Four Days, Three Nights | Here’s Your Qiandao Lake Travel Guide – All the Joy Is Here
The National Day holiday I look forward to most each year is just around the corner. Haven't you already been itching to travel? When it comes to my favorite destinations in China, Hangzhou, with its saying 'Heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below,' easily tops the list. Hangzhou is captivating in countless ways, and the beauty of Qiandao Lake is truly unique.
Qiandao Lake holds nearly two decades of memories for me. I still remember choosing this place as my graduation trip after the college entrance exam. Even from textbooks, I knew its fame. As one of the world’s three great 'Thousand Island Lakes', it is our very own 'best water under heaven.' Each island has its own unique charm and breathtaking natural scenery. This visit marked my first time stepping onto the picturesque Longshan Island and Meifeng Island, which offers a panoramic view of the archipelago. The comfort and refreshment they brought me linger in my memory.
Qiandao Lake Scenic Area is divided into the Central Lake Area and the Southeast Lake Area. This time, I visited Longshan Island and Meifeng Island in the central area. We took a speedboat from the dock to Longshan Island. This island is famous for the submerged ancient county of Chun’an, and the renowned Hai Rui Shrine has long drawn countless visitors. The island got its name because from a distance it resembles a dragon playing in the water. Though not very large, its natural beauty is stunning. Along the shore are dense bamboo groves, cool and lush under the gentle lake breeze. At Shixia Academy, you might catch a lecture by local scholars. The highlight is definitely the Hai Rui Shrine, where I highly recommend listening to a guide’s stories about the fascinating life of Hai Rui.
The beauty of Meifeng Island truly amazed me. I never realized that this is one of the best spots to view the lake’s islands. Climb to the viewing platform and gaze out: countless islands dot the mirror-like water like scattered gemstones. A veil of mist occasionally drifts by, lending the scene an almost immortal charm. No wonder a local aunt told me, 'If you haven’t climbed Meifeng Island, you haven’t truly seen Qiandao Lake.' If you don’t feel like walking, you can take a cable car directly up to the platform.
Cost: Entrance ticket + speedboat: 280 RMB per person.
As one of the most meaningful scenic spots in Chun’an County, Wenyuan Lion City is a place that truly witnesses history. It is a meticulous reconstruction of the ancient city that has lain underwater for over a thousand years, and it also serves as China’s first intangible cultural heritage living experience base. Visitors here will learn about the great sacrifice made by the people of Chun’an in 1959 for the largest water conservancy project. Today, that sunken city has been faithfully recreated above water as the beautiful Wenyuan Lion City we see now.
Stepping inside, the first things that catch your eye are the grand memorial archways and the well-proportioned buildings. White walls and black tiles exude the timeless charm of an ancient city. Along the streets are shops of all sizes, many of them featuring intangible cultural heritage projects well worth a pause. In the early morning, with few people around, there’s a natural ease and a quiet beauty unique to old towns.
On the old flagstone streets, you can take a leisurely stroll and soak in the unhurried atmosphere. Looking up, you’ll see the charm of Hui-style upturned eaves. I heard from the local elders that there’s a saying here: 'The lake hides a city; the reservoir holds a thousand years of wealth.' You can sense the dedication and stories carried by this place.
If I come back next time, I would definitely stay in one of the guesthouses here. Many of them are stunningly beautiful and rustic, a style I absolutely love. If you are into Hanfu, why not wear it here for photos? They would turn out absolutely gorgeous.
This place is actually right next to Wenyuan Lion City, very close. Since opening in 2019, it has exhibited many precious old newspapers and is currently the only professional museum in China dedicated to old newspapers as a medium. The museum has four halls, each showcasing a different era. I also found the scenery here unique and the architecture full of character. In the distance, the pagoda stands tall against the blue sky, imposing and dignified. It’s a great spot for artsy souls to check in.
This adventure park is simply way too much fun! Three days wouldn’t be enough for me. As a thrill-seeker, I found it packed with surprises and excitement.
The most thrilling part is the glass-bottomed walkway and the scenic corridor, stretching into the clouds like a giant needle. On a clear day, you can overlook the beauty of all Qiandao Lake. Standing on the glass, you feel as if you’re walking in the sky. It’s perfect for those who love an adrenaline rush. The only disappointment was the strong wind that day, which kept us from venturing to the outermost section.
