Thousand Islets Lake (Qiandao Lake)

Did you ever want to escape from the bustling metropolis? Come to Thousand Islets Lake and experience something special.

With 81% of the area covered in forests, Thousand Islets Lake (Qiandao Lake) is a pure lake with clean, fresh air. It is a young lake formed in 1959 as a result of the construction of New Anjiang Hydroelectric Power Station. It is a beautiful lake with 1,078 islets showing different views in different seasons. It is a rich lake abounding with fish and surrounded by trees, tea, mulberry (the food of the silkworm) and other fruit trees. Qiandao Lake is also a delightful lake with many activities including enjoying the natural scenery and local culture, observing wild animals and taking part in many exciting activities.

Thousand Islets Lake lies in Chun'an County, about 150 km (93 miles) west of Hangzhou City and is 140 km (87 miles) southeast of Mt. Huangshan. It is a resplendent pearl in the classical golden route of Hangzhou-Thousand Islets Lake-Mt. Huangshan and has become popular all over the world.

Qiandao Lake is noted for its verdurous mountains, crystal clear water, exotic caves and strange stones. Nongfu (farmer) Spring Water, a famous mineral water brand, takes water from this lake. The Thousand Islets Lake scenic area can be divided into six sections on the basis of geographical location. They are: Southeast Lake District (the first to be developed), Central Lake District (combining several spots that should not be missed), Southwest Lake District, Northeast Lake District, Northwest Lake District and Fuxi Stone Forest (the first stone forest in East China), each possessing their own unique and striking landscapes.

In Southeast Lake District can be found Tianchi (heaven pool), a quarry site dating from the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), Xianshan (admiration mountain) Island, Guihua (sweet osmanthus) Island and Mishan (honey mountain) Island (The story of 'One boy is a boy, two boys half a boy, three boys no boy' originated here). In Central Lake District, there are Qiandao Lake Fishing Village, Meifeng (plum peak) Island, Wulong (five dragons) Scenic Area and the Animal Interest Section. On Meifeng Island, you can command views from a great height, experience grass-skiing, and boat down the water. Wulong Scenic Area is made up of Lock Island, Bird Island, Zhenqu (true delight) Garden and Qishi (strange stone) Island, which is connected by several bridges. Lock Island is a world of locks, including happiness lock, wisdom lock, health lock and carp lock. The first Lock Museum in China was built here, housing Safety Lock, the biggest lock in Guinness World Records. In the Animal Interest Section, peacocks, snakes, monkeys and ostriches can be seen. You can enjoy yourself by watching the animals performing, feeding them, playing with them and taking photos of them.

The best time to visit Thousand Islets Lake is in autumn and winter, when there is less rainfall. Fine weather, cool and fresh air and clear water are really enjoyable. Do sample the distinctively cooked seafood and some local food here. Take home souvenirs like inkstones, hemp embroideries and products made of pearls.

Thousand Islets Lake is currently the largest forest park in China. It has been awarded many titles and received favorable comments from tourists both at home and abroad. So, why not come and see for yourself!

 From Shanghai:
1. Take high speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station or Shanghai Railway Station to Qiandaohu Railway Station and then take regular buses to reach there.
2. Take a direct bus from Shanghai South Long Distance Bus Station. It departs at 8:27, 13;49. Ticket price is CNY 120 and duration is around 4 hours.
3. Take bus from Shanghai South Long Distance Bus Station to Hangzhou Passenger Transportation Central Station and then take regular buses to there.

 From Huangshan:
1. Take New National Express Bus from Yellow Mountain Scenic Area Bus Station. The buses are operated at 06:30 and 13:00.
2. Take the bus from Yellow Mountain Scenic Area Bus Station to Shexian. It departs at 12:20 and costs CNY 21 per person.  Upon arrival, you should change bus to Shendu and then take ferry to reach Qiandao Lake.
3. Take the bus from Huangshan Tunxi Bus Station to Shexian. Then, you can change bus to Shendu to take ferry.

 From Wuxi:
Take a direct bus from Wuxi Passenger Transport Bus Station (close to the railway station). It departs at 08:05. Ticket price is CNY 128.

 From Wenzhou:
Take bus from Wenzhou Shuangyu Bus Station. It operates at 08:50. Ticket price is CNY 135 and duration is around 5 hours.
Hangzhou Bus / Metro Search