Situated 52 km from Beihai City, the Hongchao reservoir is home to the dazzling Star Island Lake or Xingdao Lake as it is called in Chinese. The beautiful mountainous region in Guangxi Zhuang, where the lake is located, with its rolling topography has caused the approximately 600 square kilometre lake to be speckled with no less than 1026 islands.  The lushly forested islets of varying shapes and sizes juxtaposed on the clear blue waters of the lake resemble a star filled sky, giving rise to the name of the lake.

The region is marked by a temperate climate throughout the year. It is also famed for flawless southern Chinese pearls. Its breathtaking scenery and atmosphere of harmonic existence with nature make the Star Island Lake a charming destination. The island bedecked lake can be explored by hiring one of the many boats available.

In 1996 a splendid base for shooting films was constructed due to the exotic allure of the lake and its imposing hilly environs. The popular television series “Shui Hu” or the “Outlaws of the Marsh” was filmed in the Xingdao. The ancient Chinese architecture of the area and its unpolluted environment played a key role in realistically portraying the “Song” dynasty era in which the story takes place. Wenshu Academy, Zhongyi Hall and the streets of Suzhou and Hangzhou are some of the structures in the area that evoke the feeling of being transported back in history.

The striking natural beauty and calm serenity that pervades Star Island Lake makes it one of the principal attractions in Biehai. The majestic mountains surrounding the myriad emerald isles in Xingdao Lake are proof that the coastal city of Beihai has much more to offer apart from sun, sand and fun. A stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Beihai is a great way to discover the warm and luxurious hospitality of the city.