Qiandao Lake

千岛湖

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Synopsis

Qiandao Lake is located in Chun'an County, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. As a national 5A-level scenic area, it features 1,078 emerald-green islands scattered across its surface, with water quality consistently maintained at the national Class I standard. This artificial lake, formed by the impoundment of the Xin'an River Hydropower Station, is renowned as the world's most beautiful water. Together with Huangshan Mountain and Hangzhou, it forms a golden tourism route of famous cities, lakes, and mountains.

Overview

Qiandao Lake, located in Chun'an County, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, is an artificial lake formed by the impoundment of the Xin'an River Hydropower Station. It gets its name from the 1,078 islands scattered across its surface. The water area of Qiandao Lake is approximately 573 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of over 100 meters. The water quality consistently meets the national Class I standard, with visibility reaching up to 12 meters, earning it the reputation as "the finest water under heaven." Qiandao Lake is a National 5A Tourist Attraction, a National Scenic Area, and one of China's largest forest parks. Together with Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Hangzhou, it forms the "Golden Tourism Route" of famous city (Hangzhou), famous lake (Qiandao Lake), and famous mountain (Huangshan), making it one of the most important tourist destinations in the Yangtze River Delta region.

The formation of Qiandao Lake originated from the construction of the Xin'an River Hydropower Station in 1959. After the dam was closed, the rising water level submerged numerous hills and valleys, turning the original mountain peaks into islands in the lake, creating the magnificent landscape of scattered islands seen today. Underwater lie two ancient cities with over a thousand years of history—He City and Shi City. They were completely preserved during the impoundment in 1959 and are hailed as the "Atlantis of the East."

Core Scenic Areas

Scenic Area	Features
Central Lake Area	Meifeng Viewing Island offers a panoramic view of over 300 islands, the most classic vista of Qiandao Lake.
Southeast Lake Area	Huangshan Jian, Tianchi Island, with beautiful scenery.
Meifeng Island	Ascend for distant views, the best viewing spot of Qiandao Lake.
Moonlight Island	A romantic small island themed around love.
Longshan Island	Location of the Hai Rui Temple, a historical and cultural site.
Underwater Ancient City	The thousand-year-old submerged Shi City, accessible for diving tours.

Meifeng Island is the most classic viewing point of Qiandao Lake. From the Meifeng viewing platform, one can overlook more than 300 islands dotting the azure lake surface like emeralds set in sapphire. The panoramic view from this perspective is the setting for countless photographs and tourism promotional images.

The Underwater Ancient City is the most mysterious part of Qiandao Lake. During the impoundment in 1959, Shi City, with over 1,300 years of history, was completely submerged. Due to the clear water and constant temperature of Qiandao Lake, the city walls, archways, and buildings of the underwater city are exceptionally well-preserved. In recent years, an underwater city diving experience has been launched, allowing visitors, led by professional instructors, to dive and view this slumbering ancient city up close.

Practical Information

Item	Details
Ticket	Peak season approx. 150 RMB/person (includes cruise)
Best Season	Spring and Autumn (April-May, September-November)
Transportation	About 2.5 hours drive from Hangzhou; Qiandao Lake High-Speed Rail Station
Tour Method	Island-hopping via cruise ships; Route A or B each take about 4 hours
Specialty Food	Qiandao Lake Fish Head, Organic Fish Banquet
Suggested Visit	2 days

Ecology and Cuisine

Qiandao Lake boasts an exceptionally superior ecological environment. The lake water comes from natural runoff from the surrounding mountains and forests, free from any industrial pollution, maintaining national Class I water quality standards year-round—meaning the water is drinkable without any treatment. Qiandao Lake is also one of the important water sources for Nongfu Spring. The famous advertising slogan "Nongfu Spring is a little sweet" originates from the natural lake water of Qiandao Lake.

Qiandao Lake Fish Head is the most famous local specialty dish. The lake is home to a large population of wild silver carp and bighead carp, which grow naturally in the high-quality water, resulting in tender meat without a muddy taste. Qiandao Lake Fish Head Soup, made primarily with fish head, tofu, ginger, and scallions, has a milky white broth and a delicious flavor, making it a must-try signature dish when visiting.

Cultural Significance

Chun'an County, where Qiandao Lake is located, has a long history and profound cultural heritage. During the Northern Song Dynasty, Fang La, born in Chun'an, launched a large-scale peasant uprising. Chun'an is also where Hai Rui, the incorruptible official of the Ming Dynasty, served as county magistrate. The Hai Rui Temple on Longshan Island was built to commemorate this upright historical figure.

The tourism development of Qiandao Lake has also led the direction for lake tourism in China. Evolving from simple sightseeing to leisure vacations, water sports, underwater exploration, culinary experiences, and homestay economy, Qiandao Lake has developed into a comprehensive tourist destination, receiving over ten million visitors annually.