Thousand Island Lake

千岛湖

A stunning artificial lake in western Zhejiang featuring over 1,000 islands set amid emerald waters and pine-covered mountains, created by damming the Xin'an River. Ideal for boating, scenic photography, and leisurely exploration of pristine island landscapes.

Things to do

• Island Hopping by Boat — Rent a private boat or join a guided tour to visit multiple islands such as Dragon Island and Monkey Island, each offering unique scenery and photo opportunities.
• Longjing Gorge Scenic Cruise — Take a scenic boat journey through the dramatic Longjing Gorge, known for steep granite cliffs and deep emerald waters that showcase the lake's most striking landscapes.
• Sunken Ancient City Exploration — Visit the submerged ruins of Lion City (Shi Cheng), an ancient underwater town accessible by diving or viewing through underwater observation facilities.
• Bicycle Touring Around the Lake — Cycle along lakeside paths and connecting roads to explore small villages, local markets, and hidden viewpoints at a leisurely pace.
• Photography at East Lake Island — Visit this popular photography spot featuring traditional architecture, tea plantations, and panoramic vistas ideal for landscape and sunrise shots.
• Tea Plantation Visits — Tour the surrounding Longjing tea gardens on the hillsides above the lake, where you can learn about green tea cultivation and sample fresh brews.

Food to try

• Lake Fish Stew — A hearty local specialty featuring freshwater fish caught from the lake, simmered with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and aromatic spices in a savory broth.
• Thousand Island Lake Shrimp — Delicate freshwater shrimp harvested from the lake, typically stir-fried with minimal seasoning to highlight their natural sweetness and tender texture.
• Bamboo Shoot Rice — Fragrant rice cooked with fresh spring bamboo shoots and local mountain vegetables, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage.
• Longjing Tea-Smoked Fish — Local fish infused with the smoky aroma of premium Longjing green tea leaves, a signature dish combining the lake and tea culture.
• Water Caltrop Snacks — Crunchy water chestnuts (or water caltrops) harvested from the lake shallows, boiled and eaten as a refreshing seasonal snack.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Local Fishing Communities — The lake remains home to traditional fishing families; be courteous when photographing boats and fishermen, and consider purchasing their catch to support sustainable livelihoods.
• Plan Around Weather and Seasons — Spring and autumn offer the clearest waters and most stable boating conditions, while summer can bring crowds and winter may limit island accessibility; consult local guides before booking activities.
• Learn Basic Boat Etiquette — When renting boats, follow captain instructions carefully, avoid littering in the water, and be aware that speedboat racing is restricted to protect the pristine ecosystem.
• Embrace the Tea Culture — The surrounding region is famous for Longjing tea; visiting local tea houses and farmers offers insight into Zhejiang's centuries-old agricultural traditions and hospitality.