Qiandao Lake

千岛湖

A massive artificial reservoir with over a thousand islands dotting its pristine blue waters, Qiandao Lake offers scenic cruises, water activities, and peaceful island communities surrounded by forested hills. The fresh fish and local specialties make it both a natural wonder and culinary destination.

Things to do

• Island-hopping cruise — Take a scenic boat tour visiting multiple islands such as Lion Island and Monkey Island, each with unique landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Swimming and water sports — Enjoy safe swimming areas and water activities like jet skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking in designated zones across the lake's pristine waters.
• Dragon Well Tea plantations — Visit nearby Longjing tea gardens on the surrounding hills to learn about famous Dragon Well tea production and participate in tea picking during harvest season.
• Qiandao Lake Glass Bottom Boat — Experience underwater views from a glass-bottomed vessel to observe submerged ancient temples and aquatic life without diving.
• Bicycle touring island paths — Rent bicycles to explore quiet island communities and forested trails at a leisurely pace, discovering local villages and coastal viewpoints.
• Sunset viewpoint at Longshan Island — Hike to elevated viewpoints on Longshan Island for panoramic views of the thousand islands silhouetted against the setting sun.
• Photography at Qiandao Lake boundary — Capture landscape and wildlife photography from designated scenic spots, particularly effective during dawn and dusk when light is optimal.

Food to try

• Qiandao Lake fish head soup — A signature dish featuring fish head from freshwater lake fish simmered in broth with mushrooms and pickled vegetables, known for rich umami flavor.
• West Lake vinegar fish — Fresh lake fish prepared with sweet and sour Zhenjiang vinegar sauce, a regional classic from nearby Hangzhou that showcases local fish quality.
• Thousand Island Lake shrimp — Freshwater shrimp from the lake served simply steamed or stir-fried with minimal seasoning to highlight their natural sweetness and tender texture.
• Bamboo shoot with lake fish — Spring bamboo shoots combined with fresh lake fish in a light broth, reflecting seasonal ingredients from the surrounding forested region.
• Tea-smoked duck — Duck smoked over Dragon Well tea leaves and camphor wood, incorporating the famous local Longjing tea into a savory preparation.
• Stir-fried lake snails with herbs — Freshwater snails foraged from the lake and cooked quickly with wild herbs and garlic, representing authentic local foraging practices.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect island privacy — Many islands are inhabited by local fishing families and small communities; always ask permission before entering private areas and avoid disturbing local life.
• Book boat tours in advance — Tours and transportation between islands operate on seasonal schedules and can fill quickly during peak months, so advance booking is essential.
• Learn basic water safety customs — Wear life jackets on boats, check weather conditions before water activities, and follow local guides' instructions as lake conditions change seasonally.
• Support local fishing communities — Purchase fish and local products directly from island vendors and family-run restaurants to support sustainable livelihoods of traditional fishing communities.