Hello, I’m Mike Wang, a China travel expert with over 20 years of experience. During these two decades, I’ve traveled extensively around the world. Today, let’s explore Qiandao Lake—in China, a gem where 1,078 islands float on clear waters. Born from a dam, it blends man-made ingenuity with natural wonder. Discover its beauty, story, and how to savor every moment.
Introduction
Qiandao Lake, a stunning gem in China, sits in Zhejiang Province—around 150km west of Hangzhou. A 2-hour drive from the city gets you to this natural wonder in China.
Spanning 573 square kilometers, it’s like a vast blue canvas dotted with over 1,078 islands. These islands are former hilltops, left exposed when a dam was built in 1959. The dam flooded a valley, creating this unique reservoir that’s now a top spot in China.
What’s remarkable? Its crystal-clear water—you can see 12 meters deep. Most islands are covered in lush forests, teeming with birds and small wildlife. It’s perfect for boating, hiking, or just soaking up the views.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Ticket Price (Main Scenic Area):
- Adults: 150 RMB (~21 USD)
- Children (1.2–1.5m tall): 75 RMB (~10.5 USD)
- Children under 1.2m: Free
- Seniors (60+): 50% discount with valid ID/passport
Payment Methods:
- WeChat Pay, Alipay (most common)
- International credit cards NOT widely accepted inside
- Cash (RMB) accepted at ticket counters, though not always in small shops
- Passport required for foreign visitors when purchasing tickets (used for ID registration)
Extra Fees:
- Boat tours: 100–200 RMB (~14–28 USD) depending on the route
- Island entry fees: Some smaller islands charge 20–50 RMB (~3–7 USD)
Main Attractions in Qiandao Lake
Meifeng Island
Meifeng Island is Qiandao Lake’s top spot for views. Climb its 1,000-step trail to the summit—you’ll see hundreds of islands spread like green gems in blue water. Spring brings blooming flowers; sunset paints the lake gold.
Tickets & Payment：Included in the 150 RMB (~20.8 USD) main lake ticket (covers ferry). No extra fee. Pay via cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. Discounts apply with passport (kids 1.2-1.5m, seniors 60+: 75 RMB/~10.4 USD).
Tips：Wear comfy shoes—steps can be steep. Bring water; the climb takes 30-40 mins. Stay on marked paths. Last ferry back is 2 pm, so plan your visit early.
Qiandao Lake Beer Town
Qiandao Lake Beer Town is a vibrant area blending beer culture with fun. It features a giant beer bottle sculpture, German-style architecture, and breweries where you can taste fresh local beer. There are also restaurants, souvenir shops, and occasional live music, making it a lively spot to relax after exploring the lake.
Tickets & Payment：Free entry to the town. Some attractions like brewery tours cost 30 RMB (~4.2 USD) per person. Payments accepted via cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. No passport needed for entry; discounts rarely apply here.
Tips：Brewery tours often end by 5 pm, so visit early. Designated drinking areas only—no alcohol on streets. Families with kids will find playgrounds, but keep an eye on little ones in crowds. Parking is available for 10 RMB (~1.4 USD) per day.
Qiandao Lake Forest Oxygen Bar
A lush green retreat near Qiandao Lake, the Forest Oxygen Bar is a dense woodland with fresh, clean air—perfect for escaping the bustle. It has winding trails through pine and bamboo forests, dotted with small waterfalls and clear streams. The air is rich in negative ions, making it feel rejuvenating. It’s ideal for hiking, picnics, or simply breathing in nature’s freshness.
Tickets & Payment：Admission: 60 RMB (~8.3 USD) per adult. Kids 1.2-1.5m and seniors over 60: 30 RMB (~4.2 USD) with passport. Under 1.2m: free. Payments accepted via cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
Tips：Wear comfortable walking shoes—trails can be slippery after rain. Bring insect repellent. Stay on marked paths to avoid getting lost. No littering—fines apply. It closes at 5 pm, so start your visit by early afternoon to enjoy the trails fully.
Transportation – How to Get There
By Bus:
Depart from Hangzhou West Bus Station. Buses run every 30 minutes from 6:00 am to 6:50 pm.
Time: About 2 hours.
Price: 60 RMB (~8.3 USD).
By High – speed Train:
Depart from Hangzhou East Station or Hangzhou West Station.
Time: As short as 48 – 50 minutes (from Hangzhou East).
Price: 58 – 72 RMB (~8.1 – 10 USD).
By Car：
Take the Hangxinjing Expressway. It’s advisable to depart before 7 am to avoid traffic.
Time: Around 3 hours.
Parking: 5 RMB (~0.7 USD) per hour in the scenic area; free for hotel guests.
From Qiandao Lake Station to Scenic Area:
Taxi: Costs around 30 RMB (~4.2 USD).
“Qianyuhao” Bus: Unified fare of 15 RMB (~2.1 USD) per person. Check schedules and buy tickets via the Didi app.
Cultural Significance
Qiandao Lake is not only a masterpiece of nature but also a living storybook of Chinese culture. Beneath the water lies a hidden wonder — the ancient city of Shicheng (Lion City), a more than 1,300-year-old settlement from the Eastern Han Dynasty, submerged when the reservoir was created in 1959. This “Atlantis of the East” is preserved perfectly under the water, with its arches, city walls, and temples still intact, making Qiandao Lake famous among divers and historians worldwide.
Local legends also add charm: stories say that the 1,078 islands resemble scattered pearls left behind by a celestial dragon, giving the lake its poetic nickname, the “Lake of a Thousand Islands.” Qiandao Lake has also been referenced in Chinese art, poetry, and films, often symbolizing tranquility and the harmonious coexistence of people and nature.
