Qiandao Lake Scenic Area
Nestled in Zhejiang Province, Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve renowned for its emerald waters, mist-shrouded peaks, and rich cultural heritage. Spanning 580 km² with 1,078 islands, it blends breathtaking landscapes with historical sites, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly tourism. Here’s your guide to experiencing this paradise.
Historical Overview
Qiandao Lake’s story began in 1959 with the construction of Xin’anjiang Dam, flooding ancient towns to create a reservoir. Today, submerged ruins (like the 1,400-year-old Hecheng City) and floating villages add mystique. The area’s cultural roots trace back to the Tang Dynasty, with temples, folk art, and tea traditions preserved in modern attractions.
Structural Layout & Key Zones
The lake is divided into five thematic areas:
1. Central Lake District: Iconic islands like Meifeng Island (peach blossoms) and Monkey Island (wild macaques).
2. Southwest Lake District: Hiking trails, bamboo forests, and the Xiangshan Waterfall.
3. Southeast Lake District: Cycling paths, strawberry farms, and the ancient Xiushui Village.
4. Northwest Lake District: Luxury resorts, hot springs, and the Shilin Hot Spring Park.
5. Fuxi Lake District: Eco-campsites, stargazing platforms, and the Fuxi Temple.
Major Attractions
Dragon Island (Longshan Island): Home to the world’s largest jade carving museum and a 3D glass bridge overlooking the lake.
Bird Island: A sanctuary for migratory cranes, with observation towers and photography workshops.
Qiandao Lake Aquarium: Underwater tunnels showcasing 300+ fish species, including rare sturgeon.
Submerged Ruins Park: A glass-bottomed boat tour of Hecheng City’s ancient streets and temples.
Skywalk at Meifeng Peak: A 300m-long cliff-edge walkway with 360° lake views.
Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day Classic Route
Morning: Dragon Island (jades, glass bridge) → Bird Island (crane watching).
Afternoon: Submerged Ruins Park boat tour → Meifeng Peak Skywalk.
Full-Day Cultural & Nature Route
Morning: Xiangshan Waterfall hike → Xiushui Village tea tasting.
Afternoon: Dragon Island Aquarium → Fuxi Temple meditation.
Evening: Northwest Lake District hot springs or stargazing.
Adventure-Packed Route
Day 1: Kayaking in the Southwest District → cycling in Southeast District.
Day 2: Rock climbing at Meifeng → eco-camping at Fuxi Lake.
Ticket Purchase & Fees
Island Hopping Pass: ¥185–320 (covers 3–5 islands, valid 24hrs).
Aquarium Entry: ¥150 (children under 1.2m free).
Glass Bridge: ¥80 (combined tickets with Dragon Island available).
Boat Tours: ¥60–120 (public/private options).
Free Access: Public parks, hiking trails, and villages.
Transportation
By Subway/Bus: Hangzhou → Chun’an County bus (2hrs), then taxi to the lake.
By High-Speed Train: Shanghai/Hangzhou → Qiandaohu Station (1.5hrs), then shuttle bus.
By Car: 2.5hrs from Hangzhou; parking ¥10/hr at main piers.
On-Lake Navigation: Ferries, speedboats, and electric scooters for island hopping.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit April–May or September–October (avoid July–August rainy season).
Quietest Hours: Early mornings (6–8 AM) for photography or hiking.
Essentials:Wear waterproof shoes (lake trails can be muddy).
Book hotels in advance during holidays (e.g., National Day).
Try local dishes: fish head soup, bamboo shoots, and Hangzhou-style noodles.
Prohibited Items: Drones, littering, and swimming in non-designated zones.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
What activities does Moonlight Island offer?
Five interconnected islands feature love locks at Heart Garden, petting zoos, and the Temple of the Number One Scholar.
What boat routes are available? How to choose?
Center Lake Route: Meifeng, Yueguang, Longshan Islands (7 hours). Southeast Lake Route: Huangshanjian, Tianchi, Osmanthus Islands (6 hours).
What are the operating hours of Qiandao Lake Scenic Area?
The lake is open 24/7, but paid attractions like Meifeng Island operate 08:00–17:00. Winter hours (Nov–Feb) may end earlier.
What local dishes should visitors try near Qiandao Lake?
Qiandao Lake fish head soup, stir-fried bamboo shoots, and Dongpo fish. Visit Yuweiguan or local fisherman’s restaurants.
What events occur during the Beer Town Carnival?
Held August 1–15, it includes beer-tapping contests, a "Lager River" floating bar, and a "Million-Liter Beer Pong" game. The 2024 event consumed 1.2 million liters of local craft brew.
