Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake) is a small freshwater lake kitesurfing spot near Zhujiajiao, with cloudy water and generally choppy conditions. The launch is described as a small grassy patch / small unpaved clearing near the water, good enough for easy self-launching, but the spot’s usability is strongly limited by underwater hazards. The main concern is safety: the lake is reported as full of stakes and abandoned fishing nets, with additional underwater debris. Multiple sources emphasize that riders should wear a life jacket and are advised to prevent injuries by using a wetsuit (and, where noted, boots) to reduce the risk of cuts and impacts from underwater hazards. Wind is characterized by north/northwest directions, with the best months listed as November through March (including January, February, March, and also November and December). Reliability is described as low to fair: lake wind can change, and inland structures/trees may add turbulence, so riders should plan for variable conditions rather than assuming steady flow. Overall, it’s primarily a winter niche spot for intermediate progression in kitesurfing (freeride/foil/strapless mentioned), while other disciplines are described as either less common or limited by hazards and access. Winter water temperatures are very cold, and wetsuit use is consistently recommended.
- Winter north/west winds for freshwater kitesurfing
- Small launch area suitable for self-launching
- Choppy conditions but usable for freeride/foil progression with caution
- Freshwater lake riding with small-beach, grassy/paved-enough launch suitable for self-launching.
- Winter north/west winds are favorable for kitesurfing.
- Primarily used by local riders in the colder season.
- Underwater fishing hazards (stakes, abandoned nets, debris) make it high-risk.
- Lake wind can be unreliable and conditions tend to be choppy.
- No rescue availability reported at the spot.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Offshore directions
- N, NW, WNW, NNW, W
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Lake winds are variable; winter winds are commonly northwesterly.
- Reliability
- low
- Best Months
- January, February, March, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
- Shadow Zones
- Some turbulence can occur from inland trees and nearby structures.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Beach composition reported as sand in one set of details; other details describe mixed composition.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Choppy water; wave size described as small.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Often reported as a bit choppy/choppy lake conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Small grassy patch / small unpaved clearing and a path near the water.
Through the year
Usually very quiet; primarily local riders (especially in winter).
Plum rain season in June and July (regional note).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A niche freshwater lake spot used primarily in winter with choppy conditions. It can be good for freeride/foiling progression, but it is considered unsuitable for beginners due to underwater hazards (stakes/nets/debris) and challenging launch conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Possible but less common at this specific launch due to access difficulty and shallow hazards.
- Sail Sizes
- 6–8.5 m²
Foilable but reported as extremely hazardous due to underwater stakes and abandoned fishing nets.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Reported as limited due to underwater hazards.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake) in the full forecast view.
Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- N360°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 13–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Stakes
- Wooden fishing stakes
- Abandoned fishing nets
- Underwater debris
- Cold water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported for this launch.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue availability reported for riders at this spot.
- Emergency Info
- No rescue coverage at the spot. Nearest medical facilities are in Zhujiajiao town.
Rules of the spot
Wear a life jacket (compulsory recommended). Avoid fishing areas/boat traffic; there is no official kiteboarding zone.
- No official kiteboarding zone; riders must avoid fishing areas and boat traffic.
- Wetsuit is suggested to prevent injury from the numerous little sticks and abandoned fishing nets.
- Identify the location of fishing stakes before launching.
- Lake wind tends to be unreliable—be prepared for changing conditions.
- Always wear boots to protect against underwater sticks and sharp debris.
- Know how to swim.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Shanghai
- Nearest Town
- Zhujiajiao
- Parking
- Park in front of the little bridge that blocks the path to the water.
- Access
- From Shanghai, take the A9 or G50 highway west to the end. Turn right, then left on the main road. Pass a concrete artificial aircraft carrier structure. Continue until a totally rotten gate (concrete frame remains), turn right into it, and follow the path toward the water. Park in front of the little bridge that blocks further vehicle access.
- Local Language
- Chinese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Guesthouses and hotels are available in the nearby ancient town of Zhujiajiao.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and convenience stores are available in Zhujiajiao.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Zhujiajiao is a historic water town with nearby outdoor attractions, providing options for a combined sports-and-sightseeing trip.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake)?
The best overall months at Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake)?
Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake) works with N, W, WNW, NW, NNW winds. Offshore directions are N, NW, WNW, NNW, W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 6–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake) suitable for?
Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.