Fairy Lake Scenic Area (仙女湖景区) is a reservoir covering about 50 square kilometers west of Xinyu, dotted with over 200 small forested islands. Boat tours weave between the islands for two to three hours, and the combination of pine-covered hills reflected in still water creates a landscape that feels more reminiscent of Guilin than the typical Jiangxi industrial city. The contrast between the city's steel-producing identity and this genuinely lovely natural setting is one of Xinyu's more surprising qualities.
The best time to visit is on weekday mornings when crowds are thin. Boat tours depart from the main dock at the eastern end of the lake and take various routes through the island channels. Photography of the mist-shrouded islands at dawn is the main motivation for early arrival. Accommodation is available at the lake, and staying overnight allows access to both sunset and sunrise views.