Here at Qiandao Lake, following Trip.com's guide was the most successful trip ever.....
Qiandao Lake Comprehensive Travel Guide: Explore the Mountain and Water Secret Realm, One-Stop Guide for Food, Accommodation, and Transportation
1. Must-Visit Attractions
Meifeng Island
Highlight: The best spot to climb and view Qiandao Lake, a 15-minute walk to the summit. The west viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the "green mountains, clear waters, and golden belt" wonder, with over 300 islands scattered like stars.
Tips: Cable car lines are long, walking is recommended; visit in the morning to avoid crowd control.
Moonlight Island (Wulong Island)
Highlight: Lock culture-themed, with five connected islands including Qingyuan, Yiyuan, and Xiyuan, perfect for couples to hang love locks. A super romantic wedding photography base.
Features: Top scholar culture, leisure tea houses, and lake-view trails all in one.
Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform
Highlight: An excellent spot to watch the sunset, escalator up the mountain saves effort, and the free viewpoint halfway up is equally stunning.
Avoid: Don’t buy tickets on cloudy days, check the weather in advance!
Forest Oxygen Bar
Highlight: A holy place for hiking and oxygen intake, fun slide down the mountain, suitable for families with children.
Note: No high-altitude viewpoints, don’t expect “to reach the summit.”
Beer Town + Popular Lighthouse
Highlight: European-style castle architecture, colorful lighthouse perfect for photos, and a thrilling racing park great for kids.
Tips: Best lighting for photos during the day, go easy on go-karting as it’s not cost-effective.
2. Transportation Guide
External Transportation
Self-driving: Recommended for Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Hangzhou → Qiandao Lake about 2 hours, Huangshan → about 1.5 hours, with picturesque scenery along the way.
High-speed rail: Hangzhou East → Qiandao Lake Station about 50 minutes, ticket price 70 RMB; after exiting, take shuttle bus (15 RMB) or taxi (80 RMB) to downtown.
Bus: Hangzhou West Station → Qiandao Lake Passenger Center about 3 hours, ticket price 65 RMB.
Local Transportation
Cycling: High greenway coverage, recommended Chunyang Line (avoid heavy trucks on Qianfen Line); rent a bike with gears.
Taxi: Use apps for transparent pricing, taxis may not use meters.
Bus: Fare 1 RMB, but service ends early, suitable for short trips.
3. Accommodation Recommendations
High-end Resorts
Qiandao Lake Greentown Resort Hotel: Central lake area prime location, infinity pool + lake view rooms, very thoughtful family-themed rooms.
Minghao International Resort Hotel: Private water curtain movie, indoor and outdoor pools + children’s playground, ideal for family trips.
Cost-effective Choices
Qiandao Lake Holiday Inn: Under InterContinental, near Lake Square, includes breakfast + butler service.
Beruit Resort Hotel: Next to Forest Oxygen Bar, family-themed rooms + arcade area, natural oxygen bar.
Unique Homestays
Renli·Bairuijia Lakeview Boutique Stay: Stunning lake views in the southeast lake area, sailing sports + pet-friendly.
Warm Island Elegant Hotel: Lakeside café check-in hotspot, unbeatable sunset views.
4. Food Guide
Must-Eat Restaurants
Chunyuanwai·Taste of Ancient Village: Clay pot rich fish head soup freshly stewed, spicy and fresh Hongyun chopped chili fish head, super romantic lake view seats.
Haodongjia·Traditional Herb Roasted Chicken: Applewood charcoal roasted chicken with crispy, oily skin, fish skin cold dish with sour and spicy flavor.
Sisters Food Stall: Stir-fried snails + green pepper beef strips, a local favorite for late-night snacks.
Snack Recommendations
Anshang Rice Noodles: Intangible cultural heritage handmade snack, sticky texture paired with preserved mustard greens.
Fangying Pig Trotters: Soft and chewy, aromatic.
Zhangji Fermented Rice Bun: Sweet fermented rice, soft and sweet.
Pitfall Avoidance Guide
Fish Head Soup: Be cautious around scenic spots, recommended Nanshan Street farmhouse dishes, fresh fish head weighed on the spot.
Price: Two-pound fish head set at 298 RMB mostly frozen fish, locals often go to “Qiandao Lake Little Fish.”
5. Travel Tips
Avoiding Pitfalls
Don’t take unlicensed cars at the high-speed rail station, use the shuttle bus.
Choose Chunyang Line for cycling around the lake, rent a geared bike.
Don’t rent electric bikes on rainy days, bring mosquito repellent when going to the islands.
Best Time to Visit
Season: Best in spring and autumn, summer for cooling off, winter is off-season with fewer people.
Duration: Recommended 2-3 days, one day each for central lake area and southeast lake area.
Other Tips
Tickets: Qiandao Lake scenic area ticket + boat ticket about 215 RMB (central lake area).
Clothing: Comfortable sports shoes + sun protection, bring rain gear in summer.
Qiandao Lake, a place that can fulfill all your fantasies about mountains and waters!
Whether climbing to view the lake, cycling for fresh air, tasting fresh fish head, or staying in a lake view room, this place will make your trip worthwhile. Save this guide and start your healing journey at Qiandao Lake! 🌿🚤