Qiandao Lake Travel Guide, Itinerary Recommendations & Transportation, Accommodation, and Early Autumn Weather for a Sunset View
Preface
After nearly a year in Hangzhou, I finally made the long-awaited trip to Qiandao Lake during this National Day holiday. I've long loved islands and the sea; that pure feeling, the refreshing sea breeze, is something that captivates me. Qiandao Lake is also not far from downtown Hangzhou, so I packed my things, took advantage of the beautiful holiday weather, and headed out!
Qiandao Lake, located in Chun'an County, Hangzhou, about 130 kilometers from the city, is ideal for a road trip. I did some research before my visit and discovered that Qiandao Lake truly has over 1,000 islands of varying sizes, with key attractions including Meifeng Island, Monkey Island, Longshan Island, Lock Island, Santan Island, Huangshanjian Island, and Tianchi Island.
First sight of Qiandao Lake
I knew that the weather in Qiandao Lake would be good during the National Day holiday, but I didn't know it would be so good. The average temperature was around 32 degrees. The scorching weather and persistent high temperature made me think it was still summer.
We set off at 10:30 in the morning to catch a bus from Hangzhou East Station. We got on the bus at around 12:00 and didn't arrive at our B&B until after 5:00 in the afternoon. We wasted quite a bit of time on the road and rushed to eat as soon as we put down our luggage. But who would have thought that it was only a little after 6:00 in Qiandao Lake and it was already completely dark. The place we had planned to visit had to be put on hold for the time being, so we had to take a taxi back to the B&B and look forward to our trip to the island the next day.
Itinerary
Our itinerary was generally quite relaxed because it was the National Day holiday and we had two days reserved for travel. If we had driven there on a normal weekend, we would have still made it in time by departing from Hangzhou or Shanghai on Friday night.
Day 1 Hangzhou——Qiandao Lake (Bus)
Day 2 Southeast Lake Area of Qiandao Lake (Huangshan Island, Tianchi Island) - Beer Town
Day 3 Hongye Bay Kayak Club - Hongye Bay - Tianyu Mountain Observation Deck - Qilong Lane - Qiandao Lake Square
Day 4 Qiandao Lake——Hangzhou (High-speed Rail)
About Transportation
1/Leading to Qiandao Lake
There are three main ways to get to Qiandao Lake: driving, high-speed rail and bus. Driving is the most recommended.
① Self-driving: The various scenic spots in Qiandao Lake are quite far apart, so driving can save you a lot of time and transportation costs, and parking is relatively convenient. However, traffic jams may occur on weekends and holidays.
② High-speed rail: The high-speed rail is relatively fast. It only takes one hour to reach Qiandao Lake from Hangzhou, and about two hours from Shanghai. It is recommended. However, the high-speed rail station is a bit far from the city center (although the high-speed rail station is not very popular, it is very tall and impressive).
③Bus: It usually takes about 2.5 hours to get from Hangzhou to Qiandao Lake, and it may take 4-5 hours on holidays. It is highly not recommended.
2/Transportation within Qiandao Lake
①Bus: There are very few buses, and it takes at least 1 hour to get from one attraction to another. It is not very convenient and not recommended.
②Taxi: This may be the most convenient means of transportation on the island. Except that it is a bit expensive (once again, I praise self-driving), there are very few taxis in Qiandao Lake. Most of them run from the high-speed rail station to the city center. If you want to take a taxi from other places, it is best to use a taxi app (download a few, as taxis are difficult to get in some places).
The first time I took a boat to the island, I saw green everywhere.
I researched online before my trip and saw that the Southeast Lake District was more fun, while the Central Lake District was more commercial. If time permits, I'd definitely consider exploring both areas. Since we only had a meager three days in Thousand Island Lake, we decided to stick to the Southeast Lake District. As soon as we exited the Southeast Lake District dock and saw the cruise ships and emerald green waters, a sense of comfort washed over me! This was the Thousand Island Lake I'd always dreamed of. The heat and fatigue melted away, and I couldn't resist snapping a photo with them.
Tips:
Tips: You can purchase island tickets and boat tickets directly from a group (one day in advance).
Southeast Lake Area Sightseeing Tour (including boat tour): Adults 185/person, Children 100/person
Central Lake Area Sightseeing Tour (including boat tour): Adults 185/person, Children 100/person
PS: If you want to upgrade your cabin after boarding the boat and take photos outside the cabin, you only need to pay 33 yuan per person on the spot. In addition, the cruise can also be changed to a yacht to the island, the price is different.
Southeast Lake Area Sightseeing Tour (including speedboat): Adult 290/person, Child 225/person
Central Lake Area Sightseeing Tour (including speedboat): Adult 280/person, Child 215/person
If you want to visit both islands, you can buy a ticket for both lakes, but the boat ticket can only be purchased on the day.
