Qiandaohu Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Qiandaohu, Zhejiang, with this comprehensive guide. Discover must-see attractions, outdoor adventures, local culture and customs. Learn the best accommodations and food scenes.


Introduction to Qiandaohu

Located in the stunning Zhejiang province in East China, Qiandaohu (Thousand Island Lake) is a breathtaking tourist destination that offers visitors the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. The man-made lake spread over 573 sq km, is dotted with more than a thousand small islands, emerald-green mountains, and crystal-clear waters. Qiandaohu is a popular vacation spot for Chinese and international travelers seeking outdoor adventures like hiking or biking, watersports like kayaking, SUP and fishing, and relaxing in gorgeous resorts.

List of Places to Visit in Qiandaohu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Qiandao Lake Museum showcases the history, culture, and ecology of Qiandaohu.
  • Fangshan Scenic Area is a magnificent blend of nature and man-made wonders. Visitors can explore various historical sites, ancient ruins, and temples from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
  • Tianchi or ‘Heaven Lake’, is a scenic reservoir that offers visitors the best view of Qiandaohu. The reservoir was formed by a hydropower project constructed in the 1980s.

Natural Attractions of Qiandaohu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Nanshan Bamboo Sea, This scenic area is a must-visit for nature lovers who crave to see the beauty of bamboo plants with miles and miles spread over the area.
  • Xin’an River is a 437-kilometer river known for its clear water, breathtaking scenery, and thriving fish life. Nature watchers should consider this place for its enchanting bird-watching tour.
  • Jiupaojie ecological park is home to over 1,000 acres of lush greenery, vibrant plant and animal life. Visitors can enjoy a guided botanical tour, experience traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, and enjoy exciting water sports like kayaking, fishing, and sailing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Qiandaohu

Qiandaohu’s endless hills and mountains offer countless trails for hiking and biking. Some popular routes are:

  • Qianhu Trail is on the west shore of the lake and is an easy hiking trail that follows the shore for 16 kilometers. Visitors can rent bicycles or walk along the narrow path to appreciate the scenic beauty.
  • Lan Ya Hiking Trail is a stunning 15km trail leading to the top of Lan Ya Mountain. The trail winds through enchanting forests, and a series of steep climbs and bends with stunning vistas.

Best Things to Do in Qiandaohu: Activities and Tours

  • Take a Bamboo Rafting Tour on the Wu River to marvel at the natural beauty of Qiandaohu.
  • Enjoy kayaking, water skiing and other water sports in the vastness of Qiandaohu lake.
  • Take a Hot Air Balloon Tour over Qiandaohu Lake and enjoy a stunning aerial view of the lush green forest.

Week-Long Itinerary for Qiandaohu

Day Activities
1 Explore Qiandao Lake Museum, bike or hike around the west shore of the lake
2 Take a Bamboo Rafting Tour on the Wu River, enjoy traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
3 Visit Jiupaojie ecological park, enjoy kayaking, and fishing.
4 Visit Fangshan Scenic Area, see ancient temples and ruins.
5 Take a Hot Air Balloon Tour over Qiandaohu Lake, enjoy a bird’s perspective view of the lush green forest.
6 Visit Nanshan Bamboo Sea, explore the beauty of bamboo plantations.
7 Relax and unwind in your resort or visit the exciting night markets to explore the local food scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Qiandaohu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish Head Stewed with Tofu - a traditional Zhejiang dish is a local specialty.
  • Yugua Soup, which translates as Jade Melon Soup.
  • Qiantang River Fish, a freshwater fish of Qiandao Lake, it’s a specialty dish in Zhejiang cuisine.

Local Beverages

  • Longjing Tea is a famous Chinese tea from Hanzhou city in Zhejiang province, famous for its green tea.
  • Kuaike Liquor A kind of wine, unique in flavor from eastern China.

Where to Stay in Qiandaohu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Qiandaohu offers comprehensive accommodation, with options ranging from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels and hostels. It’s recommended to book beforehand for most of the perfect guesthouses and resorts, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

  • Sheraton Qiandao Lake Resort is one of the most popular resorts in Qiandaohu offers a range of luxurious amenities.
  • Narada Resort & Spa Qionglongshan - this resort is a perfect blend of modern luxury and traditional Chinese style.

Budget Hotels and Hostels

  • Qiandaohu No. 25 Youth Hostel offers basic facilities and a great location for backpackers and music enthusiast.
  • Qiandaohu Blue Bay Youth Hostel is another great option for a budget stay.

What to Buy in Qiandaohu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Qiandaohu is famous for its local products, including fabric products, tea-related products, local handcrafts, and fresh ingredient products. Some popular souvenirs to take home for tourists are:

  • Longjing tea - a famous Chinese tea from Qiandaohu that comes in different flavors and types.
  • Fresh Qiantang River fish - a local freshwater fish in Qiandaohu that is a mark of quality and taste.
  • Zhejiang silk - high-quality silk woven into the a variety of fashion products.

Local Culture and Customs of Qiandaohu

Qiandaohu has a rich cultural history that should be respected by visitors. Some local customs to consider when visiting include:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious and traditional sites.
  • Respect local customs and laws during your stay in Qiandaohu.

Best Time to Visit Qiandaohu

The best time to visit Qiandaohu is during the late spring or early fall season, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Avoid visiting between July to August, which are the months of heavy rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Qiandaohu

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and laws
  • Carry your travel documents and identification card at all times.

Don’t:

  • Litter and throw any garbage into the lake.
  • Disturb marine life or vegetation within the lake or surrounding areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Qiandaohu

Qiandaohu is a generally safe travel destination, but visitors should take precautions against thefts by safeguarding their valuables in safe deposit boxes in their hotel rooms.

Health in Qiandaohu

Visitors should avoid drinking tap water, and only purchase bottled drinking water. Pack sunscreen and insect repellent for outdoor adventures.

Getting to Qiandaohu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Qiandaohu is easily accessible through a range of transportation options, including:

Airports Near Qiandaohu

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport provides the closest major airport to Qiandaohu, with daily flights operating to various cities across China.

Bus Stations Near Qiandaohu

Multiple bus stations provide easy access from cities like Hangzhou, Shanghai, and other nearby towns.

Other Options

Pre-booking a private transfer from Shanghai or Hangzhou is an excellent option for visitors who want to experience a convenient, comfortable mode of transport to Qiandaohu.

How to Get Around in Qiandaohu

Visitors can explore the beauty of Qiandaohu by renting a bike or taking a taxi. Walking around the scenic spots is also a relaxing way to experience the natural beauty of Qiandaohu.

Where to Go Next from Qiandaohu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tonglu is a perfect destination to explore the beauty of the canyons and bamboo forest as it is located close to Qiandaohu.
  • Tianshuiyuan is a charming ancient town that is next on the list of must-visit places that will show you the beauty and charm of Chinese culture.

Conclusion

Qiandaohu is an incredibly alluring and picturesque travel destination that is not only a hub of outdoor adventures such as water sports, hiking, and biking, but also an excellent destination for exploring ancient history, culture, customs, and local cuisine. Plan your trip to Qiandaohu with this comprehensive guide, which includes insight into the best places to visit, local culture and customs, and a range of accommodations and transportation options.