Qiandao Lake Travel Guide

Qiandao Lake, a dreamy fairyland hidden on earth!😍 Dear friends! I recently took a trip to Qiandao Lake, and it was like falling into a huge treasure world, breathtakingly beautiful and super fun! Today, I’m sharing my Qiandao Lake travel guide with you without reservation, so let’s start this magical journey together! Preparation🧰 ● Documents: Be sure to bring your ID card, and don’t forget any discount cards like student or senior cards. ● Clothing: Qiandao Lake has distinct seasons, so bring appropriate clothes accordingly. In summer, wear light and breathable clothes and bring sun protection clothing; spring and autumn have big temperature differences between morning and night, so bring a jacket; in winter, dress warmly with down jackets and scarves. ● Other items: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, an umbrella or raincoat as the weather at Qiandao Lake can be changeable. Also, prepare some snacks and water to replenish energy during your activities. Transportation Guide🚗 ● External transportation:     ○ Fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, then take a shuttle bus from the airport to Qiandao Lake Passenger Center.     ○ Take the high-speed train to Qiandao Lake Station, where buses and taxis are available to the scenic area. ● Internal transportation:     ○ Self-driving is a great option; the ring road around Qiandao Lake offers stunning views and you can stop anytime to enjoy the scenery.     ○ There are boats and yachts in the scenic area that can take you to various islands. You can also rent a bicycle and ride along the lakeside to enjoy the refreshing breeze. Accommodation Suggestions🏨 ● Near the Central Lake Area of Qiandao Lake: Convenient for travel, close to the boat docks, with well-developed facilities nearby for dining and shopping. There are many hotels and guesthouses available, ranging from high-end to budget options. ● Near the Southeast Lake Area of Qiandao Lake: Quieter and more peaceful, suitable for those who prefer tranquility. There are also some unique guesthouses here where you can enjoy a serene vacation. Must-Visit Attractions🌟 Central Lake Area ● Meifeng Island: "If you don’t go up Meifeng to view the archipelago, you won’t know the true face of Qiandao Lake." From the Meifeng observation deck, you can see the archipelago of Qiandao Lake, with each lush green island like pearls scattered on the blue water, stunningly beautiful. You can take a cable car up and down the mountain to save energy. ● Moonlight Island: Composed of five small islands connected by bridges. The island offers many fun amusement activities and has the Moon Elder Temple. Single friends can visit to pray, maybe you’ll encounter a romantic love story. Southeast Lake Area ● Huangshanjian: An excellent spot for island viewing. From the mountaintop, you can see over 90 islands forming the marvelous “All Under Heaven” landscape, truly breathtaking. ● Osmanthus Island: The island is full of osmanthus trees, and in golden autumn, the fragrance fills the air. There are many monkeys on the island; they are lively and cute and interact with visitors, but be careful not to feed them to avoid danger. Qiandao Lake Cycling Greenway The cycling greenway built along the lakeside stretches over a hundred kilometers. You can rent a bike and leisurely ride while enjoying the lake and mountain scenery. Along the way, you’ll pass many small villages and viewing platforms, perfect for stopping to take photos. Food Recommendations🍜 ● Qiandao Lake Fish Head Soup: This is the signature dish of Qiandao Lake and a must-try. Made with fresh Qiandao Lake bighead carp, the soup is milky and rich, the fish meat tender, and one sip is incredibly delicious. ● Chun’an Corn Cake: Made from local corn flour and glutinous rice flour, available in sweet and savory flavors. The outer skin is soft and sticky, with a rich filling, a specialty snack of Chun’an. ● Steamed Mandarin Fish: The mandarin fish from Qiandao Lake is tender, and steaming preserves the original flavor of the fish. Drizzle with delicious sauce for an amazing taste. Travel Itinerary🗺️ Two-Day Tour ● Day 1: Arrive at Qiandao Lake in the morning, check into your hotel, then visit the Central Lake Area. Take a boat tour to Meifeng Island and Moonlight Island. In the evening, enjoy local cuisine at a lakeside restaurant and admire the night view. ● Day 2: Head to the Southeast Lake Area to visit Huangshanjian and Osmanthus Island. In the afternoon, ride along the cycling greenway for a while to end your pleasant trip. Three-Day Tour ● Day 1: Arrive at Qiandao Lake, rest a bit, then ride along the cycling greenway to experience the natural scenery of Qiandao Lake. Enjoy local food in the evening. ● Day 2: Spend the whole day exploring the Central Lake Area, visiting Meifeng Island, Moonlight Island, and other attractions. ● Day 3: Visit the Southeast Lake Area to see Huangshanjian and Osmanthus Island, then explore nearby small villages to experience local customs. Notes⚠️ ● Boats have different schedules and routes; check the official website or ticket counters in advance to plan your trip reasonably. ● Pay attention to safety while cycling, obey traffic rules, and wear a helmet. ● Protect the environment while visiting the scenic area; do not litter. Qiandao Lake is truly a treasure travel destination. Whether you love natural scenery or want to experience a relaxing vacation, this place can satisfy you. Friends, quickly save this guide and find a time to start a dreamy journey to Qiandao Lake!💕