Practical Tips & Etiquette
- Safety Tips: Always wear life jackets during boating, kayaking, or rafting. The water is very deep, so even experienced swimmers should stay cautious.
- Eco-Friendly Travel: Qiandao Lake is known for its clean, drinkable water. Please avoid littering, and use eco-friendly products when possible. Plastics are discouraged in the scenic area.
- Other Reminders:
- Summer can get humid and hot (30–35°C/86–95°F), so bring sunscreen and hats.
- Winter is mild (10–15°C/50–59°F), but pack a light jacket.
- Some attractions may only accept digital payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay), but cash and international cards are usually fine at ticket offices. Carry your passport for ID checks when buying tickets or checking into hotels.
Accommodation
You have two main options for where to stay when visiting Qiandao Lake:
Near the Lake (Within 3 km)
Staying close to the lake gives you sunrise views and easy access.
- InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort: Luxury lakeside resort with infinity pools. Approx. ¥1,200–1,600 RMB ($165–220 USD) per night. 10 minutes by taxi to main pier.
- Qiandao Lake Greentown Resort: Mid-range with family-friendly rooms. ¥500–700 RMB ($70–95 USD) per night. 5 minutes by taxi.
- Qiandao Lake Fisherman’s Inn: Local guesthouse offering homestay vibes. ¥200–300 RMB ($28–42 USD). Walkable to the lakefront.
In the Town (Chun’an County Center, ~15 km from main scenic area)
Staying in town gives you cheaper dining and nightlife options.
- Hilton Hangzhou Qiandao Lake Resort: International comfort, around ¥800–1,000 RMB ($110–140 USD). 20 minutes by taxi.
- Holiday Inn Express Qiandao Lake: Budget-friendly international chain. Around ¥350–450 RMB ($50–65 USD).
- Local Boutique Hotels: Ranging ¥250–400 RMB ($35–55 USD), many offering free shuttle buses to the lake.
Transport between lake resorts and the scenic area is easy: taxis (¥20–50 RMB / $3–7 USD) or local shuttle buses (¥5–10 RMB / $0.70–1.50 USD).
Food Around Qiandao Lake
Qiandao Lake is famous for freshwater fish dishes, especially the “Fish Head Soup” (Chun’an Yutou Tang) — a creamy, rich broth cooked with giant fish heads from the lake.
Price: Around ¥180–300 RMB ($25–42 USD) per pot, enough for 3–4 people.
Other must-tries:
Steamed Qiandao Lake Fish – tender, delicate freshwater fish, usually served with soy sauce and ginger. (~¥80–120 RMB / $11–17 USD)
Bamboo Shoots with Pork – seasonal mountain bamboo shoots stir-fried with local pork. (~¥50 RMB / $7 USD)
Tea-flavored Snacks – made from Longjing tea leaves grown in Hangzhou. (~¥20–30 RMB / $3–5 USD)
🍴 Dining Tip: For a more authentic experience, eat at family-run restaurants near the lake. Many offer outdoor seating with lake views.
Photography Guide
Qiandao Lake is not only about sailing and sightseeing—it’s a paradise for photography. Whether you are a professional with a DSLR or just carrying a smartphone, you’ll find countless frames worth capturing.
- Sunrise and Sunset
- Best Spot: Meifeng Island viewing platform.
- Why: At sunrise, the lake is covered with soft mist and the floating islands emerge like a fairytale painting. At sunset, the horizon turns golden, reflecting on the calm waters.
- Safety Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot, but be mindful of uneven paths in low light.
- Island Views from the Water
- Best Spot: From the deck of a cruise ship.
- Why: Only from the middle of the lake can you truly capture the vastness and the “thousand islands” effect. Panoramic shots here are breathtaking.
- Safety Tip: Hold your camera firmly; avoid leaning over railings.
- Bird’s Eye Photography
- Best Spot: Meifeng Island cable car station or observation deck.
- Why: From high above, the turquoise waters dotted with emerald islands resemble a jade necklace scattered across the landscape.
- Safety Tip: Use secure camera straps when taking photos in windy conditions.
- Cultural & Lifestyle Shots
- Best Spot: Longshan Island or Xiaojinshan Village.
- Why: Capture locals fishing, tea drying in courtyards, or enjoying lakefront life—these authentic moments give depth to your travel album.
- Safety Tip: Always ask before photographing people, especially elders.
- Night Shots
- Best Spot: Around Qiandao Lake Town.
- Why: Reflections of neon lights on the water create a magical effect, perfect for long-exposure photography.
- Safety Tip: Carry a tripod, and be careful near the water’s edge at night.
Pro Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best natural light. Bring polarizing filters to reduce water glare.
Final Thoughts
As a Chinese living here, Qiandao Lake is a treasure that never fails to enchant. It’s where 1,078 islands dance on crystal waters, a masterpiece blending human wisdom (from the dam) and nature’s grandeur. More than just scenic, it offers hiking highs, boat rides at dawn, and fresh lake feasts. Affordable, accessible, and forever memorable — its magic stays with you long after departure.
Mike Wang
Mike Wang is a 40-something Chinese travel expert, has explored the world,
hosting numerous foreign visitors. He’s deeply interested in and knowledgeable
about ancient cultural architectures, enriching journeys with his insights.
Essential Hangzhou Travel Resources
1、Core Hangzhou Attractions
Visit Lingyin Temple in China: Tips, Tickets, and Attractions
Qiandao Lake:Ultimate Travel Guide & Tips
Hangzhou Songcheng: Time-Travel Experience In China
Xixi Wetland Nature Park:A 2025 Travel Guide
2、Must-Stay Hangzhou Hotels
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