Must-see! The ultimate guide to Qiandao Lake, enjoy the stunning scenery

Located in Chun'an County, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, lies the picturesque Qiandao Lake, one of China's largest artificial lakes. Its name, meaning "Thousand Island Lake," comes from the 1,078 islands scattered across its surface. With crystal-clear waters, beautiful mountains, and abundant tourism resources, it's a popular vacation paradise in the Yangtze River Delta region. Check out this super practical travel guide to explore Qiandao Lake. I. Transportation - Self-driving: About a 2-hour drive from Hangzhou via the Hangqian Expressway; about 3.5-4 hours from Shanghai via the Hukui Expressway and then the Hangqian Expressway. The 150 km Qiandao Lake Ring Road is fantastic for a scenic drive or bike ride. - Public transportation: Take the high-speed train from Hangzhou East Station or Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Qiandao Lake Station. From there, take a hotel shuttle bus or a scenic spot shuttle. Alternatively, take a long-distance bus from Hangzhou West Station or Shanghai South Station to Qiandao Lake Passenger Transport Center. II. Must-see attractions - Lake islands: Divided into the central lake area and the southeast lake area, accessible by boat (tickets and boat fare are about CNY 200/person). Don't miss Meifeng Island, Moonlight Island, and Yule Island in the central lake area. In the southeast lake area, Huangshan Peak, Tianchi Island, and Guihua Island are must-visits. - Surrounding attractions: Visit Wenyan Lion City to experience the underwater ancient city; go hiking in the Forest Oxygen Bar; take photos in the European-style Qiandao Lake Beer Town; admire the autumn leaves in Longchuan Bay Scenic Area; or go rafting in Wangzigu or Jiulongxi for some summer thrills. III. Accommodation recommendations - Luxury resorts: InterContinental Qiandao Lake Resort occupies the entire Xianshan Peninsula; Anlu Qiandao Lake is a Huizhou-style architectural complex with lake-view villas; Hilton Qiandao Lake Resort, located in the central lake area, offers comprehensive facilities. - Cost-effective options: Greentown Resort is a lakeside apartment-style hotel; Bird Park Resort Qiandao Lake features hot springs and lake views. - Unique B&Bs: Xīpō Qiandao Lake, transformed from an old factory, boasts a unique design; Xuanshan Yunju, in Huizhou style, is close to Wenyan Lion City. - Camping experience: Qiandao Lake Starry Sky Campground offers stargazing and bonfires. IV. Food guide - Must-try dishes: Qiandao Lake fish head soup, scrambled eggs with whitebait, and corn cakes are local specialties. - Popular restaurants: Time-honored Yuweiguan Restaurant; the elegant Jihe Lakeside Restaurant; the locally-loved Wanji Chuncai Restaurant; and Qilong Alley Night Market for various snacks. V. Itinerary planning - One-day trip: Visit the central lake area in the morning, cycle along the Qiandao Lake Greenway in the afternoon, and watch the sunset at Tianyu Mountain Observation Deck in the evening. - Two-day trip: Central lake area and Qilong Alley Night Market on the first day; southeast lake area and Beer Town or Wenyan Lion City on the second day. - Three-day trip: Hike in the Forest Oxygen Bar or go rafting on the third day, and then visit Longchuan Bay Scenic Area. VI. Travel tips - Best time to visit: April-June and September-November. - Ticket discounts: Book online in advance for discounts. Students and seniors enjoy half-price admission with valid IDs. - Travel reminders: Arrive at the pier early for boat trips. Rent bicycles at Xiushui Square and other locations for cycling around the lake. Please protect the environment during your visit.