Qiandao Lake Two-Day Tour | Jinglan Fanli: Framing the Xin’an River Scenery in a Painting

To be honest, in the post-pandemic era, my desire for freedom and longing for nature have grown stronger. As soon as the weekend arrives, I make plans with friends to drive out into the countryside, breathe the natural air, and wander through a world of lush green. It’s utterly refreshing. Last weekend, I drove with friends to Qiandao Lake and stayed at the Qiandao Lake Jinglan Fanli Resort Hotel, which left a deep impression on me. This hotel frames the beautiful scenery of Qiandao Lake like a painting, and the hotel itself is nestled within the breathtaking landscape of the Xin'an River.

Location-wise, the hotel is situated by the shores of Qiandao Lake, one of the first national 5A scenic areas. It lies in Jinfeng Township, known as the 'China Photography Town' with its reputation for 'golden peaks that never fail to enchant the photographer’s eye.' The scenery is exceptionally beautiful. The hotel is embraced by mountains and water, with three sides facing the shimmering blue lake. The average annual temperature is 17℃, and now in the height of summer, it's an excellent summer retreat.

Those who have been to Qiandao Lake know that it features rolling mountains and endless forests, with pine breezes whispering through the peaks. Climb to the top and you'll see a thousand peaks vying for beauty, valleys awash in verdant green, high gorges and a calm lake like a mirror with shimmering waves. The beauty is beyond words, making everyone linger. Amazingly, you can experience such beauty right at Qiandao Lake Jinglan Fanli Resort. It's perfect for an all-in-one travel getaway.

From a high vantage point, you can see that the hotel itself is hidden within a green landscape painting. The lakeside highway is right outside, making it very convenient for self-driving travelers. For those not driving, you can take the high-speed train to Qiandao Lake Station and then a taxi to the hotel, which is also very convenient.

I spent two days at Qiandao Lake Jinglan Fanli when it rained. Though a bit disappointing, I must admit I unexpectedly enjoyed the dreamlike, ethereal scenery of Qiandao Lake. The hotel’s abundant entertainment options ensured a rich resort experience, and we never felt bored by the rainy weather.

Outside the Qiandao Lake Jinglan Fanli Resort, the scenery is lovely, but stepping inside will also leave you amazed. Unlike typical resort hotels, this one's design incorporates many local historical and folk culture elements, giving you a sense of enrichment and the feeling that the trip was truly worthwhile.

The architectural style is modern Chinese, with a 'herringbone' shape that symbolizes 'people first.' The interiors are majestic: the entrance is paved with bluestone collected from old houses in Anhui, the corridor is supported by large pillars transported from Malaysian forests, and the rustic walls, seemingly unadorned, reveal exquisite craftsmanship in every line.

In the public areas, there are many photographs and paintings depicting local history and culture, providing a strong visual impact. Many people think of Hangzhou as a highly developed economic area, but here it feels different, with its rich history and culture that are truly impressive.

The most astonishing part is the guest rooms. The 'Heritage – Xiushui Soaking Pool King Room' I stayed in felt like a Qiandao Lake landscape painting had been brought into the room. Whether lying on the bed, standing on the large balcony, sitting on the wooden chair by the window, or soaking in the pool, you can take in the stunning mountain and water scenery without obstruction.

Of course, it's not just the views; the room design itself is also very appealing. It's elegantly understated, simple, and serene, mainly using solid wood, brass, glass, and ceramics. The bedding and bathroom fixtures are up to five-star hotel standards. The shapes are simple and unpretentious yet refined, with every detail meticulously crafted to provide guests with a satisfying resort experience.

Even on a rainy day, sitting in the room with a pot of tea, a book, and an afternoon to while away is a most beautiful pleasure.

Besides being practical and simple, the room's smart features are another highlight. The elegant key card, electric curtains, and scene-mode lighting controls create a sense of shifting time and space, delivering an ultimate and distinctive resort experience.

Although I couldn't swim in the infinity pool due to the rain, just lying by the pool, admiring the mountain and water scenery, and feeling time slow down—even imagining it feels wonderful.

The Jinglan Fanli Resort Hotel is filled with scenery at every turn, and every corner offers surprises and enjoyment. You can swim in the infinity pool, frolic on the lakeside lawn, check out Instagram-worthy photo spots, stroll or fish by the lake, use the gym, game room, cinema, children's playground—there's always a place worth lingering.

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed there's a super high-end cinema here, free for guests. I have to say, watching a blockbuster in a theater is incomparable to watching on a phone.

Honestly, this is the resort hotel with the largest children's playground I've ever seen, making every child who visits reluctant to leave. For families, this place is truly ideal for bringing kids on vacation.

The scenic infinity pool, paired with the Instagram-famous glass boat, means both adults and children can play and take photos all day long—with every snapshot a stunning portrait.

This Insta-worthy spot might remind you of the scenery at distant Erhai Lake. I must say, Jinglan Fanli Resort has really given me so many surprises.

The hotel's restaurant faces the beautiful landscape, so you can savor local Qiandao Lake cuisine while enjoying the view—pure bliss.

A day filled with positive energy begins with the hotel's hearty and nutritious breakfast. I especially recommend having breakfast outdoors, breathing in the fresh morning air—it feels absolutely wonderful.

The local specialties at Jinglan Fanli Hotel, especially the Qiandao Lake organic fish head soup that you might remember for a lifetime—so rich and flavorful.

Such a sumptuous Qiandao Lake meal, paired with ice-cold Qiandao Lake beer—truly perfect.

If you drive to the hotel, don't miss the cloud-shrouded town that feels like a fairyland—Jinfeng Township, known as the 'China Photography Town' with its 'golden peaks that never bore the camera.' The scenery under clouds, in bright sunshine, and at sunrise and sunset will definitely refresh your idea of a paradise, believe me.

At nightfall, the Jinglan Fanli Resort Hotel becomes deeply tranquil, as if time stands still and all worries fade away—an especially enjoyable feeling.