Qiandao Lake Family Trip! Watch the Sunset and Explore Secret Spots with Kids, Super Worry-Free

✨ Enjoy Qiandao Lake with Kids｜Easy Routes + Family Activities, Stress-Free for Moms!

🚗 【Transportation Options】
Self-driving (Highly recommended): It takes about 2 hours from Hangzhou, and the roads around the lake are very easy to drive on. You can stop anytime to take photos of beautiful scenery, which is super convenient with kids and no need to rush.
High-speed train: If you don’t want to drive, take the high-speed train to Qiandao Lake Station. There is a scenic area shuttle bus outside the station that costs only 5 yuan to get to the lake area, making it easy to carry luggage with kids.
Cycling:
Family-friendly route: Choose the Northeast Lake Loop, about 50 km in total, not very difficult. You can ride slowly with kids and finish in 3-6 hours, enjoying many lake views along the way so kids won’t get bored.
Easy experience: You can also rent family bikes in the scenic area and don’t have to ride the whole route. Pick a scenic section, like a lakeside path, and stop to rest when tired. The focus is on a relaxed experience.

📸 【Must-Visit Spots】
🌟 Hidden Gems
Hongshan Valley: This place has the original forest of western Zhejiang, plus the “Eight Immortals Waterfall” and “Rainbow Waterfall.” The air is very fresh, perfect for hiking and breathing with kids. The trails are not too difficult and let kids get close to nature and learn about various plants.
Matcha Manor: Kids can wear Hanfu and experience Song Dynasty tea whisking. Staff patiently teach, so kids have fun and learn traditional culture. The dry landscape garden here is especially beautiful, with photos having a Japanese vibe, perfect for family pictures.
Yungu Songjian: There’s an infinity pool on the mountain top. Although kids might not swim, the view is great from the side. There’s also a 2,000㎡ lawn where occasional bonfire parties happen at night. Kids can run and play on the lawn, very relaxing, and you can see Xiayuan Reservoir, like a “mountain-top Qiandao Lake.”

🔥 Popular Photo Spots
Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform: The Qiandao Lake sunset here is truly amazing, known as the “sunset ceiling”! You can overlook the entire “archipelago painting.” It’s best to arrive before 5 PM to secure a spot. Bring a small mat for kids to sit and wait for the sunset, watching the sun slowly set and the lake turn golden. Kids will be super excited.
Huma Amusement Park: There’s a cloud-top glass viewing platform with far-reaching lake views that kids find magical. There’s also a 4.6KM super scooter track where you can control the speed. Play with kids, scream with joy, and capture aerial shots to record family moments.
Beer Town Lighthouse: When the water level is low, you can walk to the base of the lighthouse. Dress kids in light-colored dresses for photos with a “lonely” vibe. Evening blue hour is best for soft lighting and beautiful photos.

🏮 Cultural Experience
Wenyuan Lion City: This is a replica of a 1,400-year-old underwater ancient city with seven archways, very historic. Kids can try intangible cultural heritage weaving, with staff teaching them how to weave, letting kids experience traditional crafts and learn about the ancient city’s history.
Qinchuan Ancient Village: A 750-year-old Ming and Qing dynasty village with Qinshi Creek running through it. The Hui-style architecture is very charming, quieter than Hongcun, with fewer people. Walk around with kids, see old houses, enjoy slow living, and let kids play by the creek, very comfortable.
Xiajiang Village: Filming location for "My People, My Homeland," open for free! Surrounded by green mountains, white walls, and tile roofs, very beautiful. At sunset, with smoke rising from cooking fires, the scenery is super healing. Walk around with kids, see rural landscapes, and kids can learn about crops and gain knowledge.

🐟 【Food Recommendations】
Fish Head Soup: A must-try in Qiandao Lake! Recommended “Hao Dongjia,” where fish heads are freshly killed and stewed. The milky white soup is very fresh, and kids love it too. Around 80 yuan per person, very cost-effective.
Local Snacks: Try “Anshang Fenpi” in Qilong Alley, with a chewy texture. Also, rice soup, sticky with a slightly sour and spicy taste, very appetizing. Corn cake has a crispy outer layer and fragrant filling, suitable as a snack for kids.
Family Exclusive: “Dream Promise Homestay” in Xiajiang Village offers native chicken pot, the same as used by Xu Zheng’s film crew! The chicken is tender, the broth rich, nutritious and delicious for kids. The homestay environment is nice, and you can stroll around the village after eating.

🏡 【Accommodation Tips】
Recommended nearby top luxury wild hotel—Qiandao Lake Anlu Hotel. The location is excellent with stunning lake views, surrounded by mountains and forests, very quiet. Rooms are all standalone villas with spacious, luxurious facilities and private terraces, very comfortable for families. The hotel offers family activities like handicrafts and lakeside walks, so kids can have fun. Enjoy breakfast in the morning with lake views, very relaxing, and the service is attentive, meeting any needs promptly.

💡 【Blogger’s Private Tips】
Avoid peak times for photos: Arrive at Huma Amusement Park before 9 AM when it’s less crowded, so you can get empty shots and take photos with kids without waiting or crowds. The Beer Lighthouse is less crowded in the morning with good lighting, making photos clearer.
Cycling preparation: Choose family bikes with training wheels or rent child seats to ensure kids’ safety. Bring snacks and water for energy breaks.
Packing list: Be sure to apply physical sunscreen, have kids wear hats, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing to avoid sunburn. Bring a power bank to prevent phone battery drain so you can keep taking photos. If you have a drone, bring it to capture aerial shots of tunnels and bridges—the scenery is stunning and kids will find it fascinating.

“Bring your kids to Qiandao Lake, see the blue water, feel the lakeside breeze, ride bikes, watch the sunset, and create beautiful family memories among these 1,078 islands. It’s so healing!”