Qiandao Lake (千岛湖) Travel Guide
Nov 11, 2024
by orient china travel
Qiandao Lake Travel Guide for Foreigners
General Information
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- Name: Qiandao Lake (meaning "Thousand Island Lake" in Chinese), is a large man-made freshwater lake located in Chun'an County, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Formation: It was formed after the completion of the Xin'an River Hydroelectric Station in 1959.
- Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 29°36′33″N, 118°59′24″E.
- Best Visiting Time: All seasons are suitable for visiting, but spring and autumn are especially pleasant when the weather is mild.
- Opening Hours: 24 hours open. However, the opening hours of specific attractions within the lake area may vary.
How to Get There
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or high-speed rail to reach Qiandao Lake.
- By Train: There are high-speed rail stations in Hangzhou. After arriving in Hangzhou, you can transfer to a bus or private car to Qiandao Lake.
- By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Zhejiang Province and neighboring areas to Chun'an County where Qiandao Lake is located.
- By Car: If you have your own vehicle or rent a car, you can drive to Qiandao Lake via expressways and national highways. The road conditions are generally good, but be sure to follow traffic rules and pay attention to driving safety.
Scenic Areas and Attractions
- Central Lake Area :
- Meifeng Island: Located at the western end of the central lake area, it is a must-visit island. From the Meifeng Observation Deck, you can have a panoramic view of more than 300 islands, which is truly a magnificent sight. It is known as the best place to view the islands in Qiandao Lake.
- Longshan Island: This is the largest island in the central lake area and is rich in cultural heritages. There are historical buildings such as the Hai Rui Memorial. Hai Rui was a famous official in ancient China, and visiting the memorial can help you understand the history and culture of the area.
- Yule Island: Formerly known as Ostrich Island, it is now a comprehensive entertainment island. It has a central lake area reception service facility, integrating catering, entertainment, water sports, and leisure sightseeing. There is a large water stage on the island where you can watch the "Nine-Clan Fishermen's Water Wedding" performance, experiencing the unique lifestyle and folk culture of the fishermen.
- Southeast Lake Area:
- Huangshanjian: Located in the Pearl Islands of the southeast lake area, it offers a beautiful view. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can see a unique pattern formed by the islands, which is very spectacular.
- Tianchi: It is a natural scenic spot with unique geological features. The clear water, strange rocks, and lush vegetation make it a great place for exploration and photography.
- Mishan Island: Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the island has ancient temples and rich cultural connotations. It is a place where you can feel the tranquility and ancient charm.
- Other Attractions:
- Bike Greenways: There are well-built bike greenways around the lake, which are very suitable for cycling. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and the surrounding mountains while cycling, experiencing the joy of outdoor sports.
- Beer Town: A European-style town with colorful and saturated colors. There are retro buses, fountains, and spiral staircases. You can also visit the beer museum here to learn about the brewing process and culture of beer.
- Tianyushan Observation Deck: The scenery along the way to the observation deck is very beautiful. It is an excellent place to watch the sunset. After enjoying the scenery, you can experience the exciting water slide when going downhill.
Food and Accommodation
- Food:
- Fish Head Soup: Qiandao Lake is famous for its fresh fish. The fish head soup is a must-try dish. The soup is milky white, rich in flavor, and the fish meat is tender and delicious.
- Local Specialties: There are also other local specialties such as sturgeon dishes, local cured meats, and various mountain delicacies. You can taste these local flavors in the local restaurants and farmhouses.
- Accommodation:
- Resort Hotels: There are many high-end resort hotels around the lake, providing comfortable rooms and excellent services. You can enjoy the beautiful lake view while staying in these hotels.
- Farmhouses: Staying in a farmhouse is a good choice to experience the local rural life. You can taste the local home-cooked food and enjoy the peaceful and natural atmosphere.
Shopping
You can buy some local specialties and souvenirs in the local markets and tourist shops, such as fish products, tea leaves, and handicrafts. These can be good gifts for your friends and family back home.
You can buy some local specialties and souvenirs in the local markets and tourist shops, such as fish products, tea leaves, and handicrafts. These can be good gifts for your friends and family back home.
Tips
- Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as the sun can be strong, especially in summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there may be a lot of walking when visiting the islands and scenic spots.
- Respect the local environment and culture, and do not litter or damage the natural scenery and historical relics.