” for Thai Tom Yum soup and live band performances.

2. A4 Art Museum: The Contemporary Art Box

Designed by Tadao Ando, the museum features a striking concrete and glass exterior. Inside, you’ll find cutting-edge installations and video art.

• Tickets: ¥60 for adults / ¥30 for students (Closed on Mondays).

3. Red Sandstone Park: A Secret Urban Garden

Built on natural red sandstone terrain, this park features the Cloud Park, an interactive playground for kids. The slides and trampolines are shaped like clouds and rainbows.

• Activities: Hike bamboo forest trails or watch the sunset turn the lake red from the viewing deck.
• Entry: Free (Open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM).

4. Luxe Island: Outdoor Adventure Hub

Located in the middle of the lake, this island is a hub for kayaking, paddleboarding (SUP), sailing, and even horseback riding.

• Costs: Kayaking starts at around ¥120/hour; Sailing is about ¥300/hour.
• Vibe: Weekends often feature “Water Carnivals” with music and beer parties.

III. Culinary Journey: Flavors of Luxelakes

• Modern Sichuan Cuisine: Visit “Zi Fei” for a mix of Sichuan food and garden art. Don’t miss “Cabbage in Consommé,” simmered for 12 hours.
• Lakeside Coffee: % Arabica serves Spanish Latte and cold brew on a terrace overlooking the lake.
• Sweet Treats: Wild Pear Tree Bookstore offers Earl Grey crepe cakes and cold brew coffee—the perfect pairing with a good book.

IV. Practical Travel Guide

Getting There

• By Car: About a 30-minute drive from downtown Chengdu. Parking is free.
• By Subway: Line 1 to Luxelakes Station (Exit C), then take the free community shuttle bus.
• By Taxi: Around ¥40 from Chunxi Road or ¥60 from Shuangliu Airport.

Where to Stay

• Luxury: Private villas with lakeside pools (starting at ¥1,000+ per person).
• Great Value: Two-bedroom suites (around ¥300 per person).
• Unique Experience: Stay in a floating wooden cabin (around ¥500 per person).

Best Time to Visit

• All Year Round: Spring for cherry blossoms, summer for water sports, and autumn for the golden reeds.
• Avoid Weekends: Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience.

V. Conclusion: Luxelakes, a Gentle Experiment of the Future

The magic of Luxelakes is that it redefines the relationship between “city” and “nature.” It’s not a cold jungle of concrete; it’s a warm community made of water, art, and smiles.

“Luxelakes proves that we can develop a city while still respecting the natural world.”

When you visit Chengdu, don’t just see the pandas—bring your curiosity to Luxelakes. You might find that the lifestyle here is exactly what you’ve been looking for. Furthermore, to explore more highlights of a Sichuan journey, don’t miss our page on Chengdu Tourist Attractions!