Here at Qiandao Lake, following Trip.com's guide was the most successful trip ever.....

Qiandao Lake Comprehensive Travel Guide: Explore the Mountain and Water Secret Realm, One-Stop Guide for Food, Accommodation, and Transportation 1. Must-Visit Attractions Meifeng Island Highlight: The best spot to climb and view Qiandao Lake, a 15-minute walk to the summit. The west viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the "green mountains, clear waters, and golden belt" wonder, with over 300 islands scattered like stars. Tips: Cable car lines are long, walking is recommended; visit in the morning to avoid crowd control. Moonlight Island (Wulong Island) Highlight: Lock culture-themed, with five connected islands including Qingyuan, Yiyuan, and Xiyuan, perfect for couples to hang love locks. A super romantic wedding photography base. Features: Top scholar culture, leisure tea houses, and lake-view trails all in one. Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform Highlight: An excellent spot to watch the sunset, escalator up the mountain saves effort, and the free viewpoint halfway up is equally stunning. Avoid: Don’t buy tickets on cloudy days, check the weather in advance! Forest Oxygen Bar Highlight: A holy place for hiking and oxygen intake, fun slide down the mountain, suitable for families with children. Note: No high-altitude viewpoints, don’t expect “to reach the summit.” Beer Town + Popular Lighthouse Highlight: European-style castle architecture, colorful lighthouse perfect for photos, and a thrilling racing park great for kids. Tips: Best lighting for photos during the day, go easy on go-karting as it’s not cost-effective. 2. Transportation Guide External Transportation Self-driving: Recommended for Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Hangzhou → Qiandao Lake about 2 hours, Huangshan → about 1.5 hours, with picturesque scenery along the way. High-speed rail: Hangzhou East → Qiandao Lake Station about 50 minutes, ticket price 70 RMB; after exiting, take shuttle bus (15 RMB) or taxi (80 RMB) to downtown. Bus: Hangzhou West Station → Qiandao Lake Passenger Center about 3 hours, ticket price 65 RMB. Local Transportation Cycling: High greenway coverage, recommended Chunyang Line (avoid heavy trucks on Qianfen Line); rent a bike with gears. Taxi: Use apps for transparent pricing, taxis may not use meters. Bus: Fare 1 RMB, but service ends early, suitable for short trips. 3. Accommodation Recommendations High-end Resorts Qiandao Lake Greentown Resort Hotel: Central lake area prime location, infinity pool + lake view rooms, very thoughtful family-themed rooms. Minghao International Resort Hotel: Private water curtain movie, indoor and outdoor pools + children’s playground, ideal for family trips. Cost-effective Choices Qiandao Lake Holiday Inn: Under InterContinental, near Lake Square, includes breakfast + butler service. Beruit Resort Hotel: Next to Forest Oxygen Bar, family-themed rooms + arcade area, natural oxygen bar. Unique Homestays Renli·Bairuijia Lakeview Boutique Stay: Stunning lake views in the southeast lake area, sailing sports + pet-friendly. Warm Island Elegant Hotel: Lakeside café check-in hotspot, unbeatable sunset views. 4. Food Guide Must-Eat Restaurants Chunyuanwai·Taste of Ancient Village: Clay pot rich fish head soup freshly stewed, spicy and fresh Hongyun chopped chili fish head, super romantic lake view seats. Haodongjia·Traditional Herb Roasted Chicken: Applewood charcoal roasted chicken with crispy, oily skin, fish skin cold dish with sour and spicy flavor. Sisters Food Stall: Stir-fried snails + green pepper beef strips, a local favorite for late-night snacks. Snack Recommendations Anshang Rice Noodles: Intangible cultural heritage handmade snack, sticky texture paired with preserved mustard greens. Fangying Pig Trotters: Soft and chewy, aromatic. Zhangji Fermented Rice Bun: Sweet fermented rice, soft and sweet. Pitfall Avoidance Guide Fish Head Soup: Be cautious around scenic spots, recommended Nanshan Street farmhouse dishes, fresh fish head weighed on the spot. Price: Two-pound fish head set at 298 RMB mostly frozen fish, locals often go to “Qiandao Lake Little Fish.” 5. Travel Tips Avoiding Pitfalls Don’t take unlicensed cars at the high-speed rail station, use the shuttle bus. Choose Chunyang Line for cycling around the lake, rent a geared bike. Don’t rent electric bikes on rainy days, bring mosquito repellent when going to the islands. Best Time to Visit Season: Best in spring and autumn, summer for cooling off, winter is off-season with fewer people. Duration: Recommended 2-3 days, one day each for central lake area and southeast lake area. Other Tips Tickets: Qiandao Lake scenic area ticket + boat ticket about 215 RMB (central lake area). Clothing: Comfortable sports shoes + sun protection, bring rain gear in summer. Qiandao Lake, a place that can fulfill all your fantasies about mountains and waters! Whether climbing to view the lake, cycling for fresh air, tasting fresh fish head, or staying in a lake view room, this place will make your trip worthwhile. Save this guide and start your healing journey at Qiandao Lake! 🌿🚤