Stepping into the Poetic Qiandao Lake, Like Roaming in a Painting, Touched by Breathtaking Beauty
Four years later, I return to Qiandao Lake again, taking a boat to Meifeng Mountain and Huangshanjian to overlook the lake. Qiandao Lake is a natural ink wash scroll, its scenery changing with the seasons. The mountains are ink strokes, thick and thin, fading stroke by stroke into the distance. The water is shades of blue, light and deep, layer upon layer intensifying. People on the lake feel as if they are swimming in a painting; people on the islands carry the scenery in their hearts. It can be said: clear waves and green swells of Qiandao Lake, entering or exiting the painting, it's all scenery. The sky is brilliantly blue, as clear as a transparent mirror, a blue that soothes the heart and delights the spirit. Under the sunlight, the lake sparkles, incredibly beautiful.
Sailing into the vast, boundless Qiandao Lake, you immediately feel relaxed and happy, with only one word left in your heart: beauty. This beauty is the beauty of nature. Standing on the Huangshanjian observation deck, the endless blue lake and the surrounding mountains unfold before your eyes.
Take the cable car to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Qiandao Lake. As the cable car slowly ascends, the azure blue water gradually appears before your eyes, refreshing the heart and suddenly opening up the view.
Huangshanjian: The best spot for a panoramic view of Qiandao Lake, unobstructed.
Huangshanjian is located in the Pearl Islands of the southeast lake area of Qiandao Lake, eight kilometers from Qiandao Lake Town, adjacent to Xianshan. Its main peak is 266 meters above sea level, the highest among the Pearl Islands. First take a boat to Huangshanjian Pier, then take the cable car up to the observation deck. The advantage of the cable car is that you can watch the scenery through the window as it slowly climbs, taking in the full panorama of Qiandao Lake. If you walk up the mountain, it takes longer, especially on hot days when climbing can make you sweat. It's recommended to take the cable car for convenience. In summer, the cable car even has air conditioning, a truly cool feeling. As the cable car ascends slowly, you see the entire Qiandao Lake scenery through its transparent glass, truly a breathtaking sight.
The young ladies and little sisters couldn't wait to ride the cable car. In no time, the cable car, like a helicopter, carried us halfway up the mountain. Looking out from the cable car, patches of dense forest, some like exquisite murals, swept past us; others like lush green carpets passed beneath our feet. Further out, the beautiful Qiandao Lake appeared before our eyes as the cable car slowly rose.
All the way, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery to our hearts' content. The dense forest was like a big green umbrella, appearing even more verdant against the light white mist. The little sister loved taking photos, wanting to capture the unforgettable cable car experience at Qiandao Lake.
Reaching the summit of Huangshanjian, standing on the observation deck and looking northwest, over ninety islands come into view, clearly forming the Chinese character '公' (public), like strings of pearls scattered on the lake. The islands in myriad shapes and the intricate, winding bays create beautiful landscapes. Even more amazing, besides this '公' character, the islands vaguely form the phrase 'the world is for the public' (天下为公), especially the '公' character, vivid and imposing, a unique wonder under heaven. Huangshanjian does not disappoint; climbing high and looking out at the islands gives a sudden sense of clarity and expansiveness.
The observation deck has three levels, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of Qiandao Lake from different heights and angles. Almost all the images you see in Qiandao Lake promotional videos are taken here. Huangshanjian scenic spot is a must-visit place in Qiandao Lake.
Ascending to the highest observation deck of Huangshanjian and looking out, mountains stretch endlessly, forests layer upon green, mountain winds gently bring the roar of pines. From the summit, a distant view shows a thousand peaks vying in beauty, myriad valleys dripping with verdant hues. The high gorge and flat lake, green water like a mirror, glistening with ripples, fish leaping on the lake, eagles soaring in the sky, the firmament as clear as jade, clouds drifting illusory. The gentle breeze sweeps away worldly thoughts, thin clouds softly brush body and soul. A lake of blue water reflects the smile of the blue sky, the spiritual charm of nine continents gathers in a thousand shades. Scooping water, the moon in hand; dyed with flower fragrance, the clothes full of scent. Here I felt a heart-stirring, breathtaking beauty.
On the first level of the observation deck, there are many seats for visitors to rest. Sitting here with a cup of coffee, feeling the wind from Qiandao Lake, overlooking the entire lake scenery, everything is so beautiful, letting me feel nature's comfort. Qiandao Lake is like a graceful and charming Jiangnan maiden, with a slender figure, youthful and beautiful, natural and sincere. A lake of green water is her dark eyebrow paint; her clear eyes reveal friendly purity, gentle and quiet, with a faint sweet smile in her plain-faced, simple shyness. Once you visit Qiandao Lake, you will fall in love with her, a love that lasts a lifetime.
Without climbing Meifeng to view the islands, you won't see the true face of Qiandao Lake.
