Thousand Islands Lake: Discover the Poetic Charm of 1,078 Islands

## Your Thousand Islands Lake Guide is Here ◔.̮◔✧ 【Introduction: An Invitation to a Watercolor Painting】 As the morning sun pierces through the mist, 1,078 emerald islands gradually unfold on the lake's surface, and Thousand Islands Lake awakens like a dynamic watercolor painting. This last hidden gem of the Yangtze River Delta is not only the source of Nongfu Spring water but also an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Follow this guide to unlock the countless ways to experience Thousand Islands Lake, from classic must-sees to hidden gems, from gourmet food to cultural exploration, and let every breath be filled with the fresh sweetness of negative ions. 【Complete Guide to Core Experiences】 1. Island Hopping and Scenic Viewing: The Golden Route - Mei Feng Island for Panoramic Views (Must-See Index ★★★★★): Take the cable car to the summit for a bird's-eye view of the "Most Beautiful Water Under Heaven." We recommend visiting in the early morning or evening to avoid crowds and using a wide-angle lens to capture the breathtaking panorama of the scattered islands. - Moonlight Island Romantic Night Tour (Unique Index ★★★★☆): Visit at dusk to witness the magical moment when five small islands are linked by moonlight, forming a pearl necklace. The love lock bridge is perfect for couples. - Longshan Island Cultural Tour (Cultural Index ★★★★★): Explore the Hai Rui Shrine and Shixia Academy, and immerse yourself in the ambiance of "half city, half lake" amidst the Hui-style architecture. 2. Cycling Around the Lake: Hidden Routes - Classic Greenway: Thousand Islands Lake Square → Shangjiangbu Bridge (approx. 15 km). There are 12 viewing platforms along the way. We recommend renting a mountain bike (CNY 30/hr). - Professional Challenge: The full Chunyang Line is 60 km, passing through Red Leaf Bay, Xia Jinshan Bridge, and other excellent photography spots. Be sure to bring enough supplies. - Hidden Gem: The "Secret Small Loop" known only to locals, passing by the Nongfu Spring production base (you can visit the transparent factory). 3. Water Sports Fun - Kayak Adventure: We recommend the Happy Water World base, CNY 188/person for a 2-hour experience, with professional instructors guiding you through unnamed islets. - Luxury Cruise Dinner: A night cruise on the "Dream 2" includes a buffet dinner (CNY 298/person). Enjoy the light show and symphony of stars from the deck. - Popular Glass Rafting: The 3.5 km Prince Valley rafting features a transparent slide that seems to float above the forest (prepare a waterproof phone case in advance). 【Thousand Islands Lake Culinary Delights】 🐟 Must-Try Top Three: - Organic Fish Head Two Ways: We recommend the "Yulequan" restaurant. Freshly caught Chun brand organic fish, milky fish soup paired with steamed chopped chili fish head, approx. CNY 120/person. - Ye Jiao Jiao: A special local dish made with kudzu root powder, similar in texture to Liangpi (cold noodles), stir-fried with local pork. - Rice Soup: A Hui-style hot and sour soup containing tofu, bracken, and other mountain delicacies. A great choice for warming the stomach. 🍵 Local Experiences: - Tea Plantation Picking: Participate in tea picking in April (Jiukeng Township, CNY 50/person) and experience hand-frying pre-Qingming Dragon Well tea. - Loquat Picking Season: Head to Fuwen Township in May to indulge in loquats. The crystal variety is incredibly sweet. 【Accommodation Guide】 🏡 Luxury Options: - InterContinental Resort: Occupying the entire Xianshan Peninsula, 180° lake view rooms with a private yacht dock (approx. CNY 1,500/night during the off-season). - Ahn Luh: Ink-wash villas as depicted in Wu Guanzhong's paintings, each with a waterfront courtyard (a must-try if you have the budget). 🏘 Budget-Friendly Recommendations: - Yue Shu Thousand Islands Manor: European castle style, lake view rooms with breakfast for only CNY 600 (the popular stargazing rooms require booking a month in advance). - Fanli Resort: Floating pool + popular afternoon tea, perfect for a girls' getaway and photos. 🚐 Unique B&Bs: - Xīpō Thousand Islands Lake: Lofts converted from old factory buildings. The butler will take guests on a night fishing trip for silverfish (winter only). - Xuanshan Yunju: A renovated Hui-style old house where you can experience making Ciba (glutinous rice cake) (near Wen Yuan Lion City). 【Seasonal Travel Calendar】 🌸 Spring (Mar-May): Wildflowers bloom, the golden season for tea picking and cycling. Be prepared for rain. 🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug): Water sports are in full swing. Be prepared for large temperature differences between day and night with a light jacket. 🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov): The Ring Road hosts international races, and Red Leaf Bay is ablaze with color. ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer crowds and serene scenery. Fish head soup is at its richest, and some islands are closed. 【Transportation Tips】 ✈️ External Arrival: - High-Speed Rail: Hangzhou-Huangshan High-Speed Railway, Thousand Islands Lake Station. A taxi to the city center takes about 25 minutes (we recommend choosing a licensed taxi for a more regulated experience). - Self-Drive: 2 hours from Hangzhou, the Changshen Expressway offers scenic views throughout. 🚌 Internal Transportation: - Tourist Bus: Shuttle buses are available from the high-speed rail station to hotels (CNY 15/person). City buses accept mobile payment. - Car Rental Suggestions: New energy vehicles are recommended for driving around the lake (multiple charging stations available). Novice drivers should avoid mountain roads. 【Tips to Avoid Pitfalls】 ⚠️ Important Notes: - Purchase scenic spot tickets online 2 hours in advance (CNY 185 during peak season, including boat tickets. Purchasing tickets on-site requires queuing). - Beware of "bait and switch" tactics at fish head restaurants. Look for the anti-counterfeiting ring on the fish's mouth (the Chun brand code can be verified). - The viewing experience at Mei Feng Island is diminished on rainy or foggy days. Consider Huangshanjian as an alternative. 💡 Hidden Perks: - Free folk performances are held at Xiushui Street on Friday and Saturday evenings. - The "Fish Street" food stalls frequented by locals offer a more authentic late-night dining experience. 【Epilogue: A Love Letter to Thousand Islands Lake】 Here, time automatically slows down to half speed. As you sit on the terrace of a lakeside B&B, watching the sunset paint the thousand islands in honeyed hues, you'll understand why *Chinese National Geography* named this place "the most treasured secret of the Yangtze River Delta." Set off with this guide, and don't forget to leave your own poetic mark on some unnamed islet. 📅 Recommended Itinerary: 3 Days, 2 Nights In-Depth Tour Day 1: Climb Mei Feng Island + Cycle a section of the Chunyang Line Day 2: Kayak Adventure + Wen Yuan Lion City Cultural Experience Day 3: Forest Oxygen Bar Hike + Purchase local products and return (Prices in this article are for reference only and are subject to change depending on the season. We recommend following the official "Thousand Islands Lake Tourism" WeChat account for real-time information.)