Qiandao Lake Spring Special | The Scenic Beauty Will Capture Your Heart

Qiandao Lake is located in Chun'an County, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is a national 5A tourist attraction, renowned for its 1,078 scattered islands and clear waters. Below is a travel guide to Qiandao Lake, covering transportation, attractions, accommodations, and food to help you plan a perfect trip. --- ## **1. Best Time to Visit** - **Spring (March–May)**: Cherry blossoms and peach blossoms are in full bloom, perfect for flower viewing and hiking. - **Summer (June–August)**: The weather is hot, but the lake is cool, ideal for water activities. - **Autumn (September–November)**: The foliage is vibrant, and the weather is crisp, perfect for photography. - **Winter (December–February)**: The lake occasionally has a thin mist, offering a tranquil scenery, ideal for a leisurely visit. --- ## **2. Transportation Guide** - **High-Speed Rail**: From Hangzhou East Station to Qiandao Lake Station takes about 1 hour, with tickets costing approx. CNY 70; from Shanghai Hongqiao Station, it takes about 2 hours. - **Bus/Shuttle Bus**: From Qiandao Lake High-Speed Rail Station, take a hotel shuttle bus or bus routes 4 or 7 to the central lake area pier. - **Self-Drive**: About 2.5 hours from Hangzhou, and about 4 hours from Shanghai. --- ## **3. Must-Visit Attractions** ### **1. Meifeng Island** - **Features**: The best viewing point of Qiandao Lake, offering a panoramic view of over 300 islands, known for the saying "If you haven't seen the islands from Meifeng, you don't know the true face of Qiandao." - **Activities**: Take a cable car (round trip CNY 50/person) or hike to the top, and choose grass skiing for the descent. ### **2. Huangshan Peak** - **Features**: Islands are arranged in the shape of the Chinese characters for "The World is for All," accessible by cable car. - **Transportation**: Take a boat from the Southeast Lake District pier, about 6 minutes. ### **3. Yule Island** - **Features**: A water entertainment center with jet skis, banana boats, and more, suitable for family trips. ### **4. Longshan Island** - **Features**: A historical and cultural site with ancient relics like the Hai Rui Temple and Shixia Academy. ### **5. Moonlight Island (Wulong Island)** - **Features**: A romantic-themed island with attractions like the Love Lock and Scholar Bridge, perfect for couples. ### **6. Qiandao Lake Stone Forest** - **Features**: The first stone forest in East China, with bizarre rock formations, ideal for adventure. ### **7. Tianyu Mountain** - **Features**: An excellent spot for sunset viewing, accessible by elevator to the observation deck. --- ## **4. Ticket and Cruise Information** - **Tickets**: - **Peak Season (March–November)**: CNY 150 (including boat ticket). - **Off-Season (December–February)**: CNY 120 (including boat ticket). - **Discounts/Free Admission**: - Students and seniors over 60 can enjoy discounts. - Children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 are free. - **Types of Cruises**: - **Public Boat**: CNY 65/person (includes some attractions). - **Chartered Yacht**: Starting at CNY 150/person. - **Luxury Cruise**: CNY 1,950/boat (for 30 people or more). --- ## **5. Food Recommendations** - **Must-Try Dishes**: - **Qiandao Lake Fish Head Soup**: Recommended "Chun Brand Organic Fish Head," creamy and fragrant. - **Stir-Fried Wild Ferns with Bacon**: A mountain delicacy. - **Qiandao Lake Rice Cake, Dried Plum Vegetable Pancake**: Local snacks. - **Recommended Restaurants**: - Fish Flavor Restaurant, Chun Yuan Wai. --- ## **6. Accommodation Recommendations** - **High-End Lake View Hotels**: - Club Med, InterContinental Hotel, offering lake views from the window. - **Unique Homestays**: - **Dalezhiye Qiandao Lake**: Lakeside living, with paddleboarding and canoeing experiences. - **Qianmojian**: Countryside-style homestay, suitable for family trips. --- ## **7. Special Experiences** - **Cycling Around the Lake**: Recommended Chunyang Line or Qianfen Line, with stunning scenery along the way. - **Water Sports**: Paddleboarding, canoeing, parasailing. - **Night Tour of Qiandao Lake**: Enjoy the starlight on the lake aboard a luxury yacht. --- ## **8. Tips** - **Buy Tickets in Advance**: During peak season, it's recommended to buy tickets online 1 day in advance to save 30%. - **Price Inquiry**: Ask for prices before ordering at fish stalls. - **Cruise Time**: Ticket sales stop at 2:00 pm. --- The beauty of Qiandao Lake lies in the blend of mountains and water, offering both magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural experiences. Whether you're hiking for views, enjoying water entertainment, tasting local delicacies, or cycling leisurely, you'll be captivated. Save this guide and start your Qiandao Lake journey!