When you come to Qiandao Lake, people often say, 'Without climbing Meifeng to view the islands, you won't see the true face of Qiandao Lake.' Our second stop was the Meifeng observation deck at Qiandao Lake. Stepping out onto the deck, you face an endless lake surface with islands of varying shapes scattered upon it. On these islands are rolling hills, some soaring into the clouds, some as low as earthen mounds, every peak covered in lush foliage. In the jade-green lake water, there are white ripples; as tour boats pass, they leave a white line. The water is greenish-blue, and under sunlight, it sparkles with dots of light, as if shiny fish scales were scattered, colorful and dazzling. Such lake water sets off the peaks, creating an incomparably beautiful scene.
Compared to Huangshanjian, the Meifeng observation deck has only two levels, but the views from each are different. Qiandao Lake, a beautiful name, an elegant and quiet name, a name full of poetry and artistry. When I first saw this name, Qiandao Lake, I knew it symbolized the beauty of mountains and waters, and I fell in love with this beautiful place. Counting on my fingers, this is my second visit to Qiandao Lake. A scenic spot that can make me travel thousands of miles through wind and dust must have its charm, which is simply two words: beauty.
The little sister felt like she was seeing a surprise at every observation deck. Qiandao Lake, no matter where you are or how far away, whenever you think of her, your heart will conjure images of layered peaks, lush green ridges, graceful and elegant; clear blue water, vast misty waves, where water and sky merge in beauty. Standing on the deck and looking out, the lake surface sometimes glistens crystal clear, sometimes reflects the green hills like a flat mirror. I couldn't help but ponder the great transformation from 'Thousand Peaks County' to 'Thousand Islands Lake'. Endless sparkling ripples, endless misty mountain scenery, the never-tiring sound of water, inexhaustible flavors of life.
To reach the Meifeng mountaintop observation deck, you need to take a boat first. Standing on the deck, I saw Qiandao Lake's vast blue waves, islands clustered in dispute, green water winding like a belt, the islands unique in shape, their trees lush and verdant. I couldn't help but marvel at the enchanting scenery of Qiandao Lake. Its water is blue, a serene blue like the sea and sky, flowing quietly between the islands, like a gentle, lovely Jiangnan beauty.
One of the great pleasures of sightseeing at Qiandao Lake is taking the cable car to enjoy the views. If you want to reach the mountaintop, the cable car is a must-try experience, otherwise while others are admiring the view from the summit, you'll still be climbing the mountain. Just take the cable car and you're at the top instantly, saving time and effort. As the cable car slowly rises, distant mountains layer in green, mountain mists ethereal. An endless lake surface with islands of various shapes, and rolling hills on them. Under the sunlight, the lake seems scattered with shiny fish scales, sparkling and colorful. Such lake water sets off the peaks, incredibly beautiful.
Enjoying the beautiful sunset by Qiandao Lake in the evening, cycling to view the lake brings much joy.
Coming to Qiandao Lake isn't just about lake scenery; there are many activities to enjoy. Cycling along the lakeside is a very popular activity. Whether it's a family of three, a trip with your bestie, or with friends, riding a tandem bicycle slowly along Qiandao Lake, while admiring the beautiful sunset afterglow and taking photos by the lake, just thinking about it is so relaxing.
The trees by the lake are lush and verdant, their leaves just putting on new attire, branches swaying in the wind like graceful young girls dancing with tossing hair. The calm, clear lake surface is like a large mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. The setting sun shines on the lake, emitting a golden sparkle; a gentle breeze stirs ripples that shimmer. Occasionally, tour boats pass by, stirring up cheerful waves.
Qiandao Lake is a man-made reservoir, famous for its thousand islands in the lake. One can imagine that before the impoundment, these small islands were towering mountains, their peaks rarely visited by people. Now these great mountains have become islands in the lake. The clear water is transparent to the bottom; in the distance, the lake surface sparkles, and under the caress of the breeze, it ripples with layer upon layer of fine waves. Now and then, birds fly over the lake, fish leap out of its embrace, and it calls out gently.
The water of Qiandao Lake is truly bright, like a flawless jadeite, shimmering with beautiful luster. Under the sunlight, the lake surface becomes sparkly. This place is really perfect for a slow bicycle ride in the evening, with fresh air and an endless expanse of lake water, simply breathtaking.
I saw many families of three visiting Qiandao Lake, riding tandem bicycles along the lakeside. With brilliant sunshine, fresh air, and lush green plants, as the weather gets warmer, more and more tourists come to Qiandao Lake to witness the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. The scenery is always wonderful. Stop the bike, sit on a bench by the lake, look out over the water from afar, quietly, quietly listening to the sound of waterweeds growing wildly in the lake.
The young ladies happily cycled along the lakeside, enjoying the sunset slowly descending. We followed the greenway by the lake to a beautiful bridge called Xiushui Bridge. This area is considered the most central part of Qiandao Lake, with various residential buildings, food streets. The residents living here are happy; every day they can take a walk by the lake or exercise, with nature's beauty unfolding before their eyes.
