Qiandao Elegance: A Lake of Poetry and Painting — 20 Ways I Unlock Winter’s New Charms in Qiandao Lake

Love at first sight happens at Qiandao Lake. Winter travel, step into my beloved Qiandao Lake. They say Qiandao Lake has a thousand shades of blue, Qiandao elegance, a lake of poetry and painting. I use 20 different ways to unlock the beauty of Qiandao Lake.

Cycling is one of the ways to get to know Qiandao Lake. This flexible and free way of traveling allows us to connect with nature more deeply. Rent a bicycle and ride along the lakeside greenway, forging ahead. In the most relaxed way, I unlock Qiandao Lake’s scenery, cuisine, and charming accommodations.

Qiandao Lake is located in Chun’an County, Zhejiang. Its 1,078 islands scatter like stars, composing a gentle and elegant Jiangnan scroll. Every frame of Qiandao Lake’s scenery fills me with passion.

Departing from Hangzhou, you can take a bus or train to Qiandao Lake, about a 3-hour journey. If you love road trips, rent a car and enjoy the scenery along the way. Upon arrival, we can board a cruise to admire the lake and mountains, or rent a bicycle for a leisurely ride along the lakeside scenery.

By Qiandao Lake, there are many comfortable resorts and hotels to meet the needs of different travelers. If you enjoy a luxurious leisure experience, stay in a five-star resort. If budget-friendly, there are also plenty of affordable hotels and guesthouses. The diverse accommodation options let everyone holiday in their own way at Qiandao Lake.

For those who love sports, encountering the wilderness on wheels—I always believe that as long as you’re on the road, everything you encounter is scenery.

Cycling is one way to understand Qiandao Lake. Bathed in the warm early winter sun, I experienced true slow living while cycling around Qiandao Lake. Only by pedaling hard up every slope can you borrow the wind to soar, feel the power of nature, and reap the joy of cycling and peace of mind.

When I embarked on my cycling journey, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the magnificent scenery of Qiandao Lake surrounded by mountains and water. The azure lake shimmered, and a gentle breeze brought a touch of coolness. I felt as if in a fairyland, at ease, forgetting all worldly worries.

Qiandao Lake is truly perfect for cycling. This flexible and free way lets us connect deeply with nature. I meandered along the winding lakeshore, immersed in the fresh and pleasant natural surroundings. In close contact with nature, I felt the pulse of the earth and the vitality of life.

Practical tips for renting bikes at Qiandao Lake:

Public bicycle rental: Qiandao Lake’s public bicycles (with docking stations) have many stations and are very convenient.

Fees: First hour free, after that 1 yuan/hour, capped at 5 yuan per day.

Commercial bike rental: Many spots: at the entrance of Greentown Apartments, Central Lake District Tourist Pier, Da Pai Dang, Xiushui Square, Qiandao Lake Square, Southeast Lake District Pier.

I stayed at the Greentown Resort Hotel this time, and renting a bike was very convenient.

Prices: Mountain bike 30 yuan/hour, two-person covered bike 50 yuan.

Life may be dull, but once you start cycling, there is wind. On my cycling trip around Qiandao Lake, I found my happiness and inner balance. I fell deeply in love with this beautiful land.

A perfect journey is often relaxed and well-paced, just right. We need not follow others’ routes or rush to the finish line. Winter cycling to chase the freedom of the wind, embark on a Qiandao Lake cycling trip, and savor the beauty of slow life.

When the sunset falls into Qiandao Lake, suddenly evening arrives, and the mountains and rivers feel autumnal. And I think the most romantic thing at Qiandao Lake is to enjoy a magnificent, breathtaking sunset at the Tianyu Viewing Platform. If you’re planning to visit Qiandao Lake, don’t miss this superb viewpoint!

Qiandao Lake is located west of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, and is the largest freshwater lake in southeastern China. The Tianyu Viewing Platform, situated on the eastern side of the lake, is hailed as the “Eagle’s Nest” high in the mountains and is the perfect spot to watch sunrise and sunset. The romantic, dreamy scenery here offers a different sky picture every day.

The Tianyu Viewing Platform allows you to gaze out over Qiandao Lake from three sides, see the full span of Qiandao Lake Bridge, and overlook Meifeng Island—the best sunset viewpoint.

