Complete Four-Day and Three-Night Guide to Qiandao Lake: Scenic Beauty and Culinary Delights

Qiandao Lake is located in Chun'an County, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, with 1,078 islands scattered across the lake. It is a national 5A-level scenic area. The picturesque lake and mountains, abundant water activities, and distinctive local cuisine make it ideal for family trips, romantic getaways, or gatherings with friends. Itinerary Overview Date Highlights Accommodation Suggestions Day 1 Arrive at Qiandao Lake Town, Central Lake Area Boat Tour, Night Tour of Qiandao Lake Hotel in Qiandao Lake Town Day 2 Southeast Lake Area, Meifeng Island, Moonlight Island, Yule Island Lakeside Homestay Day 3 Lake Cycling, Forest Oxygen Bar, Wenyuan Lion City Lake View Resort Hotel Day 4 Return after breakfast, recommended souvenir shopping - Day 1: First Encounter with Qiandao Lake, Initial Experience of Scenic Beauty Morning: Arrive at Qiandao Lake Town From Hangzhou, take the high-speed train to Qiandao Lake Station, about 1 hour, or drive about 2 hours. Stay in a hotel in the central area of Qiandao Lake Town for convenient travel and dining. Afternoon: Central Lake Area Boat Tour Take a boat tour of the central lake area, focusing on Longshan Island, Moonlight Island, and Lock Island. Tickets can be purchased at the scenic area window or online platforms; advance booking is recommended. Evening: Night Tour of Qiandao Lake The lake is brilliantly lit at night, and a night boat tour is a great choice. For dinner, try the Qiandao Lake fish head, fresh and delicious. Day 2: In-Depth Exploration of the Southeast Lake Area Morning: Southeast Lake Area Boat Tour The southeast lake area has many islands; recommended visits include Meifeng Island, Moonlight Island, and Yule Island. Meifeng Island is the best spot for panoramic lake views; climbing to the top offers a full view of Qiandao Lake. Afternoon: Return to Qiandao Lake Town, Free Time You can stroll around the town and experience local life. Evening: Lakeside Dinner Recommended is the fish head hotpot at "Fish Flavor Restaurant," with a milky broth and tender meat. "Qiandao Lake Farmhouse Cuisine" offers authentic farmhouse flavors such as braised dried bamboo shoots with pork and farmhouse tofu. Day 3: Cycling Around the Lake, Experiencing Nature and Culture Morning: Cycling Around the Lake The Qiandao Lake greenway around the lake is about 150 kilometers long, suitable for cycling. Recommended route: Qiandao Lake Square—Shangjiangbu Bridge—Jieshou Township. The scenery along the way is beautiful, accompanied by lake and mountain views. Afternoon: Forest Oxygen Bar, Wenyuan Lion City The forest oxygen bar has fresh air, perfect for hiking and oxygen intake. Wenyuan Lion City is a replica of an ancient millennium city with rich historical and cultural heritage, ideal for photography and learning about local history. Evening: Stay at a Lake View Resort Hotel Recommended hotels include the InterContinental Qiandao Lake Resort and Sheraton Qiandao Lake Resort for a high-end lake view experience. Dinner can be chosen from the hotel restaurants, with recommended dishes such as "Qiandao Lake Claypot Fish Head," "Steamed Baishui Fish," and "Wild Vegetable Pancakes." --- Day 4: Easy Return and Souvenir Shopping Morning: Free time after breakfast Take a walk around the hotel or visit small shops in Qiandao Lake Town. Breakfast recommendations include local specialties such as "Qiandao Lake Rice Cake," "Tofu Bun," and "Mugwort Green Rice Ball." Recommended Souvenirs Qiandao Lake dried fish, vacuum-packed for easy carrying. Hickory nuts are a specialty of Chun'an, crispy and tasty. Longjing tea from around Qiandao Lake is also worth buying. Noon: Return Arrange your return according to your transportation schedule to conclude the trip. Travel Tips The best travel seasons are spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), with pleasant weather and the most beautiful scenery. Summer has strong UV rays, so bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and casual clothes for outdoor activities. Holidays tend to be crowded, so book hotels and boat tickets in advance. --- Recommended Photo Spots The Meifeng Island viewing platform offers a wide view, perfect for panoramic shots. The greenway around the lake features diverse scenery, making every snapshot a masterpiece. The ancient city gate of Wenyuan Lion City is quaint and a great spot for cultural photography. The lake view and lights on the night tour boat are dreamy and perfect for night photography. This guide helps you easily plan your trip to Qiandao Lake. Wishing you a pleasant journey.