Qiandao Lake, Hangzhou

Plan your Qiandao Lake trip! Learn facts, Center Lake Area attractions, underwater Lion City, how to get from Hangzhou, best time to visit, food & where to stay.

About Qiandao Lake (Key Facts)

Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) is a 5A-level scenic spot and “the most beautiful show water in the world.” Located near Hangzhou, in Chun’an County, Zhejiang, it’s an artificial lake formed by the Xin’an River Hydroelectric Power Station, with 1,078 islands (hence its name). Here, you can cruise to see scattered islands, explore cultural sites, or even dive near the underwater ancient cities.

• It’s man-made: Created to power the Xin’an River Hydroelectric Station, but now it’s a top tourist spot.
• Tons of islands: 1,078 total—some are tiny (just rocks with trees), others are big enough for restaurants and temples.
• Clean water: The lake’s water is so clear you can drink it (locals even use it to cook fish!).
• Two main areas: Most people stick to the Central Lake Area (easy to reach, with 4 main islands). The Southeast Lake Area is quieter, good if you want to avoid crowds.

Where is Qiandao Lake Located?

Qiandao Lake is in Chun’an County, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province—it’s on the way from Hangzhou to Huangshan, so it’s easy to add to a longer trip. Most visitors focus on the Central Lake Area because it’s closest to the main boat terminal.

How to Get to Qiandao Lake from Hangzhou

From Hangzhou, you can take a bus, drive, or book a private car. There’s no direct train (you’d have to switch to a bus, which is slower), so these are the best options:

By Intercity Bus (Most Popular)

1. Go to Hangzhou West Bus Station. You can take Metro Line 3 to “West Bus Station” stop—it’s a 5-minute walk from the metro exit.
2. Buy a ticket to “Qiandao Lake Main Terminal (Menggu Road).” Buses leave every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM—no need to book in advance (but do so in peak season).
3. The bus drops you right at the Central Lake Area terminal—you can start your trip right away.

By Self-Driving

1. Take the Hangzhou-Rui’an Expressway (G60) south, then switch to the Jiande-Qiandao Lake Expressway (S33).
2. Exit at “Qiandao Lake Town” and follow the signs to “Central Lake Area Cruise Terminal.”
3. Parking at the terminal costs about $2 per day—there’s plenty of space, even in busy times.

By Private Car/Charter

Good if you’re traveling with a group or have lots of luggage. You can book via apps like Didi or local travel agencies:

• A car for 4 people costs about $80 one-way.
• The driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hangzhou and drop you right at your Qiandao Lake hotel—no carrying bags around.

Qiandao Lake - 3 Main Areas & Routes

Here’s a simple breakdown of the areas and how to explore them:

1-Day Quick Trip (Perfect for First-Timers)

1. 9:00 AM: Start at the main boat terminal (Menggu Road) and take a cruise to Meifeng Island. Climb the small hill to the viewing platform—you’ll see hundreds of islands spread out like dots.
2. 11:30 AM: Next stop: Yule Island. This is the only island with restaurants—try the famous Qiandao Lake fish head stew (cooked in lake water, super fresh).
3. 1:30 PM: Go to Moonlight Island (also called Wulong Island). It’s 5 small islands connected by bridges—hang a wish lock or take photos by the lake.
4. 3:30 PM: Last island: Longshan Island. Walk around Hai Rui Shrine (honors an honest ancient official) and Shi Xi Academy (an old school)—good for learning local history.
5. 5:00 PM: Take the cruise back to the terminal.

2-Day In-Depth Trip

• Day 1: Do the 1-day Central Lake Area route, then stay at a hotel near the terminal.
• Day 2: Morning: Take a glass-bottom boat to see the Underwater Lion City (you can spot old walls and gates under the water). Afternoon: Head to the Southeast Lake Area to visit Mishan Island’s quiet temples.

Qiandao Lake Top Attractions

1. Qiandao Lake - Central Lake Area

This is the heart of Qiandao Lake—here’s what you can’t miss:

• Meifeng Island: The most popular spot. The viewing platform at the top gives you a bird’s-eye view of the lake and islands. Go early (around 9 AM) to avoid crowds—sunrise here is beautiful too.
• Yule Island: The only island with proper restaurants. Don’t leave without trying the “Qiandao Lake First Pot” (fish cooked in a big iron pot) or stir-fried bamboo shoots (fresh from local farms).
• Moonlight Island: Great for families. There’s a small petting zoo, a “Love Garden” where you can hang wish locks, and a wooden bridge that’s perfect for photos.
• Longshan Island: If you like history, this is for you. Hai Rui Shrine has old statues and stories about the official who fought corruption. Shi Xi Academy has ancient books and stone carvings.