When I arrived at Tianyu Viewing Platform, it was dusk. Leaning on the railing and looking into the distance, Qiandao Lake under clear blue skies and white clouds, with rolling mountains far away, was simply mesmerizing.

At sunset, the lake becomes a mirror reflecting the brilliant colors of the sky. Golden sunlight intertwines with the lake water, sparkling, intoxicating. Recording this beautiful moment, hoping it stays in my memory forever.

There was an endless stream of people at Tianyu Viewing Platform. Couples holding hands, quietly enjoying the sunset; solitary travelers sitting in a corner, silently feeling nature’s power; families laughing and chatting, savoring the warmth of kinship. This place is not only for admiring scenery but also a gathering place for opening hearts and feeling happiness.

Gradually, the twilight sky dimmed and night began to fall. Distant lights lit up, and the Tianyu peak rock performance started—a free open-air show. Sitting down casually to enjoy it was pleasant and comfortable. Tianyu Viewing Platform transformed completely into a romantic nightscape destination.

There are N ways to explore Qiandao Lake, and I think taking a helicopter to overlook it is definitely a different feeling. Qiandao Lake Yunzhou Flight Base fulfills our dream of a high-altitude bird’s-eye view.

Friends, you’ve surely heard of Qiandao Lake’s beautiful scenery, but have you ever thought that one day you could board a helicopter and overlook this beautiful lake? Now I’m going to share some super cool and exciting news! Qiandao Lake Yunzhou Flight Base has introduced a brand-new way to play—just 198 yuan, and you can ride a helicopter and have fun in the sky!

I experienced it at the Jinxi base, surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, charming scenery. There are professional flight instructors and advanced facilities to ensure our safety and comfort during the flight.

At Yunzhou Flight Base, board the cool helicopter and indulge in the thrilling flight experience. As the helicopter lifts off, feeling your body soaring through the air, your mood lifts along with it. Looking out the window at the magnificent Qiandao Lake, we’ll be stunned by the deep blue water and the elegant scenery deep among the islands—incredibly exciting!

While flying in the sky, you can feel a sense of lightness. It’s a unique experience that lets us release our frustrations and stress during the flight. This feeling of freedom and joy can only be savored by truly experiencing it.

Location: Qiandao Lake Yunzhou Flight Base

Price: 198 yuan per person

Duration: About 4 minutes

4. Longchuan Bay: Falling into Gentle Scenery

If you come to Qiandao Lake, why not first visit Longchuan Bay, rich with autumn colors! With vast lake waters and surrounded by mountains, the entire scenery is dyed golden by autumn leaves, like a beautiful painting.

First, go to the Zhiqing Museum to search for passionate years, then admire the wetland scenery. The quiet environment, picturesque scenery, as if stepping into a dreamy fairyland. Here, you can relax, enjoy nature’s gifts, and feel autumn’s beauty and tranquility. Don’t forget to take out your camera, record these beautiful moments, and leave yourself wonderful memories.

Beautiful Qiandao Lake, the loveliest Longchuan Bay. If you come to Hangzhou’s Qiandao Lake, don’t miss Longchuan Bay, one of the more representative scenic spots. Qiandao Lake Longchuan Bay is in Qiandao Lake in Chun’an County, west of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 129 km east of Hangzhou and 140 km west of Huangshan, the backyard garden of the Yangtze River Delta. Longchuan Bay is the only lake-type wetland in Qiandao Lake.

The joy of traveling in Longchuan Bay comes from the broad view and the different scenery along the way. No matter where you look out, the unique landforms always brighten the eyes of city dwellers like us. The forests dyed in layers of autumn colors, and the ever-present mist lingering among the mountains, made me reach for my camera every time I looked into the distance.

Longchuan Bay’s natural environment is exceptionally beautiful. Islands large and small dot the area in a staggered fashion, with twisting inlets, forming the breathtaking “islands in the lake, lakes in the islands” Longchuan landscape.

Qiandao Lake Beer Museum is a delightful surprise—a sacred place for beer culture. Here, you can learn about the origin of beer, the brewing process, and beer cultures from different countries. The museum displays various unique beer bottles, brewing equipment, and historical artifacts, as if traveling into the world of beer.

If you enjoy thrilling driving experiences, try the burning speed karts inside Qiandao Lake Beer Town. Put on a helmet, grip the steering wheel, and feel the excitement of wind rushing past your ears. Here, you can unleash your driving passion, compete with friends, and experience the collision of speed and excitement.

