Why Xiaowei Fish Pond Is My Go-To Fishing Spot in Changzhou
As someone who’s spent years chasing the perfect fishing day around Changzhou, I’ve lost count of the ponds and lakes I’ve tested. But there’s one spot that keeps pulling me back: Xiaowei Fish Pond in Xinbei District. It’s not the biggest or the fanciest, but it checks every box for a laid-back, rewarding fishing trip-especially if you’re tired of crowded, overpriced commercial spots.
First Impressions: Where to Find Xiaowei Fish Pond
Located 200 meters west of Houmazhuang, Chishang Community, Xixiashu Town, Xinbei District, Changzhou, this 7-acre pond is surprisingly easy to reach. I drive there from downtown Changzhou, and the last stretch of road winds through quiet villages-no bumper-to-bumper traffic, just open fields and fresh air. The GPS nails the location, so I’ve never gotten lost (a win for directionally challenged folks like me!).
What Makes Xiaowei Fish Pond Stand Out?
- Just-Right Size & Depth: At 7 acres, it’s big enough to not feel cramped, but small enough that you don’t spend hours walking to find a good spot. The 2-meter average depth is perfect for both beginners (no need to worry about super deep water) and seasoned anglers (plenty of hiding spots for fish).
- Chill, Scenic Vibes: The pond is surrounded by greenery-tall trees line the banks, and there’s even a small patch of wildflowers near the entrance. Last time I went, I set up my rod under a willow tree, and the only sounds were birds chirping and the occasional splash of a fish. No loud music from nearby vendors, no crowds yelling-just peace.
- Clear Pricing (No Hidden Fees): The charge is 13–18 yuan per jin, depending on the fish type. I love that it’s transparent-no per-hour fees, no extra costs for using the pond’s basic amenities (like clean restrooms and a small shelter for rain). If you catch 5 jin of crucian carp (15 yuan/jin), that’s 75 yuan total-way cheaper than some spots that charge 50 yuan just to enter.
My Typical Day at Xiaowei Fish Pond
I usually arrive around 8 a.m., when the fish are most active. I grab a spot near the north bank (that’s where the water’s a bit shallower, and the fish love to feed on insects there). I use earthworms as bait (they work wonders here!), and within 10 minutes, I felt a tug on my line-caught a 1.2-jin crucian carp on my first cast! By noon, I had 6 fish in my bucket: 4 crucian carp and 2 grass carp. After packing up, I took my catch to a nearby farm restaurant, and they cooked it into a fresh braised fish dish for lunch-best meal I’d had all week.
Who Should Visit Xiaowei Fish Pond?
This spot isn’t for competitive anglers chasing record-breaking fish, but it’s perfect for:
- Families with kids (safe depth, quiet environment, and kids love reeling in small fish)
- Couples looking for a low-key date (pack a picnic-there’s a flat area near the pond ideal for blankets)
- Solo anglers wanting to unwind (I’ve met a few regulars here; we chat between casts, but no one bugs you if you want to be alone)
- Beginners (the owner, Uncle Wei, is always around to give tips-he showed me how to adjust my float last time, and my catch doubled!)
A Quick Tip for First-Timers
Bring your own chair and sun hat-the pond has a few benches, but they’re popular on weekends. Also, if you plan to stay until afternoon, pack a water bottle; the nearest store is 5 minutes away by car. And don’t forget to say hi to Uncle Wei-he’s the one with the red baseball cap, and he’ll probably offer you a cup of hot tea!
I brought my neighbor, a total fishing newbie, to Xiaowei Fish Pond last month. He caught his first fish ever there, and now he texts me every weekend asking when we’re going back. That’s the magic of this spot-it turns casual outings into memorable ones. If you’re in Changzhou and need a break from the city, give it a shot. You might not catch a monster fish, but you’ll leave with a full bucket and a relaxed mind.
