Rewinding Qiandao Lake

Passing through the worldly hustle, I find myself longing for the misty landscapes.

Mountains and waters shrouded in haze, crisscrossing field paths, now and then a solitary walker, low houses gradually fading from view.

◎ Qiandao Lake Central Scenic Area

Open hours: 08:00–13:00

Ticket: 165 RMB (includes central lake scenic area ticket, boat ticket, and a 4-hour lake cycling combo ticket)

If you buy the combo ticket online, it’s only 185 RMB.

To visit the islands, you need to take a boat; morning and afternoon routes differ.

Boats from 8am to 10am go to Meifeng Island, Longshan Island, and Yule Island, a 5-hour round trip.

The 1pm boat only goes to Meifeng Island and Longshan Island, taking 4 hours.

The trees in the mountains, with their reddish-brown mixed with various shades of green, add richness to the rippling blue-green lake.

1,078 islands, some as small as a dab of dark green pigment, others soaring emerald peaks a thousand fathoms high. They rival the enchanting beauty of Guilin’s landscapes and surpass the grandeur of Taihu Lake’s Dongting.

Amidst this lush, misty greenery lies the Chunyang Line, a road about 60 kilometers long, 70% of which skirts the lake. It has become a paradise for cycling enthusiasts seeking both leisure and sport.

Riding through flower seas and lake views, with a gentle breeze—what could be more delightful?

◎ Ji He – Lakeside Repose

Address: Qiandao Lake Xiushui Plaza

Opening hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:30

Average cost: 63 RMB

“With wine and song, how long can life be?”

The tableware and decor hit modern aesthetics.

The handmade tofu has a rich beany flavor.

The sauce feels refreshingly new.

Sweet and sour, appetizing, with tender meat.

The taste of plum neutralizes the greasiness of the pork tenderloin.

A large pot, local Chun’an fathead fish stewed in one pot.

The fish soup is fresh with a hint of sour and spicy.

Add some potato noodles, their QQ texture soaking up the soup’s essence.

Then a glass of Qiandao Lake beer.

◎ Tianji Hot Air Balloon Club

Opening hours: 08:00–10:30, 15:30–17:00

Ticket: 470 RMB for two people for 15 minutes

From the hotel, it’s only a 9-minute drive. If you buy the 15-minute couple ticket online, it’s 448 RMB.

In the movie ‘Up’, the old man who flies his house with balloons struck a chord in all of us who dream of flying.

At the only hot air balloon club in the Yangtze River Delta, you can hold your loved one’s hand, run across the lawn, and soar above Qiandao Lake. Open your eyes and it feels like a dream.

◎ Qiandao Lake Jinling Shanshui Beer Hot Spring Hotel

In this world, there is a house perched by the lake, blending seamlessly with the landscape.

The evening sunset and gentle breeze are so comfortable.

On Mucho Avenue in Chun’an, the hotel nestles beside a tranquil lake, enjoying a European town vibe.

It’s also right next to Qiandao Lake Avenue, the Hangzhou–Qiandao Lake Expressway, and the Qiandao Lake Passenger Transport Center.

Themed around beer hot springs for wellness and leisure, it’s perfect for any relaxing retreat.

The car turns into a piece of toffee; these indescribable romances never seem quite real.

The entire town’s design is exquisite: cream-yellow windows with curved frames, their rounded corners filling the spaces.

The lobby, beer bath rooms, and other decor are rich in beer elements.

Warm yellow glass-bottle room numbers and wooden doors exude an antique charm.

On a lazy afternoon, sunlight quietly slips into the room.

A basic palette of taupe adorns the curtains, sofa, and carpet, with vintage beer labels from around the world on the walls.

The overall Federal-style vibe is a visual delight.

The wooden bed frame draped in sheer gauze is mysterious and secluded.

Unique metal round tables and wall lamps add a minimalist touch.

The transparent shower area enhances spatial flow, showing thoughtful design.

The considerate toiletries are also infused with beer wellness elements.

At the far end, a wooden bathtub sits right beside the bed.

Nothing is more refreshing or romantic than a beer bath.

◎ Beer Museum

Address: west side of Qiandao Lake Brewery

Opening hours: 9:00–16:30

Ticket: 112 RMB for two

This is a rare immersive beer museum.

Bubbles sketch Qiandao Lake under the sunset; on the stairs, every frame forms a complete dynamic image, naturally pulling you into the space.

One whole wall displays beer labels from around the world, and “cheers” in many languages is a visual highlight.

The brewing scene is so realistic, in a relaxed minimalist style.

The pure taste of beer is innovatively blended: blue mint, red cherry, lightly tingling the taste buds.

The merchandise is fun, too—like a faithfully recreated Butterbeer house from Harry Potter, along with mini-games.

Old photos on the wall perfectly mirror the real exhibition halls.

Passing through a corridor, the transparent beer brewing lab creates a futuristic vibe.

◎ Qiandao Lake Station

As I prepared to leave, I realized that the so-called tree hole is actually inside everyone’s heart, but I could never find something to seal it shut.

Qiandao Lake has no airport; you can take a high-speed train directly here, and it’s also great for a road trip.

From the station, there’s a dedicated bus K003 to nearby places, 10 RMB per person.