At sunset, you can have a romantic and dreamy kayaking experience, floating on the surface of Qiandao Lake, feeling the cool evening breeze, the orange-red sunset making the light and shadows on the lake magical. On a kayak, we can admire the stunning sunset scenery, completely enchanting.

Qiandao Lake Beer Town is not just a tourist spot but a place you’ll never want to leave. It’s full of fun, thrills, and romance. Whether tasting delicious beer, experiencing exhilarating kart racing, photographing beautiful scenery, or enjoying the charm of sunset, Qiandao Lake Beer Town will give our journey unforgettable experiences.

When I arrived at Hongye Bay, the lake water was emerald green like jade, islands crisscrossed, unfolding like a beautiful painting before my eyes. In autumn, red maples dot the islands in the bay like flames, colorfully decorating the entire bay area as if nature’s palette had been overturned. This gorgeous scenery made me unable to resist kayaking through the waters of the bay, immersed in nature’s bountiful feast.

Besides kayaking, you can also ride a speedboat to admire the views of Hongye Bay. Sitting on the boat, the breeze carries the fragrance of the lake, giving me a sense of peace and comfort. The islands in the bay seem like brushstrokes on the canvas of the lake, forming a unique landscape. These beautiful sceneries intoxicated me, as if in a fairy tale world.

Ideal Garden represents a hidden gem in Qiandao Lake, a perfect blend of art and nature. Upon entering Ideal Garden, the first thing you see is the sculpture park. Various unique sculptural artworks seem to infuse the garden with soul, making you stop and admire.

Moshang Flower Field is another captivating spot in Ideal Garden. Riotously colorful flowers bloom in the field, a flower sea like a dream mirage, as if entering a wonderland. Here, I felt nature’s beauty and tranquility, my soul relaxed and healed.

Ideal Garden also has Dreamy Meadow, a children’s playground, 51camp Starry Sky Campsite, hot spring experiences, and viewing platforms, offering visitors a variety of leisure and entertainment. Whether joyful family time or quiet moments alone, it’s hard to leave.

Qiandao Lake Time Tunnel feels like a gateway to a dream world. Stepping into the Time Tunnel, you feel a unique energy, as if time stands still here. Passing through the tunnel, you encounter Qiandao Lake’s past and present. This is an excellent photo spot, adding a dreamy color to your pictures!

Underwater Ancient City: Recreating Qiandao Lake’s past, a 360° fully immersive space to fully experience the beauty of Qiandao Lake.

Flying Over Qiandao Lake: Through fantastic sound and light, feel the shocking scene of the flood submerging the ancient city.

Four Seasons Wonders: Scenes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter unfold one by one.

Time Tunnel Practical Tips:

Ticket: 98 yuan (online booking ¥90)

Hours: 09:00–17:30

Address: 387 and 389 Menggu Road, Qiandao Lake Town, Chun’an County, Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Next, let’s continue forward to Dream Valley. This is a magical place. Stepping into Dream Island Park, you immediately feel the fresh ocean air and nature’s wonderfulness. There are various paths and treehouses where you can stroll and explore unknown adventures.

Tips and Notes:

- Cycling to Dream Island Park is recommended; many places around Qiandao Lake rent bikes, very convenient.

- Prepare comfortable shoes and light clothing for a more comfortable exploration.

- Don’t forget to bring a camera and selfie stick to capture the beautiful moments of this dream journey!

Huangshan Jian is a classic scenic spot in Qiandao Lake. Almost all Qiandao Lake promotional videos are filmed in this lake area. At the viewpoint, you can see over 90 islands forming the characters “Tian Xia Wei Gong” (The World for the Public), truly spectacular.

The viewing platform at Huangshan Jian is like a “drone’s perspective,” taking in the iconic “Tian Xia Wei Gong” view of Qiandao Lake. Visiting Huangshan Jian takes about 1.5–2 hours.

There are multiple routes up Huangshan Jian; you can take the cable car or hike.

The cable car is very convenient, saving time and energy, about 5 minutes.

Hiking, though a bit strenuous, lets you better experience nature’s beauty and takes about 40 minutes. Also, prepare suitable hiking gear, wear comfortable shoes, and bring enough water and snacks just in case.