We opted for an upgrade, and it was a great choice. We could go outside and enjoy the gentle breeze on our faces, the turquoise water rippled slightly as the boat moved forward, and the mountains and trees in the distance were just amazing!
I was completely healed by the emerald green waters of the lake. I could have sat here all day in a daze! The boat sailed for about 20 minutes before arriving at Huangshanjian Island, the first island in the southeastern lake area.
Huangshan Island, a long climb
Huangshanjian Island is relatively pristine and the highest of the Pearl Islands in the Southeast Lake District. Its pristine trees and scenery are preserved here, with no commercial shops or animals. A single stone staircase leads directly to the summit, a 30-40-minute climb. Alternatively, a cable car is available. From the summit, overlooking the northwest, you'll see over 90 islands, like strings of pearls scattered across the lake. You'll also spot the naturally formed four-character inscription: "天下为公."
Our group slowly walked up the mountain along this path.
Two pavilions were built along the way for tourists to rest. If you are too tired from climbing, you can take a rest here. There are also houses for the island staff in the pavilions.
For those who have lived in the city for a long time, this half-hour journey is still a bit tiring. But fortunately, the view at the top of the mountain is worth it! This is also a magnificent view that you must see when visiting Qiandao Lake.
It's said that overlooking Thousand Island Lake from the top of Huangshan Island, you can see the four characters "天下为公" (The World for All) naturally formed by the various islands, large and small. Standing on the observation deck, the view suddenly widens. Look at this photo I took. Does it resemble the character "公" (Public)? The other characters aren't quite clear, but a drone aerial shot would probably give a clearer view.
The view from afar was truly breathtaking, a vibrant green. On the way down, I encountered a beautiful patch of leaves, perfect for a photo. Huangshan Island can be explored in about two hours.
After going down the mountain, go to the pier and take a boat to the next island, Tianchi Island.
Tianchi Island | The most interesting island in Qiandao Lake
I personally think that Tianchi Island is the most interesting of the several islands I visited this time. This may be because it not only has natural landscapes, but also some man-made viewing and play areas. There are many small animals, which children will definitely like.
Tianchi Island, also known as Baoshi Mountain, was named after the massive stone quarrying that took place during the construction of the Southern Song Dynasty palace in Hangzhou, the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty. Seven stone pools formed by quarrying dot the summit, filled with water and fish, are the most beautiful part of Tianchi Island. Many quarrying sites from the Southern Song Dynasty can still be seen. There's also a zoo-like bird park here, boasting China's largest bird cage, a truly eye-catching sight. The name "Tianchi" was coined by Deng Xiaoping.
The Four-Layer Waterfall looks like a small man-made waterfall. The water flow is not large, and there are small circular steps under the waterfall to go over. Walking above the flowing water makes me feel a little excited.
After passing the Four-Layer Waterfall, we arrived at Tianchi's most iconic attraction. The goldfish here are large and plump, gathered by the bamboo rafts, their mouths wide open, waiting for visitors to feed them. They look like they've been starving for ages, but theoretically, they should be well fed. Fish food costs 10 yuan a bag, perfect for children to get up close and personal with the fish.
Schools of fish swam through the water.
Above the fish shoals of Tianchi Lake is the Baisui Bridge. This bridge, constructed of planks and chains, sways from side to side. It's said that walking across it can grant you a hundred years of life. Haha, I walked on it, and it was quite thrilling. Staff at the bridgehead control the flow of people, limiting the number of people on the bridge to no more than 20 at a time.
Although it is not high, it is a bit scary when it shakes.
Walking further, we arrived at Longhengju. At first glance, it reminded me of the Water Curtain Cave in the Flower-Fruit Mountain. Built entirely of stone, it sells snacks like grilled fish and drinks. It's a great place to rest if you're tired.
Walking on this wooden plank bridge, I felt as if I had suddenly arrived at Jiuzhaigou. The water was so clear and emerald green that I couldn't move my feet at all.
Bird Zoo | Cute
This place is truly a bird paradise. I was particularly impressed by this white parrot, scientifically known as the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. It has a terrible temper. If you feed it or tease it, it will spread its crest and flutter its wings, giving off a "keep out" expression. But despite its temper, it's actually quite adorable.
We walked around the ostrich garden for a long time, but there was only one ostrich. He was so cute, though, and kept walking along the fence, showing off his beauty to the tourists in all directions, and he was also very cooperative when taking photos.
This one is super cute, named "Golden Sun", and has a good temper. He's always happy to eat melon seeds and corn, and will gently take them from your hands. His color is also very beautiful.
My favorite flamingo, but its area is too far inside, so we can only watch from a distance outside the fence. Super elegant, they won't eat when fed, I've personally tested it.
Look at these long legs, I am really envious.