Qiandao Lake Fish Street: A food paradise featuring fish, not to be missed.
Qiandao Lake Fish Street is located on Nanjing Road in Qiandao Lake, a well-known pedestrian dining street in the area. It's easy to find, right by the lakeside. At the entrance of Fish Street, there are small bridges, flowing water, waterwheels, and various flowers, beautifully decorated. Under the little bridge, colorful koi fish swim leisurely. What's most special is that in front of each shop, there's a tiny water channel where the shopkeepers raise various fish. If you dine here, you can pick any fish you like and have it cooked fresh, guaranteeing freshness. One side is close to Qiandao Lake, where you can see fishing boats on the lake and the sunset. Besides dining, there are many local specialty products, so you can eat your fill of fish and fish products. This place is definitely a great choice.
As the evening sun set, we came to Fish Street for dinner. The afterglow of the sunset shone on the little sister's face, the gentle rays of the setting sun sparkling. Gradually, more tourists came to dine. In front of a Transformers statue, several tables were full of guests eating. This place is not just for dining; it's also a nice evening leisure spot where you can take some aesthetically pleasing photos. The open-air tables by the lake are perfect for photos, and there are many hotels nearby, very convenient. If you visit Qiandao Lake, I recommend staying nearby, with easy access to dining and close to the Qiandao Lake central lake area.
In front of the food shops, red lanterns hang, looking festive, and all kinds of green plants are lush. In the evening, more and more people gather. Here, you find various ways of cooking fish, all different preparations. When coming to Qiandao Lake for food, the must-order dish is probably the Qiandao Lake fish head. During our two days here, we had fish head at every meal. This is a dish of organic fish head soup that best represents Qiandao Lake. After eating at several restaurants, you'll find that each one's fish head soup tastes different, though they look similar. The flavors vary.
On both sides of Nanjing Road, there are various restaurants and Qiandao Lake specialty shops. On the other side, a cluster of hotels gathers, meaning there are many choices for accommodation. The key is that dining is convenient nearby and there are plenty of parking lots, making it a great place for self-driving trips. In the evening, as the streetlights come on and neon lights illuminate Fish Street, the restaurants bustle with activity, tourists come and go, and everything becomes lively as usual.
Qiandao Lake's Cuisine Not to Be Missed.
We often say that on a trip, one should not miss the cuisine and the scenery. When visiting Qiandao Lake, of course, the food is the most unmissable. The dish that comes to mind most when thinking of Qiandao Lake is the fish head soup. Perhaps this is a must-eat dish for every tourist. Qiandao Lake organic fish has long been popular nationwide; it was the first freshwater fish certified organic by the state, purely natural and wild-bred, harvested only after five years. Fish head restaurants line the streets and alleys of Qiandao Lake. Eating authentic fish head has become almost a food culture here. Our first meal on this self-driving trip to Qiandao Lake was at noon; we ate at the Qiandao Lake food stall street. I remember eating here four years ago on my first visit. The row of food stalls is all close to Qiandao Lake, allowing you to dine while enjoying the lake scenery, truly delightful.
The fame of Qiandao Lake fish head soup is related to the high quality of the lake water, which is drinkable without treatment. Growing in water that's a bit sweet, the fish lack any muddy taste. The fish heads are large and dark, glossy, with extremely high nutritional value. When you taste Qiandao Lake fish head, it's fresh, tender, and richly flavored, mouth-watering. There are various cooking methods: it can be light or strong, stewed, steamed, or fried. There is also a kind of corn cake, divided into 'solid cake' and 'vegetable cake,' a traditional Chun'an delicacy and a famous local snack.
The river shrimps are small but fresh and delicious, with a smooth texture. There's also a local specialty snack called 'fa gao' (steamed sponge cake), which is the most down-to-earth homely fare. For locals, eating it evokes a sentiment, a childhood memory. Cured pork stewed with bamboo shoots, the savory cured meat paired with the delicious bamboo shoots, is truly superb.
If food can represent the flavor of a place, then the taste of Qiandao Lake's cuisine is fresh and delicious. When the flavor reaches its peak, it's the taste of home. If I could, I'd pack up all the mountain treasures, lake delicacies, wild vegetables, and local poultry from Qiandao Lake and take them with me.
Four years later, I come to Qiandao Lake again. A place that can make me return after four years is simply because the lake water is too beautiful. Qiandao Lake, a gentle and elegant lake, a lake that haunts one's dreams, a lake to be truly loved. When boating on its vast, misty, sparkling waters, you feel like you're in a paradise. I was intoxicated by the simple, holy, unadorned lake water. I wanted to sing out loud but feared disturbing the harmonious atmosphere. So I quietly perceived the beauty of Qiandao Lake. Once you've been to Qiandao Lake, you will fall in love with it.
