Qiandao Lake is truly beautiful, the kids had a great time playing, and the trip was totally worth it!

Here is a concise guide for a one-day tour of Qiandao Lake in Hangzhou, China.
🚗 Transportation Suggestions

1. Self-driving/Taxi: About a 2-hour drive from Hangzhou, navigate to "Qiandao Lake Tourist Pier" (Central Lake Area) or "Southeast Lake Area Pier."
2. High-speed Train + Shuttle: Hangzhou East Station → Qiandao Lake Station (about 1 hour, ticket ¥70), then take a shuttle bus to the lake area pier (¥15/person, 30 minutes).

🌊 Lake Area Options and Itinerary

Option 1: Central Lake Area (classic commercialized, rich in entertainment)

Suitable for: First-time visitors, those who enjoy culture and water activities.
Boat schedule: Early boats (7:30-10:30) allow visiting 3 islands, about 6 hours total.
Route:
Meifeng Island (must-visit): Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the stunning "Qiandao Lake in a painting" scenery, perfect for photos.
Yule Island: Lunch spot (buffet from ¥30, bringing your own food is recommended) + optional water shows/motorboat rides.
Longshan Island: Visit cultural sites like the Hai Rui Temple and Bell Tower to experience historical atmosphere.
Moonlight Island (evening): Light art installations, great for night photography.

Option 2: Southeast Lake Area (natural and pristine, fewer people and beautiful scenery)

Suitable for: Nature lovers and family trips.
Boat schedule: Early boats (before 9:30) visit 3 islands, about 7 hours total.
Route:
Osmanthus Island (Monkey Island): Observe wild macaques and karst landforms; be cautious when feeding monkeys (performance ¥25/person).
Tianchi Island: Southern Song Dynasty quarry ruins, fish feeding and bird watching (flamingos, parrots), involves more walking.
Huangshanjian (must-visit): Climb to the top to overlook the natural island arrangement known as the "World for All" spectacle (round-trip cable car ¥50, 30-minute walk).

🍲 Food Recommendations

Must-try: Qiandao Lake organic fish head! Recommended local popular restaurant Chun Yuan Wai (near Central Lake Area), fish head soup is fresh and free of fishy smell, two ways to enjoy one fish is more cost-effective.
Tips: Avoid overpriced restaurants inside the scenic area, bring snacks + have a proper meal after disembarking.

📌 Practical Tips

1. Tickets: Purchase online 1 day in advance (combined ticket for entrance + boat), Central/Southeast Lake Area tickets cost about ¥150-200, valid for 2 days.
2. Boat Upgrade: In summer, it is recommended to pay an extra ¥33 to upgrade to the second-floor cabin, which includes air conditioning, soft seats, and bottled water for a more comfortable viewing experience.
3. Time-saving:
Choose early boats (the earlier you board, the more islands you can visit), during holidays arrive at the pier before 7:30 to queue.
In Central Lake Area, prioritize Meifeng Island + Longshan Island; in Southeast Lake Area, allocate more time for Huangshanjian.
4. Gear: Comfortable sports shoes, sun hat, power bank; some parts of the islands require walking.