Yinghu Lake is the large reservoir created by the Ankang Dam on the Han River, stretching west from the city through a series of mountain-framed bays and inlets. The lake covers about 77 square kilometres and is the main scenic asset of the Ankang area, with boat trips, lakeside restaurants, and walking paths along the western shore. The surrounding mountains provide a backdrop of forested ridges and red-sandstone cliffs.
The main scenic area is at Yinghu Wharf in Yinghu Town, about 30 kilometres west of the city on the Han River road. Boat trips around the main scenic bay cost around 70 yuan; full-day excursions into the upper lake are available. Accommodation has developed around the lake in recent years, and staying overnight at a lakeside guesthouse gives access to the evening light and early morning mist on the water.