Thousand-island (Qiandao) Lake

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Thousand-island (Qiandao) Lake, also named Xin'an River Reservoir, is located in Chun'an County near the city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. It is a man-made lake backed up by a hydropower dam on the Xin'an River that offers a quiet place for respite with its verdant mountains, crystal-clear waters and islands.

When the reservoir filled up, the remaining hilltops formed many islands, hence the name"Thousand-island Lake". It has an average depth of 34 meters and clear water with a visibility of around 10 meter. It has a national first-class lake rating and many well-known bottled water brands get waterhead here, such as Nongfu Spring. 

The Lake scenic spot covers 95,000 hectares, with 41,700 hectares of hilly land, 53,300 hectares of water surface, and 17.8 billion cubic meters of water storage. The lake and its islands are the perfect integration of beautiful scenery, mountains, water, and forests. 

A thorough study of the area has shown 1,830 species of plants, including 810 woody plants, 498 wild flowers, and 18 national protected plants. The forests are the result of natural forests and forestation and the abundant plants provide scenery and habitat for various wild animals.

The county was a thoroughfare and prosperous in ancient times. After the inundation by the reservoir in 1959, Chun'an and Sui'an merged to better preserve themselves. The scenic spot boasts Blossom Mountain, Stone Forest, Longshan Island, Peacock Island, Yule Island, getting National 5A scenic spot designation in 2010.

Scenic spot level: AAAAA

Ideal sightseeing season: autumn and winter

Opening hours: March-November: 8 am-5 pm
December to February: 8:40am-4:30 pm

Ticket price: March-November:130 yuan
December to February: 60 yuan

Address: Qiandaohu town, Chun'an county, Zhejiang province

Website: http://www.qiandaohu.cc/sy/   

Online booking: http://www.qiandaohu.cc/sy/   

Tel: 400-8811-988

Note:
Sample the distinctively cooked seafood and other local food there. Take home souvenirs like inkstones, hemp embroidery and products made of pearls.