A Concise Guide to Qiandao Lake in Winter

--- Itinerary Highlights ✅ Fewer Crowds & Beautiful Scenery: Fewer tourists in winter, with mist around the lake, creating a quiet atmosphere. ✅ High Value: Ticket and hotel prices drop in the off-season, making it easy to play for less than CNY 300 per person! ✅ Warming Food: Fish head soup and hot pot are must-try dishes to ward off the cold. --- [Winter Itinerary] Morning: Central Lake Area Cruise (8:30 AM–12:30 PM) - Route: Meifeng Island (climb to view "Ink Qiandao") → Moonlight Island (avoid Yule Island; winter performances may be canceled). - Tips: - Book boat tickets online in advance (approx. CNY 160/person) and choose a closed cabin to keep warm. - Walk up Meifeng Island; the cable car may be closed in winter. Noon: Hot Fish Head Soup (12:30 PM–1:30 PM) - Recommendations: - Haodongjia: Order casserole fish head and cornbread (approx. CNY 70 per person). - Roadside Farmhouse: Fish stewed in a wood-fired stove, warming and affordable (ask for the price before ordering). Afternoon: Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform + Cycling/Hot Springs (2:00 PM–5:00 PM) - Tianyu Mountain: Free panoramic view of the lake. It is recommended to take a taxi (approx. CNY 15). It is windy at the top of the mountain, so wear a thick coat. - Alternative options: - Self-driving around the lake: Rent a car for CNY 100/day and check out Red Leaf Bay and Xiaojinshan Bridge (rich colors in winter). - Hot Springs: If driving, you can choose Qiandaohu Brett Hotel Hot Spring (ticket approx. CNY 138, 20 minutes from the city). Evening: Return Trip or Night Market - Return Trip: The last high-speed train is at 8:30 PM. Allow 1 hour to get to Qiandaohu Station. - Night Tour: Moonlight Island Light Show is open in winter (low probability). It is recommended to visit Qilong Lane Night Market instead (snacks + handicrafts). --- [Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps] 1. Cruise: Some islands are closed in winter. Confirm the route in advance and do not choose large boats such as the "Earl" (easy to get seasick + cold). 2. Keep Warm: Wear non-slip shoes (the pier is slippery), bring heat packs and scarves, and be careful on the deck of the boat. 3. Prevent Fish Head Rip-offs: Ask for the fish to be killed and cooked on the spot, and refuse "pre-cooked fish heads". A 2 kg fish is enough for 2–3 people. Ask for the price before killing the fish. 4. Transportation: A taxi from the high-speed train station to the scenic spot is about CNY 50. Black cabs overcharge, so it is recommended to use DiDi or a hotel shuttle bus. --- [High Value Hotels Under CNY 300] 1. Greentown Lakeside Apartments Qiandao Lake: CNY 200/night in the off-season, lake view room + floor heating, near the pier. 2. Hanting Hotel (Plaza Branch): CNY 180/night, located in the city center, with sufficient heating in the rooms. 3. Qiandaohu Yitu Lakeside Homestay: CNY 150/night, free delivery of farm dishes, suitable for families. --- Summary: Avoid the crowds in Qiandao Lake in winter, and enjoy the ink-wash lake view + warming fish head is the essence! Make the trip more relaxing and pay attention to keeping warm and preventing slips~