Old Propeller Plane (Dian Lake)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilKitesurfing straplessAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Dec: 5/4mmMar–Nov: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Usually very quiet; primarily local riders (especially in winter).

Storm/Rain Season

Plum rain season in June and July (regional note).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

FreerideFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Possible but less common at this specific launch due to access difficulty and shallow hazards.

FreerideSlalom
Sail Sizes
6–8.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
Forecast

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.

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeashHelmetImpact vestBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • No official kiteboarding zone; riders must avoid fishing areas and boat traffic.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Zhujiajiao is a historic water town with nearby outdoor attractions, providing options for a combined sports-and-sightseeing trip.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are best for a mix of outdoor sports and comfortable sightseeing.
Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.