Hangzhou Qiandao Lake Travel Guide: How to Enjoy a Self-Driving Tour?

Hangzhou Qiandao Lake, a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, is one of Zhejiang's most successfully renamed scenic spots. Originally called Xin'anjiang Reservoir, its rebranding propelled it to become one of the "World's Three Great Thousand-Island Lakes"! Today, Hangzhou Qiandao Lake is divided into six scenic areas: the Southeast Lake Area, Central Lake Area, Northwest Lake Area, Southwest Lake Area, Northeast Lake Area, and Shilin Scenic Area. With 1,078 picturesque islands, it offers stunning views year-round, making it a must-visit destination! Traditionally, visitors explored by boarding cruise ships to tour fixed routes around the Central and Southeast Lake Areas, where each island boasts unique landscapes amid the lake's breathtaking beauty. However, with the rise of in-depth travel experiences, self-driving tours have become increasingly popular, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in nature and admire Qiandao Lake's magnificent scenery up close. So, how should you plan a self-driving tour of Qiandao Lake? What should you keep in mind? Don’t worry—let’s break it down step by step! First, How to Enjoy a Self-Driving Tour of Qiandao Lake? A two-day, one-night self-driving tour is recommended to fully appreciate the lake’s beauty and savor its delicious cuisine! Day 1: Chun'an County → Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform → Qiandao Lake Lighthouse → Beer Town → Shangjiangbu Bridge → Xiajiang Village Day 2: Qinchuan Ancient Village → Longchuan Bay → Wenyuan Lion City → Meifeng Viewing Platform → Hongye Bay Scenic Spot → Qiandao Lake Bridge → Chun'an County Highlights: - **Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform**: A newly popular spot at 335 meters above sea level, offering a golden vantage point to overlook Qiandao Lake’s panorama, including the Qiandao Lake Bridge, central islands, and stunning sunsets. Dubbed the "Best Sunset Viewing Spot in Qiandao Lake"! - **Qiandao Lake Lighthouse**: While some visitors feel it’s just a photogenic lighthouse, the scenery here is still worth capturing—no filters needed! - **Beer Town**: A hub of beer culture and a great place for leisure, entertainment, and sightseeing—perfect for photos! - **Shangjiangbu Bridge**: Stop about a kilometer after the tunnel for a photo op, ideal for drone shots or bike rentals. - **Xiajiang Village**: The filming location for *The Last Lesson*, this village offers parking, riverside strolls, and fresh farmhouse cuisine. Stay overnight at one of its cozy B&Bs! - **Qinchuan Ancient Village**: A nearly 1,000-year-old Hui-style village where houses line the creek, and ducks and fish play—full of rustic charm! - **Longchuan Bay**: A "sent-down youth" (Zhiqing) themed spot, known as the "Back Garden of the Yangtze River Delta," offering nostalgic food and great fishing. - **Wenyuan Lion City**: A recreated "ancient city" submerged in 1959 during the Xin'anjiang Hydropower Station construction. Now, its essence has been meticulously restored above ground. - **Meifeng Viewing Platform**: A free spot with views of "jagged islands," perfect for a break. - **Hongye Bay**: A compact area ideal for camping and soaking in Qiandao Lake’s serene beauty. - **Qiandao Lake Bridge**: An iconic landmark with unique architecture and prime views. This two-day loop lets you enjoy lakeside vistas, scenic drives, ancient villages, beer culture, sunsets, local food, and historical sites. Unlike other crowded spots, Qiandao Lake offers vast, open freedom to explore at your own pace—plus, the air is wonderfully fresh! Second, What Should You Note for Qiandao Lake Travel? 1. Most roads around Qiandao Lake have speed limits of 40–60 km/h—always obey traffic rules! 2. Transportation options include self-driving, biking, buses, or taxis. Self-driving is highly recommended; bike rentals are great for the fit! 3. Try the local specialty, "Chopped Pepper Fish Head"—it’s delicious! 4. Avoid taxi drivers’ restaurant recommendations, as they often have kickback deals. 5. Tianyu Mountain is a must-visit for panoramic views and an easy "hike." 6. Opt for early-morning boats; ticket prices remain the same all day. 7. For a relaxed lakeside getaway, book a lake-view B&B, cycle around, or visit lesser-known spots for a mini rafting adventure. 8. Don’t forget sun protection—the UV rays here are no joke! 9. Skip low-cost tour groups that waste time at shopping stops. So, now you know how to plan a self-driving tour and what to watch out for—ready to hit the road? 😊