Qiandao Lake (千岛湖, Thousand Island Lake) is an artificial reservoir created by the Xin’an Jiang dam in 1959 — when the valley was flooded, 29 towns and 1,000+ villages were submerged, creating a 573 sq km lake with 1,078 forested islands rising from the clear water.
The lake has extraordinary water clarity — Qiandao Lake water is used as bottled mineral water throughout China and is genuinely drinkable directly from the lake surface. The combination of pine-forested islands, clear aquamarine water, and the atmospheric morning mist creates one of Zhejiang’s most photographed landscapes.
Getting There
From Hangzhou: 1.5 hours by HSR or direct bus from Hangzhou to Chunan/Qiandao Lake city (淳安/千岛湖镇). The scenic area is 20 minutes from the town centre.
From Shanghai: 2.5–3 hours by train/bus combination.
Day trip feasibility: As a day trip from Hangzhou, comfortable. From Shanghai, very rushed — better as an overnight.
The Lake Experience
The standard lake visit is by boat tour — ferries serve different circuits connecting the main islands.
Middle section islands (湖心岛 zone): The most visited cluster — three main islands with activities including traditional fishing displays, wildlife encounters (monkeys on Monkey Island), and scenic walks.
The water: Ask any local about the water quality and they’ll tell you it’s the cleanest lake in eastern China. There’s a distinct turquoise depth visible from the boat that most Chinese reservoirs lack.
Photography conditions: The lake is most beautiful in early morning when mist fills the valleys between islands and the still water reflects the pine forests. October–November for autumn colour on the island slopes.
The Underwater Mystery: Shi Cheng
When the lake was created in 1959, the residents of two Tang dynasty walled cities — He Cheng and Shi Cheng (狮城, Lion City) — were evacuated and the cities submerged. Shi Cheng, built in 621 AD, lies at 26–40 metres depth.
Archaeological dives in the 1990s found the city largely intact — the city walls, temple archways, residential buildings, and decorative stone carvings preserved by the cold, silt-free water. Underwater photographs showing carved stone lions at 30 metres depth are the most arresting.
For certified divers: The Qiandao Lake Diving Centre organises dives to Shi Cheng — visibility is 7–10m at best. The experience of swimming through 1,400-year-old city gates at 30 metres depth is genuinely extraordinary. Advance booking required; certification required.
Farmer-Style Fish (农家乐)
Qiandao Lake’s main culinary claim is freshwater fish from the lake — the clear cold water produces fish with exceptionally clean flesh. The signature preparation is Youzao fish head (有灶鱼头) — a split fish head braised with local chilli, tofu, and herbs. The “fisherman’s feast” (渔家宴) at village restaurants around the lake shore is the standard dining experience.
Also see: Hangzhou West Lake Guide | Zhejiang Coast Guide | Shanghai Day Trips Guide