Taking Kids to Qiandao Lake! Secret Spots + Sunset + Food Complete Guide

✨ Qiandao Lake Family Travel Guide｜Fun, Photogenic, and Easy, No Pitfalls with Kids!

🚗 【Transportation Options】
Self-driving (top choice): About a 2-hour drive from Hangzhou, the ring road around the lake is very smooth with no difficult sections. You can stop anytime to enjoy the scenery and take photos with kids, no need to rush for the train, very flexible.
High-speed train: If coming from far away, taking the high-speed train to Qiandao Lake Station is very convenient. After exiting, take the scenic area shuttle bus for only 5 yuan to reach the lake area. The bus has seats, so kids won’t get tired.
Cycling:
Easy route: The Northeast Lake Loop is especially suitable for kids, about 50 km in total, with low difficulty. There are many rest spots along the way. Kids can cycle for 3-6 hours without getting tired and enjoy the lake views.
Parent-child interaction: Ride a tandem bike with your child, chat while cycling to enhance bonding. Stop whenever you see beautiful scenery, letting kids experience the beauty of nature.

📸 【Must-Visit Spots】
🌟 Hidden Gems
Hongshan Valley: The primeval forest here is stunning, with the spectacular Baxian Waterfall and Rainbow Waterfall. Hiking with kids, you can hear birds and insects and see little squirrels, which kids will love. The trail is easy, just have kids wear comfortable shoes, and it’s a great way for them to connect with nature and relax.
Matcha Manor: Wearing Hanfu to experience Song Dynasty tea whisking is very interesting. Staff will teach kids step-by-step, and kids can learn simple tea whisking skills and taste their own tea. The dry landscape garden is perfect for parent-child photos, and Hanfu adds a special atmosphere, capturing beautiful moments.
Yungu Songjian: The infinity pool at the mountain top is super photogenic. Bring kids to watch nearby and enjoy the “water meets sky” view. The lawn is large, perfect for kids to run and play games. The evening bonfire party is lively, and kids can play with other children, so they won’t feel lonely.

🔥 Popular Photo Spots
Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform: The best place to watch Qiandao Lake’s sunset, known as the “Sunset Ceiling”! Arrive before 5 pm, find a good spot, and wait with your kids to watch the sun slowly set over the lake, turning the water golden. Kids will exclaim “So beautiful!” Photos come out great, and parent-child shots are very touching.
Huma Amusement Park: The Yunding Glass Viewing Platform is very high, offering panoramic views of Qiandao Lake. Kids will be amazed. The super scooter is very fun, with adjustable speed. Play with kids to feel the wind speed and capture aerial-style photos to record happy moments.
Beer Town Lighthouse: When the water level is low, you can walk under the lighthouse. Dress kids in light-colored clothes for photos with a “lonely” vibe. Visit at dusk during the blue hour for soft lighting and beautiful photo tones. Kids will love their pictures.

🏮 Cultural Experience
Wenyuan Lion City: The replica underwater ancient city has a strong historical feel, with seven grand archways. Walk around with kids and tell them stories about the ancient city to help them learn history. The intangible cultural heritage weaving experience is very interesting; kids can weave fabric by hand, feel the magic of traditional crafts, and take home their creations.
Qinchuan Ancient Village: A 750-year-old Ming and Qing dynasty village with Qinshi Creek running through it. The Hui-style architecture is distinctive, quieter than Hongcun, very peaceful. Walk around with kids, see old houses, play by the creek, and see animals raised by villagers. Kids will be very happy.
Xiajiang Village: Filming location for "My People, My Homeland," free to visit! The scenery is especially beautiful, with green mountains and white walls and tile roofs like a painting. At sunset, smoke rises from cooking fires, very healing. Walk around the village with kids, enjoy the rural scenery, and learn about various vegetables to increase knowledge.

🐟 【Food Recommendations】
Fish Head Soup: Must try the fish head soup at "Hao Dongjia." Made from freshly killed fish heads, the soup is milky and rich, incredibly fresh. Kids love it and it’s nutritious. About 80 yuan per person, very affordable.
Local Snacks: Anshang Fenpi at Qilong Alley has a great texture, chewy and smooth. Rice soup is sticky with a bit of sour and spicy flavor, very appetizing and acceptable to kids. Corn cake has a crispy outer layer and fragrant filling, perfect as an afternoon snack.
Family-friendly Delicacy: The native chicken pot at "Dreamscape Promise Homestay" in Xiajiang Village has tender chicken and delicious broth. It’s the same dish enjoyed by Xu Zheng’s film crew, very suitable for kids. The homestay environment is great, and you can rest in the yard after eating.

🏡 【Accommodation Guide】
Recommended stay at Qiandao Lake Beruite Resort Hotel, the top luxury wild hotel nearby. The hotel is lakeside with an excellent location, every room has a lake view with great sightlines. Rooms are luxuriously decorated, spacious, fully equipped, and have a children’s play area where kids can play indoors. The hotel has an outdoor pool, convenient for swimming with kids in summer, and a lakeside trail for morning walks with fresh air. Breakfast is varied with many kid-friendly foods like small cakes, porridge, and eggs. The service is thoughtful, proactively helping care for kids so parents can relax and have a very comfortable stay.

💡 【Blogger’s Private Tips】
Avoid peak times: Arrive at Huma Amusement Park before 9 am to avoid crowds and long waits for rides, saving time with kids. The Beer Lighthouse is less crowded in the morning, so photos won’t have many passersby, making pictures cleaner.
Cycling safety: Always have kids wear helmets when cycling, choose safe routes, and avoid busy roads. Bring wet wipes and tissues for kids to clean hands and face, and a small trash bag to keep the environment clean.
Packing essentials: Physical sun protection is important. Prepare hats, sun-protective clothing, and sunscreen for kids to avoid sunburn. Bring a portable fan to cool kids in summer heat. Bring some favorite toys to keep kids entertained while waiting or resting to avoid fussiness.

“Bringing kids to Qiandao Lake doesn’t require complicated planning. Follow this guide to have a happy and easy trip. Enjoy the lake views, secret spots, and delicious food with your kids, creating beautiful family memories in this stunning place!”