Qiandao Lake

• Region: Zhejiang
• Region type: Province
• City: Not yet specified
• Destination type: Not yet specified

Qiandao Lake, or 'Thousand Island Lake,' is a vast artificial lake in Chun'an County, Hangzhou prefecture, created in 1959 when the Xin'an River was dammed to build the Xin'anjiang hydroelectric station. The rising waters submerged two ancient towns and left more than a thousand forested hilltops standing as islands across the reservoir's roughly 570 square kilometers, giving the lake its name and its distinctive scattered-island scenery. Renowned for exceptionally clear water, the lake today draws visitors for boat tours among the islands, water sports, and a peaceful natural setting a few hours from Hangzhou.

Qiandao Lake sits in Chun'an County, part of Hangzhou prefecture in western Zhejiang, roughly 150 kilometers west of central Hangzhou. The lake is vast and irregularly shaped, with the town of Qiandaohu serving as the main gateway and departure point for boat tours among the many islands scattered across its surface.

The lake area shares Zhejiang's humid subtropical climate, with mild, occasionally misty springs, hot and humid summers that make the lake's water sports and boat tours especially popular, comfortable and clear autumns, and cool, damp winters. The large body of water can moderate temperatures slightly compared to inland areas, and mist over the islands is a common and scenic feature of early mornings.

Summer is a popular season for the lake's water-based activities, including boat tours and swimming, despite the regional heat, since the lake itself offers a cooling escape. Spring and autumn provide milder temperatures for sightseeing and photography, with autumn in particular offering clear skies well suited to capturing the islands' scattered layout across the water.

The lake was formed between 1959 and 1960 with the construction of the Xin'anjiang Dam, one of China's early large hydroelectric projects, which flooded the Xin'an River valley and submerged the historic towns of Shicheng and Hecheng beneath the rising waters. Over a thousand hilltops that had previously been part of the surrounding landscape became islands as the water rose, creating the lake's namesake scattered-island geography. In recent decades the submerged old towns have drawn renewed interest, including diving expeditions to view their preserved underground structures.

Qiandao Lake represents a striking example of mid-20th-century Chinese infrastructure development reshaping an entire landscape, turning a river valley into one of the country's largest and most scenic reservoirs. The submerged ancient towns beneath its surface, remarkably well preserved by the cool, low-oxygen underwater environment, have become a subject of both historical curiosity and specialized diving tourism, adding an unusual layer of cultural depth to what is primarily known as a natural scenic destination.

Take a boat tour among the lake's many islands, several of which are developed with walking trails, viewing platforms, or themed attractions, and try water sports such as swimming or kayaking in season. Fishing is also a notable local activity, given the lake's reputation for high-quality fish, and some operators offer diving trips toward the submerged old towns for those with appropriate certification.

Highlights include Meifeng Island, popular for its lake viewpoint, and Niu Island (Snake Island or various themed islets), which the local tourism authority has developed with different attractions such as monkey enclosures or bird sanctuaries on some islands. The vast scattered-island panorama itself, especially viewed from a boat or high vantage point, is the lake's central appeal.

Qiandao Lake is typically reached by bus or car from Hangzhou, roughly 2–2.5 hours away, with direct long-distance coach services running from Hangzhou's main bus stations to Qiandaohu town. Some travelers also drive via the regional expressway network for more flexibility in exploring the wider lake area.

The lake itself has no fixed hours as a natural body of water, but the main scenic areas and boat tour departure points typically operate roughly from morning to mid-afternoon or early evening, with the last boat departures timed to return before dark. It's advisable to check current boat schedules before planning your day.

Access to the lake's main scenic area and boat tours typically involves a combined ticket covering entry and a boat trip to some of the developed islands, with prices adjusted periodically. Checking current rates through official listings or ticket counters at Qiandaohu town before your visit is recommended.

A full day is generally recommended to properly enjoy a boat tour among the islands and see one or two of the developed scenic islets. Many visitors choose to stay overnight in the area to also enjoy a relaxed morning or evening by the water without a long return trip to Hangzhou the same day.

Qiandaohu town and the surrounding lake area offer a range of accommodation, from resort-style hotels with lake views to smaller guesthouses, making an overnight stay a comfortable option for travelers wanting more time on the water without rushing back to Hangzhou.

The lake is well known regionally for its fish, and local restaurants around Qiandaohu town specialize in freshwater fish dishes, including a distinctive fish head preparation associated with the area. Casual eateries and lakeside restaurants cater to the steady flow of tourists visiting for boat tours.

The wider Chun'an County offers additional rural scenery and smaller villages worth exploring for travelers with extra time, and Hangzhou's West Lake and city attractions are within a comfortable half-day return trip for those combining both destinations.

Direct long-distance buses connect Hangzhou to Qiandaohu town in roughly 2–2.5 hours, and once there, local boats and shuttle services connect the town to the lake's various scenic islands. Hangzhou's main railway stations and airport serve as the broader regional transport gateway.

Standard water safety precautions apply when swimming or taking boat tours, including using life jackets where provided and following posted guidance on designated swimming areas. Weather can affect boat schedules, so checking conditions before heading out onto the water is advisable, particularly in summer storm season.

Sun protection, including hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, is important given the amount of time spent on open water and exposed islands, along with a swimsuit if planning water activities in season. A light rain layer and comfortable shoes suited to boat decks and island walking paths are also useful.

Booking a boat tour in advance, especially during peak summer weekends and holidays, helps avoid long queues at the departure docks. Staying overnight near the lake allows for a quieter, less rushed experience than a single long day trip from Hangzhou.

For emergencies anywhere in China, dial 110 for police, 120 for ambulance, and 119 for fire services, all toll-free and available 24 hours. The national tourism hotline, 12301, can assist with travel-related concerns. Keep these numbers noted along with your accommodation's address in Chinese, especially given the lake's rural setting.

The Qiandao Lake Scenic Area management committee and Hangzhou's Chun'an County tourism authority publish current boat schedules, ticket prices, and seasonal notices. Checking these official sources before visiting is recommended, since boat tour options and pricing can change seasonally.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.