Beer Town | A bag of draft beer
Beer Town is a great place to hang out after 6 PM. Take photos, drink draft beer, eat some barbecued crayfish, and watch a show—it's such a joy. Our hotel was close to Beer Town, but overall, it's quite remote, so you'll need a taxi. It's very close to the Qianhu Island Bus Center.
You must try the draft beer in bags, 33 yuan per bag. It's not bitter or astringent, so even women who can't drink alcohol can enjoy it without any worries. Although it tastes good, it does have a strong aftertaste. Drink in moderation.
You can go up to the second floor to take photos at the iconic gate of the beer town. It is really photogenic here and you can take European-style blockbusters in minutes.
There are also hot air balloons in the beer town that you can check in. They look great from a distance. We went there a little late and it was already dark, so we didn't go over to take pictures.
Go-Kart Racing | Experience the Speed and Passion
You must also try the go-karts in the beer town. The outdoor track is quite large. Run two laps with the sunset, and the speed and passion will be on display every minute.
Red Leaf Bay Kayaking | Get started with paddling
I'd been dreaming of kayaking in Qiandao Lake for a while, so excited I couldn't sleep that night. I took a taxi to Hongye Bay early in the morning. Hongye Bay is located in the Pingfeng Scenic Area in the central area of the Qiandao Lake Scenic Area, between the Xiaojinshan Peninsula and the Jinxian Islands, commonly known as Xiaojinshan. It's a bit far from the city center, and our taxi cost about 60 yuan. The return trip was also difficult to get, so if you're not driving, be sure to book a ride well in advance!
I was surprised by how huge the lake is, stretching as far as the eye can see. Besides kayaking, there are also water skiing, banana boat rides, yacht surfing, and more activities to enjoy. Buying a package is a great deal. We only did the kayaking, which cost 100 yuan per person.
At first, I was a little worried it wasn't worth the price, and since neither of us can swim, I asked a lot about the safety. But once I got on the boat, I realized my concerns were completely unnecessary; it was incredibly safe. Even though it's paddleboarding, even beginners can quickly master it, and it's incredibly easy to glide and steer. It was a fantastic experience!
The water was clear and turquoise, and I reached in and gently stirred the water, feeling cool and comfortable. We paddled to the shade under the bridge and rested for a while. The cool breeze blew across the lake, which was so comfortable that I almost fell asleep.
Whether you are alone, two people, or a family of three, there is a suitable boat type. The experience is perfect!!!
Tianyu Mountain Observation Deck | Embrace the sunset
This is a highly recommended check-in spot! Definitely! Definitely! Come back in the afternoon to watch the sunset—the salted egg yolk sunset is absolutely stunning! The Tianyu Mountain Observation Deck itself is free, but the bus ride up the mountain costs 15 yuan per person. Of course, if you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery, you can also walk up the mountain. We chose the latter.
Tips:
Time: It takes about 30-40 minutes to hike to the top of the mountain.
Bus ticket: 10 yuan per person for one way, 15 yuan per person for round trip
I took a few sneaky photos on the way up. The road was less crowded and relatively shady, making it perfect for photos! But be careful of the cars going up and down the mountain; avoid them and walk to the side.
The view from the top is truly worth the trip. In the distance, a vast expanse of emerald green echoes the blue sky, vast and magnificent.
From a distance, the Qiandao Lake Bridge connects the two islands.
It was probably sunset at around four or five o'clock, and the sunlight was still a bit dazzling.
But at six o'clock, the whole world softens! The salted egg yolk-yellow sunset paints half the sky red. Even without a filter, it's stunning! The sunset in the distance becomes a painting, and everything is lovely.
Tips:
The time to capture the perfect sunset is only ten to twenty minutes, so don’t miss it.
The sun has already set, but the sky still lingers a lingering orange glow, and the distant peaks rise in layers. It's time to start your descent. You'll notice endless lines for buses, and you might not be able to get one until dark. It's recommended to take the bus up and walk down, and only buy a one-way ticket!
Qilong Alley | Check in at "Little Chongqing"
After watching the sunset from the Tianyu Mountain Observation Deck, you can go to the fish market for dinner (we didn't go), then head directly to Qilong Alley to browse the night market. These attractions are all located nearby. Qilong Alley feels a bit like a miniature Chongqing. Because it's a staircase that leads all the way to the mountain city, it feels like you're on the way to the city.
There are a few restaurants, street vendors, and a few boutiques here. Overall, there's not much to see; the shops are few and the items aren't particularly appealing. The alley only takes about ten minutes to walk down. If you're pressed for time, I recommend skipping this spot.
Qiandao Lake Plaza | Tranquility at Night
Qiandao Lake Plaza is arguably the busiest spot in the entire Qiandao Lake area. Chun'an's only Yintai City is located here. A new Yintai is currently under construction next to the Qiandao Lake Passenger Transport Center, but completion is expected to take another two to three years.