Must-not-miss photo spots at Huangshan Jian:

There are three levels of viewing platforms.

Upper level: Tea lounge, the best spot to see the character “Gong”.

Middle level: Large curved terrace, open, great for photos. It’s recommended the person being photographed stands on this level while the photographer on the upper level shoots from above.

Lower level: Glass platform.

If you like exciting and cool activities, come to Huma Adventure Park! There are all kinds of thrilling and fun projects waiting for you to challenge, making our Qiandao Lake trip full of excitement and fun.

Take the cable car to soar over Qiandao Lake, overlooking the lake and mountain scenery as if in a wonderland. When strolling in the sky, you can feel your body in close contact with nature, as if you’re a freely soaring bird. If you enjoy speed and passion, try the super scooter, the thrilling sensation unforgettable. Finally, don’t forget to enter the Fantasy Mirror Palace to open your own fairy tale world and enjoy a magical journey.

Qiandao Lake, this beautiful lake in Zhejiang, is a watery paradise and also China’s largest man-made lake. Amid this natural beauty, there is an enchanting show, “Water Spirit.” The whole performance is divided into five chapters: Ancient River and Path, Qīngxī Majesty, Famous City of Literature, Mountain and River Feat, and Water Radiates the World, with “water” as the thread running through the plot.

“Water Spirit” mainly tells the story of Qiandao Lake’s changes from ancient times to the present. We are transported into the ancient rivers and paths, feeling the weight of history; in the majesty of Qingxi, experience the power of nature’s beauty; in the famous city of literature, hear Qiandao Lake’s stories; in the mountain and river feat, sense the greatness of human wisdom; and finally, “Water Spirit” presents a splendid water show, delivering a stunning visual feast.

“Moonlight Love” has the theme “admiring the moon, chasing the moon, pursuing dreams, fulfilling dreams,” with 27 light and shadow art spots. On this romantic evening, Moonlight Love takes us shuttling through light and shadow, enjoying a unique romantic experience. Walk across the bridge with water reflections, feel the softness of the lake; jump in the light and shadow as if in a dream; hold hands with your loved one and engage in a romantic date under the moonlight.

1. It’s recommended to book the show and boat tickets in advance to avoid missing this visual feast or waiting too long.

2. Bring a camera or phone to record this romantic encounter with Qiandao Lake and take some beautiful light and shadow photos.

3. The evening will be cooler, so remember to bring a light jacket just in case.

Qiandao Lake Wenyuan Lion City is a revived ancient city, attracting visitors with its long history and unique culture. Whether you’re a culture lover or a traveler, it can meet your dining, lodging, and travel needs. Now let me guide you through this revived ancient city!

Ancient City Story: To construct the Qiandao Lake and Xin’an River hydropower stations, the original Chun’an County seat Chuncheng (also known as Hecheng) and the city of Shicheng, along with five other towns, 49 townships, and over a thousand natural villages, were submerged forever in 1959. To commemorate this ancient architectural complex, the Qiandao Lake Wenyuan Lion City scenic area was created. Based on underwater archaeological findings of Qiandao Lake, it was built at a 1:1 ratio, replicating the essence of the underwater ancient city into a comprehensive scenic area.

Wenyuan Lion City is very suitable for taking ancient-costume photos. Strolling through it, you can admire replica ancient buildings, seven memorial archways as cultural relics, and also experience a 7D cinema underwater ancient city VR experience.

Guyu Huajiantang is located right inside the ancient city, with convenient transportation and secluded tranquility. A standalone Chinese-style courtyard with great privacy.

The guesthouse has eight courtyards in total, each with its own character: blue bricks, white walls, horse-head walls—a typical Huizhou style, quiet and beautiful.

In Qiandao Lake, I found the Peach Blossom Spring in my heart. The cottage with mountains behind and water in front is like an independent hidden paradise, far from the city’s bustle. Simple and elegant white walls, a romantic Japanese-style lawn, blue skies, white clouds, and starry night skies form the backdrop. Here, I can fully enjoy the quiet and comfortable slow life of Qiandao Lake.

Yunshui Songjian—just hearing the name fills me with delight. The guesthouse’s decoration uses warm wood tones, the cozy style I love. The surrounding scenery is as quiet as a forest hideaway. The infinity pool echoes the deep blue of the lake; the pool water connects with Qiandao Lake, merging into one. The lake and mountains interplay, forming a natural picture.

