When life feels overwhelming, escape to Qiandao Lake!

Avoid the crowds! Unlock hidden gems of Qiandao Lake: cycle along the lakeside greenway and spot egrets skimming the water; dive into the underwater ancient city to explore millennia-old secrets; stay overnight in a lakeside B&B, lulled to sleep by the stars and lapping waves. This off-the-beaten-path guide will show you a different side of Qiandao Lake. [One] Attractions Qiandao Lake Scenic Area: For Central Lake Zone, choose Route A to visit Meifeng Island, Ostrich Island, Monkey Island, and Santan Island, or Route B for Shenlong Island, Longshan Island, and Wulong Island. The Southeast Lake Zone’s Route C covers Huangshanjian, Tianchi, Mishan Island, and Osmanthus Island. Meifeng Island offers the best panoramic views of over 300 islands, while Huangshanjian overlooks 90+ islands scattered like pearls across the lake. Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform: Expansive vistas of island-dotted beauty, perfect for panoramic lake views and sunset watching. Qiandao Lake Hilton Water Park: Features thrilling water activities like drifting—ideal for water sports enthusiasts. Qinchuan Village: A 700-year-old ancient village with well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, exuding rustic charm. [Two] Accommodation Luxury: The Chedi Qiandao Lake nestles amid lake and mountain scenery, featuring a "Heart-shaped Island." Keren Qiandao Lake Hotel offers exclusive access to nine secluded islands designed by a visionary architect. Family-Friendly: Qiandao Lake Minghao International Resort boasts an outdoor water park and water-screen movies. InterContinental Qiandao Lake Resort is perfect for family getaways with private lakefront access. Qiandao Lake Kaiyuan Resort has excellent kids' facilities and stunning views. Scenic Stays: Lakeside rooms at Qiandao Lake Minghao International Resort, InterContinental Qiandao Lake Resort, and Sheraton Qiandao Lake Resort offer breathtaking lake and mountain vistas. [Three] Dining Local Flavors: Chun Yuan Wai—a viral hotspot—serves nostalgic village cuisine. Kaixin Fisherman carries a 30-year legacy of quality. Wanji Chun Restaurant (direct supplier of lake fish) is renowned for fresh ingredients. Upscale Dining: Keren Hotel’s Chinese restaurant combines elegant ambiance with exquisite dishes. InterContinental’s Xian Restaurant (Chinese) and Ying (Japanese) offer gourmet experiences. Scenic Dining: Enjoy lake views while dining at Wen Guang Xuan (Qiandao Lake Media Narada Resort), Yi She All-Day Dining (Qiandao Lake Eeden Resort), or Baorong Fish Restaurant’s lakeside feast. [Four] Transportation External: From Hangzhou, take a direct bus from West Bus Station to Chun’an County’s Qiandao Lake Town (6:00 AM–6:50 PM, every 30 mins, ~2 hrs). By car, follow National Highway 320 to Fuyang, then take Provincial Highway 05 via Tonglu to Qiandao Lake (140 km total). From Shanghai, take Hu-Hang Expressway to Hangzhou Ring Road, then Highway 320 and 05. Internal: Local buses connect to major attractions. For island-hopping, board ferries at Central or Southeast Lake Zone piers. [Five] Tickets: Adult ¥130/person, concession ¥65. Off-peak (Dec 1–Feb 28): Adult ¥110, concession ¥55. Next-day passes (+¥5/person) and re-entry tickets (+¥5/person) available.