Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake)
In 1959, the construction of the Xin'anjiang Hydropower Station submerged two thousand-year-old cities dating back to the Han and Tang dynasties,…
Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake), Hangzhou · ZHart · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Admission
- Peak season ¥130, off-season ¥110, boat fare ¥65; ¥85; included in the combined ticket; cable car up and down Huangshanjian (Huangshan Peak), round trip ¥50/person, one way ¥30/person; ¥40; forest toboggan ¥30/person; Rainbow Passage ¥50
- Opening hours
- Island boat tours depart daily at 9:15 and 10:45; yacht ticket sales: 8:00–15:00 (return before dark; exact times depend on the boat schedule); 8:00–17:00; 8:00–18:00; 8:00–17:00 (March 1–October 14), 8:30–16:30 (October 15–February 28)
- Time needed
- 2 days
- Getting there
- Long-distance coaches are the most convenient way to reach Qiandao Lake from other cities, with direct buses from Hangzhou, Shanghai and Jinhua. Take the morning central-lake route from the Qiandao Lake Cruise Centre to visit Meifeng Island, Yule Island and Longshan Island, ¥65/person; luxury yacht ¥150/person. The Jiupaojie scenic area has a visitor reception centre in Qiandao Lake Town. Groups of two or more can hire a car; combined cost (admission plus round-trip transport) ¥178/person. Board Cruise Line C at the southeast lake pier to reach the attraction, or take the sightseeing cableway.
- Guidebook rating
- 4 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 1153. Open in Google Maps
About Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake)
In 1959, the construction of the Xin'anjiang Hydropower Station submerged two thousand-year-old cities dating back to the Han and Tang dynasties, Shicheng (the former county seat of Suian) and Hecheng (the former county seat of Chun'an), overnight beneath the emerald waters. Over 3,000 villages and 300,000 mu of farmland have since lain dozens of metres underwater, and more than 1,000 former hilltops have become islands in the lake. This is the origin of Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake).
The lake has 1,078 islands, each with its own charm. In spring, islands blanketed in wildflowers look like carefree village girls; in summer, you'll long to swim and surf in the blue waters; in autumn, the red leaves call to mind the line “frost-touched leaves redder than the flowers of the second month”; in winter, snow covers the lake and hills and pines stand firm on the cliffs, a scene worthy of a Wang Wei painting.
Tips from the guidebook
- Cable car and toboggan: on Meifeng Island you can take the cable car, ¥60/person round trip.
- Jiupaojie Scenic Area: a beauty long hidden in the inner chambers, unknown to the world. Since its development in 2006, it has become the next must-visit destination after Qiandao Lake itself. Jiupaojie is known for its grand canyon, waterfall cluster and village folk culture. Its scenery may not outshine similar sites, but visitors who come to experience village life will not be disappointed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) cost?
Admission to Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) is Peak season ¥130, off-season ¥110, boat fare ¥65; ¥85; included in the combined ticket; cable car up and down Huangshanjian (Huangshan Peak), round trip ¥50/person, one way ¥30/person; ¥40; forest toboggan ¥30/person; Rainbow Passage ¥50, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake)?
Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) is open Island boat tours depart daily at 9:15 and 10:45; yacht ticket sales: 8:00–15:00 (return before dark; exact times depend on the boat schedule); 8:00–17:00; 8:00–18:00; 8:00–17:00 (March 1–October 14), 8:30–16:30 (October 15–February 28).
How do I get to Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake)?
Long-distance coaches are the most convenient way to reach Qiandao Lake from other cities, with direct buses from Hangzhou, Shanghai and Jinhua. Take the morning central-lake route from the Qiandao Lake Cruise Centre to visit Meifeng Island, Yule Island and Longshan Island, ¥65/person; luxury yacht ¥150/person. The Jiupaojie scenic area has a visitor reception centre in Qiandao Lake Town. Groups of two or more can hire a car; combined cost (admission plus round-trip transport) ¥178/person. Board Cruise Line C at the southeast lake pier to reach the attraction, or take the sightseeing cableway.
How long should I spend at Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake)?
Plan on 2 days for Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake).
Where is Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake)?
Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) is in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in the East China of China. Wangzishan, Danzhu, Qiandao Lake Town
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