We passed by here during the day when we were on the bus. It was bustling with people and very lively. When we came here again at around 9 o'clock in the evening, the square became unusually quiet. Maybe the aunties who were dancing in the square had gone home.
Yintai City next to Qiandao Lake Plaza.
Other check-in points recommended
Due to the long delays on the road, I didn't have time to check in at several of the stops I had planned. Some attractions, like Red Leaf Bay, were closed for maintenance. Despite traveling so far, I didn't get to see the red leaves I had been looking forward to. I'll have to wait until next time.
Red Leaf Bay
As the name suggests, there are red leaves all over the mountains for you to admire and take photos. Autumn is the best time to view the scenery.
Tickets: Free, real-name registration required (foreigners are not allowed to enter at this time)
Address: Hongye Bay Scenic Area, Qiandao Lake Scenic Area, Chun'an County
Note: The Hongye Bay Observation Deck will be under maintenance from August 15, 2021 to October 31, 2021. Visitors are not allowed to enter. Please avoid visiting during this time period.
You can't enter the scenic area, so you can only take a few photos in the corridor at the entrance. It's about 600 meters from the Hongye Bay Kayak Club, so you can check in for both activities together. However, it's quite remote, so most people drive here, and taxis are not easy to get. For the return trip, you must book a taxi in advance using several apps.
Fuwen Township Central Primary School
The filming location of the movie "My Hometown and Me" and "China's Most Beautiful Rural Primary School", these two titles are enough to attract us to check it out, but it is not convenient to take a taxi or bus here, so it is only recommended to drive there.
Admission: Free
Address: Chun'an County X723 (Jinfu Line)
Xianshan Peninsula Intercontinental Lighthouse
Known as the "Little Kenting" of Thousand Island Lake, it's a fantastic place for photos. The lighthouse is practically pure white, surrounded by sandy beaches and rocks, perfectly capturing both island and resort vibes. Tourists are also very few here, making it a popular spot within Thousand Island Lake.
Tickets: Free Address: Xianshan Hotel, Chun'an County
Stone Forest Railway Park
"Hangzhou Little Kamakura" is a very fresh and Japanese place. It has the same railway tracks and trains as "Kamakura", which makes it very suitable for taking photos. However, the location is also relatively remote, so it is only recommended to drive there.
Admission: Free
Address: Linghou Village, Maozhuyuan, Jiande City, Hangzhou
About food and accommodation
Overall this time, we pursued cost-effectiveness in food and accommodation, and spent more money on transportation. Therefore, I will just talk briefly about food and accommodation. Those who pursue quality of food and accommodation can skip this.
Tips:
B&B: Qiandao Lake Leju Inn
Price: 200+/night (I guess you won’t find another hotel in Qiandao Lake at this price during the National Day holiday)
Address: Near Qiandao Lake Passenger Transport Center, next to the Beer Town
Pros: The staff were very nice, and the room was very clean. We stayed there for three consecutive days, and they provided free breakfast including porridge, steamed buns, eggs, and corn. Very cost-effective.
Disadvantages: The geographical location is not advantageous and is far from the city.
Since we came here by bus and thought we would be tired after playing during the day and would not have time to enjoy the sea view, we booked accommodation near the station directly. We did not choose a sea view room and booked it through Ai Mouying. If you want a better or more convenient stay, you can consider staying near Qiandao Lake Square.
Tips:
Restaurant: "Qinglu" Farmhouse Courtyard
Price: 150+/person
Advantages: The food tastes good, the price is moderate in Qiandao Lake, and the location is convenient
Disadvantages: The restaurant environment is average and reservations are required
Dishes: Qiandao Lake Fish Head (felt average, more expensive than in Hangzhou, and not much better), Snails (recommended, cheap and tasty), Water Spinach (average)
We found this highly-rated farmhouse restaurant, "Qinglu," on Dianping. It was almost dark when we arrived, and there were still quite a few customers, so we had to wait for a table. Their dishes were generally farm-style, and the fish soup was incredibly generous; it felt like four people couldn't finish it all. I wouldn't recommend going there specifically for a quick check-in.
Tips:
Restaurant: Green Tea
Price: 35+/person
Advantages: affordable prices, good food, good environment
Disadvantages: No Qiandao Lake characteristics. This is a restaurant I checked in at noon while shopping at Qiandao Lake Yintai. It is located on the fifth floor of Yintai City. It has a very Jiangnan style. The environment is superb and the taste of the dishes is what I like. If you are tired of eating fish head, you can come here to change the taste.
Conclusion
Although I didn't get to visit a few spots I wanted to check in, it was still worth the trip. I was very happy to see the island I had been looking forward to for a long time! The weather during National Day was also very good. It's only because of regrets that we can meet again next time. I look forward to driving here next time.