Built by the lake, a two-story building with ten guest rooms, each different in layout. Minimalist and beautiful decoration, highly artistic, superb views, perfect for doing nothing.

What also wins my heart is the guesthouse’s oversized outdoor lawn and two swimming pools. It’s perfect for camping and team-building. The furniture and small decorations are very tasteful; you can tell the owner has an advanced aesthetic. Photos come out beautifully.

The facilities are complete and heartwarming: underfloor heating throughout, Dunlopillo mattresses, bathtubs with a view. Every detail is perfectly executed. If there’s free time to retreat here for three to five days, stealing a half-day of leisure would be one of life’s pleasures.

Winter at Qiandao Lake is serene and beautiful, dwelling in the wild, one room, a pot of tea, a half-day of leisure—slow moments at Qiandao Lake.

On this Qiandao Lake trip, I discovered a hidden gem guesthouse: Yuandao Mijing Hotel. If your idea of a holiday is the blend of comfort and nature, then this is your first choice for a Qiandao Lake vacation.

A good guesthouse does not depend on the luxury of its exterior and interior, but on the charisma of its host. Yuandao Mijing Hotel interprets a new holiday fashion trend for us. Its design concept perfectly embodies the combination of comfort, nature, and tranquility. Staying here, you’ll sigh: “So a holiday can be this pure and beautiful!”

At the hotel, you can join meditation and scripture copying, wellness SPA, singing bowl healing, color energy yoga, meditation retreats, and various experiential activities. These activities let us listen to our inner voice in a quiet environment, achieving body-mind-spirit balance.

Yuandao Mijing Hotel encourages a leisurely and comfortable lifestyle. There are no crowds and noisy cities here, only tranquility and peace. You can sit quietly on the balcony, admiring the lake and mountain views, or stroll through the hotel’s natural surroundings, enjoying pure and serene existence.

A trip to Qiandao Lake is also a culinary journey. My favorite is the Qiandao Lake fish head. When the aroma rises with the steaming heat, that milky white fish head soup is truly tantalizing. The tender and smooth entry of the fish head captures the essence of light freshness in southern cuisine.

Chunyu Gushi, a private kitchen that we couldn’t stop thinking about. Their signature soft-shell turtle is a must-try. The fresh, tender turtle meat combined with a rich broth tastes delicious and leaves a lasting impression. Every bite is filled with the aroma of turtle and the richness of the soup, irresistible.

Apart from soft-shell turtle, Chunyu Gushi’s flower pork hotpot is another must-order dish. Premium flower pork, paired with fresh vegetables and special seasonings, cooked in the hotpot, releases an irresistible fragrance that makes your mouth water. The hotpot’s deliciousness brings warmth and satisfaction.

Chunyu Gushi also takes pride in their Qiandao Lake Chun-brand organic fish. This fish is not only tasty but also very healthy, without hormones or additives. Tasting this dish, you’ll experience the fineness and tenderness of the fish while also enjoying the pleasure of healthy cuisine.

Yuxiangzi—Taste the Full Qiandao Lake. As Chun’an’s first intangible cultural heritage exhibition base, Yuxiangzi is definitely a must-visit place for food. It’s famous for its super fresh fish head, becoming the top choice for many foodies.

Yuxiangzi is located in Chun’an, known as the first intangible cultural heritage promotional exhibition base. The moment we stepped in, we seemed to enter Qiandao Lake’s culinary world. The restaurant is decorated with Qiandao Lake landscapes and handicrafts, giving us an immersive sense of beauty.

Without the smell of cooking smoke, life would be a lonely journey. I’ve always loved Qiandao Lake. No matter the season, it always surprises me. In addition to the graceful and elegant natural scenery, Qiandao Lake’s cuisine is also what draws me back time and again.

Listening to favorite songs, feeling the wind of Qiandao Lake, watching the sunset fall into the vast star fields. This winter, in the manner of ‘Three Thousand Miles of Chang’an,’ I unlocked the beauty of Qiandao Lake.

Passing through one island, then a lake; passing through island after island, there lies my beloved Qiandao Lake. Ink-wash Qiandao Lake, beauty beyond measure. At Qiandao Lake, converse with nature—there’s always a way that suits you.