Qiandao Lake 千岛湖Qiāndǎo Hú

Why go to Qiandao Lake

Qiandao Lake, or Thousand Island Lake, is a vast reservoir in Chun'an county where hilltops rise from clear green water as forested islands. Cruises from Qiandaohu town visit a selection of islands, with lookouts, short walks and a sense of space that city-weary visitors enjoy. It works as a quiet overnight escape rather than a checklist of sights.

The story

The lake was created in 1959–60 when the Xin'an River was dammed for hydropower, flooding two county towns and more than 1,300 villages. The ancient town of Shicheng ('Lion City') still lies preserved underwater at the foot of Wushi Mountain.

What to see at Qiandao Lake

• Central Lake cruise 中心湖区游船: The standard boat route from the main pier threads through the central lake, calling at several islands with lookouts and short loops.
• Meifeng Island 梅峰岛: The main viewpoint stop on the central lake route: a climb of about 15 minutes from the landing leads to a platform over the scattered islands and open water.
• Longshan Island 龙山岛: A cultural stop on the central lake line, with a shrine to Hai Rui, the Ming official who served as Chun'an's magistrate, and the Shixia Academy, set among trees.
• Yule Island 渔乐岛: An island known for simple lake-fish meals and net-fishing demonstrations, popular with families.
• Qiandaohu town waterfront 千岛湖镇: The lakeside town at the main pier has promenades, cafes and sunset views, and is the practical base for the whole area.

How to visit Qiandao Lake

Use the main pier in Qiandaohu town and take a cruise on the central lake route, which usually stops at two or three islands and takes most of a day with transfers. A half-day trip covers one island and the town promenade, while a full day or an overnight stay lets you add a second route. Book with real-name registration, and check the day's boat schedule on arrival.

How to get to Qiandao Lake

Qiandaohu station, on the Hangzhou–Huangshan high-speed line, is about an hour by train from Hangzhou East; local buses and taxis cover the roughly 30 km to the piers at Qiandaohu town. Driving from Hangzhou takes around two to two and a half hours, depending on traffic.

Where to stay

Stay in Qiandaohu town, where the lakefront hotels and the pier are within walking distance, or choose a lakeside resort for sunrise views.

What to eat

• Fish head soup 鱼头汤: A thick, milky soup made from a bighead carp head, the lake's signature dish, usually cooked with tofu.
• Lake sturgeon 鲟鱼: Sturgeon is farmed in the lake, and local restaurants cook it in hotpots and stir-fries.

Tips for visiting Qiandao Lake

• Weekend and holiday crowds are heavy at the piers; a weekday or an overnight stay gives you the calm lake that photographs show.
• Boat itineraries vary by season and weather, so confirm which islands your ticket covers before boarding.
• Carry your passport for ticket checks and boat boarding; scenic-area ticketing generally uses real-name registration.

Nearby

• Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 黄山 100 km
  Granite spires, wind-bent pines and a sea of clouds straight out of an ink painting
• Xidi 西递村 100 km
  A quieter UNESCO twin of Hongcun: flagstone lanes, merchant houses and a Ming archway
• Hongcun Village 宏村 110 km
  A merchant village planned in the shape of an ox, mirrored in its own pond
• Wuyuan Villages 婺源 120 km
  White-walled villages among yellow rapeseed in spring and red chillies in autumn
• Mount Sanqing 三清山 120 km
  Granite pillars in cloud and pine, and cliffside plank walks to a Taoist palace

Also within 30 km: Qiandao Lake Stone Forest 千岛湖石林 (20 km), Lingqi Caves 灵栖洞 (20 km).

On the map

Open Qiandao Lake on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.

Learn more

• Wikipedia
• Wikipedia (Chinese)