The cable car here is also a unique sight. It was my first time riding a cable car that lasted over half an hour, and I absolutely loved it. The mountain wind whistles past your ears, and the scenery along the way is gorgeous. The little gondolas come in a variety of colors and look so cute from a distance, like tiny colorful dots circling the mountains.
The park has many other attractions too: the classic rainbow slide, the Fantasy Mirror Palace creating a series of mind-bending visual feasts.
Activities include: cable car – body-print wall – shouting spring – archery – rainbow slide – fantasy mirror palace – glass walkway – glass slide – popular swing – jumping cloud, and more. On the way down, definitely choose the scooter! Weaving through the hills, you can pretend you’re a mountain road rally driver. You control the speed yourself, and a little dose of speed and thrill fills the mountain air. So much fun! Tickets: The park offers various combo packages starting from 260 RMB per person.
This is far from a simple performance. 'The Spirit of Water' tells the history of Chun’an and has reportedly become a golden cultural calling card. Arriving at the theater in the early evening, we found a long queue already forming. The show uses water as its central theme, blending the magnificent scenery of Qiandao Lake with over 1,800 years of Chun’an’s history. It traces the past and present of Chun’an through five acts: 'Ancient Waterways,' 'Heroic Qingxi,' 'A Land of Culture,' 'Mountain and River Feat,' and 'Splendid Waters.' The show’s integration of sound, light, and multimedia is perfectly orchestrated, incorporating song, dance, acrobatics, and more. Some parts of the story are deeply moving, especially when depicting how the people of Chun’an sacrificed their entire city for the water project – it’s truly touching. At the end, the moon goddess floats down from above the theater, a breathtaking sight. This is one of the finest performances I’ve ever seen, absolutely flawless.
Ticket: 180 RMB per person.
My second visit to Xiajiang Village felt like a qualitative leap forward compared to my first. I drove here a few years ago and was captivated by its tranquility and comfort. The village is mostly home to elderly folks and children. It’s small but kept spotlessly clean. Modern development is impressive: full 5G coverage and a strong spirit of common prosperity and mutual support that is worth emulating. Nestled between mountains and water, it has a pastoral beauty of crisscrossing paths. On this return, I learned that the village gained fame from Xu Zheng’s film 'My People, My Homeland.' The classroom on the hill, built as a movie set, has been preserved and now attracts many visitors for photo ops.
I love strolling on the wooden bridges crossing the river at sunset, watching the soft glow of the fading light. It feels as if time can pause here, quietly and peacefully. For someone like me, caught up in the fast pace of life, this offers a different sensation—like returning to the slow, unhurried days of childhood. Everything seems to slow down, and my heart calms along with it.
If I could choose a place for a short stay in the future, this would definitely be it. I’ve found that kind of primitive, pastoral, carefree life I longed for.
7. Leisure & Cycling: Actually, staying by Qiandao Lake itself is quite pleasant. My first impression of this small city was how exceptionally clean it is. In the evening, people sing and dance leisurely around the lake, painting a picture of peaceful prosperity. With its outstanding mountains and water, plus fantastic climate, you really can’t go wrong. I’d recommend renting a bike and riding around the lake to soak in that relaxed, cozy lifestyle. Couples can choose a tandem bike for an extra touch of romance. Cost: about 10 RMB per person.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Beijing – Qiandao Lake
Day 2: Xiajiang Village – 'The Spirit of Water' show
Day 3: Wenyuan Lion City – Huma Adventure Park
Day 4: Qiandao Lake Longshan Island – Meifeng Island – return to Beijing
Food Recommendations: Qiandao Lake has many famous dishes. The braised fish is so tender, and the big fish head is incredibly fresh. Various bamboo shoots are refreshingly crisp. The stir-fried small river shrimp is super delicious, and the garlic spare ribs go perfectly with rice.
Accommodation: You have plenty of options, from star-rated hotels to guesthouses. Choose a hotel if you want full service, and if you’re after character, many guesthouses are excellent.
Travel Tips:
1. Travel around Qiandao Lake is quite convenient; just remember to bring a power bank.
2. The early autumn sun can still be strong, so a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
3. Bring a thermos to stay hydrated in the heat.
4. Mosquito repellent is a must – the mosquitoes this season are relentless.
5. For photos, I especially recommend Hanfu or qipao – they fit these settings perfectly and you’ll get stunning shots instantly.