Credit: BBC Travel

2. Qiandao Lake - Underwater Ancient Cities (Lion City & He City)

These are the lake’s most interesting secret—two towns that sank in 1959 when the lake was built:

• Lion City (Shi Cheng): The better-preserved one. It was a busy town for over 1,300 years before the water rose. You can’t walk inside, but you can take a glass-bottom boat (from the main terminal) to see its stone walls, arched gates, and even old doorframes. If you’re a certified diver, you can book a dive trip to get closer (you might see stone tablets or old bricks).
• He City (He Cheng): Older than Lion City (built in 208 AD) but most of it was damaged before the lake formed—only parts of the city walls remain. It’s less popular than Lion City, so it’s quieter.

What to Do in Qiandao Lake

Besides visiting islands, there are other fun things to try:

• Take a cruise: This is the only way to get to the islands. Choose a big ship if you’re with kids (stable and slow) or a speedboat if you want a thrill (faster, windier).
• Go scuba diving: If you’re certified, dive near Lion City—you’ll see relics like old stone roads and temple ruins. Beginners can take a “discovery dive” with an instructor.
• Cycle the lakeside greenway: Rent a bike (about $4–$6 a day) and ride the 150km path along the lake. Stop at viewpoints to take photos—autumn is the best time (cool weather, red leaves).
• Try fishing: On Diaoyu Island (Southeast Lake Area), local fishermen will teach you to fish with traditional nets. If you catch something, restaurants nearby will cook it for you.

What to Eat in Qiandao Lake

All the food here is mainly fresh lake ingredients - fish is always the star.

• Qiandao Lake Fish Head Stew: The most famous dish. They cooked large fish heads (from the lake) together with ginger and scallions in clear water. It's creamy and has no fishy flavor - try it at a restaurant on Yule Island or by the lake (about $8 to $12 per person).
• Stir-Fried Bamboo Shoots: Fresh bamboo shoots picked from the mountains by the lake are stir-fried with garlic. Crispy and light, it goes well with rice (about 3 to 5 dollars).
• Dongpo Fish: A fish cooked in soy sauce and sugar, named after a famous ancient poet. Sweet and salty - can be bought in most local restaurants (about 6 to 10 dollars).
• Local Rice Wine: A mild sweet wine brewed from local rice. It is not suitable for warming up in winter (a small bottle costs about 2 to 4 dollars).

Best places to eat: Yule Island (where you can enjoy the lake view while eating) or restaurants along lakeside Road (cheaper than those on the island).

Qiandao Lake Weather & Best Time to Visit

Qiandao Lake has four seasons, and each feels different:

• Spring (March–May): Mild weather (50–72°F / 10–22°C). Flowers bloom (peach, cherry) and there are fewer crowds. Bring an umbrella—there’s occasional rain.
• Summer (June–August): Hot (77–90°F / 25–32°C) but cool by the lake. Good for boating and diving, but avoid midday (too hot).
• Autumn (September–November): The best time! Cool (54–77°F / 12–25°C), clear skies, and the leaves on the islands turn red. It’s popular—book tickets and hotels early.
• Winter (December–February): Cold (36–50°F / 2–10°C). Sometimes there’s snow on the island tops (pretty, but rare). It’s quiet and hotels are cheaper, but some boats stop running.

Best time to go: September to November—you’ll have nice weather and great views.

[8% Off] Where to Stay in Qiandao Lake (Resorts & Hotels)

Most people stay near the Central Lake Area terminal for convenience. Here are three good options with 8% Off below:

• Hilton Hangzhou Qiandao Lake Resort: A luxury hotel near the Southeast Lake Area. It has lake-view rooms, an outdoor pool, and a spa—perfect if you want to relax.
• Qiandao Lake Lakeside Hotel: Budget-friendly, 5 minutes’ walk from the main terminal. Rooms are simple but clean, and they serve a small breakfast in the morning.
• Yuandao International Qiandao lake: Quiet and peaceful, near Longshan Island. Rooms have a Outdoor swimming pool and it’s close to historical sites.