The surface water was sampled in Lake Baoan of Hubei Province in April, July, October 2021 and January 2022. The abundance, particle size, shape, color and type of microplastics in water sample were analyzed in order to explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of microplastics in surface water of shallow lakes and their influencing factors. The results showed that the annual average abundance of microplastics in the surface water of the lake was (16.20±2.23) items/L. The abundance of microplastics presented obvious seasonal differences with the lowest average abundance level of (1.40±0.09) items/L in summer (sampling time in July). Microplastic particles size in 0.064-1 mm was dominated, accounting for 82.57% among all particles. Black and colorless microplastic particles were the most common ones, with the percentage of 36.16% and 21.31%, respectively. Fiber (40.01%) was the most widely distributed form of microplastics. Polyethylene (PE) and low density-polyethylene (LDPE) were the dominant types of microplastics, accounting for 46.05%, followed by polystyrene (PS, 17.2%), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 8.33%) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAC, 8.31%). Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between microplastic abundance and water quality in the lake. This study revealed the distribution status of microplastics in typical shallow lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, which provided a scientific basis for assessing the potential pollution risks of microplastics in congener lakes.