I've been to Qiandao Lake 7 times, and the lake scenery here is absolutely stunning, comparable to Sanya.

Qiandao Lake is located in Chun'an County, Hangzhou, and is a national AAAAA-level scenic area, famous for its 'thousand islands and emerald waters, like a painting in motion.' The lake is dotted with 1078 verdant islands, and its water is crystal clear (source of Nongfu Spring bottled water), combining natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.

⛳Best Season
April-June (spring), September-October (autumn). For summer heat avoidance, choose early mornings or evenings. Winter is relatively cold.

Transportation: Direct bus from Hangzhou West Station to Chun'an (2 hours, 60 RMB). High-speed rail to Qiandao Lake Station, then take a taxi (approx. 30 RMB).

Accommodation: For lake view rooms, choose Greentown Resort Hotel (600 RMB/night); for value for money, choose Minghao International (300 RMB/night); for an ancient village experience, stay at Qin Chuan Homestay (150 RMB/night).

Time-saving tip: The Central Lake Area and Southeast Lake Area require two separate days to explore. When purchasing tickets, apply for the 'next-day visit' procedure (add 10 RMB).

🏝️ I. Core Lake Area Islands (requires admission ticket + boat tour)
1. Meifeng Island
Feature: The highest vantage point for viewing Qiandao Lake, with the saying 'If you don't ascend Meifeng to see the islands, you don't truly know Qiandao Lake.' From the summit, you can overlook over 300 scattered islands, and the islands turning golden at sunrise is particularly stunning.

Experience: Take a cable car to the summit (60 RMB one-way) or hike for 15 minutes; at the fishing village below the island, you can experience fish printing.
Admission: Included in the Central Lake Area 185 RMB package (includes boat tour).

2. Huangshan Peak (Southeast Lake Area)
Feature: A 20-minute climb to the summit reveals over 90 islands naturally arranged to form the four characters 'Tian Xia Wei Gong' (The World Belongs to All). The panoramic view is comparable to Meifeng Island.
Admission: Southeast Lake Area package 185 RMB (includes boat tour).

3. Moonlight Island
Theme: Romantic love island, suitable for couples. Cycle along the island's greenway (electric bike 50 RMB/hour), hang love locks, and enjoy specialty snacks at the 'Moonlight Night Market' in the evening.
Highlight: Nighttime light show blends with the lake scenery, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

4. Yule Island
Activities: Watch the 'Giant Net Fishing' performance, experience making dried fish; for lunch on the island, highly recommend 'Chunpai Fish Head Soup,' which is creamy like milk and excellent with corn cakes.

5. Monkey Island (Guihua Island)
Feature: Free-ranging monkeys for interaction, suitable for families with children. In autumn, osmanthus flowers fill the air with fragrance, and there are also monkey performances on the island.

The beauty of Qiandao Lake lies not only in the number of its islands but also in the intertwining of its lake scenery and cultural heritage – ascending islands for panoramic views, cycling with the wind, exploring ancient villages, and warming your stomach with fish soup are all unforgettable highlights of the journey. Avoid the weekend crowds, and spend half a day quietly sitting by the lake; perhaps then you can truly understand the gentle charm of these emerald waters.