A Mystical Journey Through 1,078 Islands: 100 Ways to Unlock the Poetic Scenery of Jiangnan

🌊 Qiandao Lake Travel Guide | 2025 Latest Edition 🌟 📅 Recommended Itinerary (3 Days & 2 Nights Highlights) Day 1: In-depth Exploration of the Central Lake Area - Morning: Take a boat tour of the central lake area and climb to the top of Meifeng Island for a panoramic view of the "Thousand Islands in Emerald Water." - Afternoon: Visit the Ha Rui Shrine on Longshan Island and immerse yourself in the local history and culture. Stroll along Warmhearted Island and experience thrilling activities like parasailing and motorboating. - Evening: Check in to a lakeside guesthouse. Xiaokinshan Camp or Greentown Resort are recommended for a night under the stars. Day 2: Southeast Lake Area + Unique Experiences - Morning: Explore the unique water stone forest in the southeast lake area, encounter wild macaques, and check in at the "Huangshanjian" island, known for its unique "Justice for All" inscription. - Afternoon: Cycle along the Chunyang Greenway, passing through Xiajiang Village and Qinchuan Ancient Village, experiencing the pristine natural scenery and the charm of ancient villages. - Evening: Enjoy a night tour of Beer Town, savor fresh beer and grilled fish, and unlock the summer night revelry. Day 3: Natural Healing + Return Trip - Morning: Take a stroll through the Forest Oxygen Bar, breathe in the fresh air filled with negative oxygen ions, and hike along the creekside boardwalk. - Afternoon: Free time. You can choose to take stunning photos at the Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform or visit the Qiandao Lake Beer Museum to learn about the brewing process. --- 🌿 Top 5 Must-Try Experiences 1. Kayak Exploration of the Lake's Heart - Kayak at the Qiandao Lake Kayaking Base and discover hidden islands and flocks of water birds unseen from land. 2. Stargazing Camping + Bonfire Party - Set up a tent at the creekside campsite, roast marshmallows around the bonfire at night, release sky lanterns, and fall asleep to the sound of insects. 3. Slow Time in Meicheng Ancient Town - Stroll along the Ming Dynasty city walls and Republican-era villas, taste handmade noodles and Youfeiguo, and listen to the thousand-year-old stories of Yanzhou Prefecture. 4. Exploring the Underwater Ancient City - Take a boat to the Shi Cheng Museum and look down through the glass floor at the thousand-year-old streets and alleys submerged underwater. 5. Forest SPA + Creek Trekking - Play in the water at Jiulong Creek or hike in Hongyewan Bay to experience the coolness of summer. --- 🍜 Food Map (Locals' Secret List) - Fish Head Feast: - Taoli Chun Fish Restaurant: One fish, two ways (fish head soup + salted and peppered fish), with rich and creamy soup. - Yuyuedao Buffet Restaurant: Freshly caught organic fish paired with organic vegetables from the island. - Snacks & Intangible Cultural Heritage: - Corn Cake: Steamed corn flour coated with soybean powder, offering a soft and chewy texture. - Nuanguo: A winter must-eat, featuring pork, winter bamboo shoots, and egg dumplings, perfect for warming the stomach. - Qingxi Longyan: Intangible cultural heritage handmade crafts, customizable with inscriptions. --- 🏨 Accommodation Guide (Recommendations by Scenario) - Family with Children: - InterContinental Qiandao Lake Resort: Private beach + children's play area, within walking distance of the central lake area pier. - Couple's Getaway: - Hilton Water Villas: Wake up to lake views, with stargazing rooms equipped with private hot spring pools. - Backpackers/Budget Travelers: - Yunshuiyao Hostel: Beds from 50 yuan/night, with a rooftop terrace overlooking Huangshanjian. - Camping Enthusiasts: - Xiaokinshan Camping Base: Tent rentals available, with bonfires and open-air movies at night. --- 🚗 Transportation Tips (2025 Latest Edition) - Main Transportation: - High-speed Rail: Hangzhou East → Qiandao Lake Station (40 minutes), transfer to bus/taxi to the scenic area. - Self-driving: Hangchang Expressway → Hangxinjing Expressway, exit at Qiandao Lake (navigate to "Qiandao Lake Tourist Pier"). - Island Transportation: - Boat: Tickets available at the central lake area/southeast lake area pier, including entrance fee + boat ticket, approx. 200 yuan/person. - Cycling around the lake: Rental points are widely available, mountain bikes 50 yuan/day, Chunyang Greenway is recommended. --- ⚠️ Precautions 1. Sun Protection and Mosquito Repellent: Strong UV rays on the lake, bring a sun hat and sunscreen; mosquito repellent is necessary for jungle areas. 2. Boat Trip Tips: Half-price tickets for students with student ID, free admission for seniors over 70 (ID card required). 3. Food Safety: Be cautious when buying fish head in the scenic area. "Yulequan" or "Laoleijia" restaurants in the city are recommended. 4. Seasonal Notes: April-May is rainy, bring rain gear; September-October offers stunning autumn scenery, ideal for aerial photography. --- 📸 Photography Spots List - Meifeng Island Viewing Platform: Wide-angle lens for panoramic views of the islands. - Huangshanjian Viewing Pavilion: Drone aerial photography of the "Justice for All" island formation. - Hongyewan Boardwalk: Backlit photography of golden reeds and shimmering water reflections. - Forest Oxygen Bar Creek: Fairytale-style portraits, light-colored long dresses are recommended. --- 📆 Best Time to Travel - April-May: Cherry blossoms in bloom, pleasant temperature (approx. 20-28°C). - September-October: Crisp autumn air, colorful lake and mountain scenery. - Avoid holidays: Fewer tourists on weekdays for a better experience. ✨ Travel is about encountering a different way of life. The waters of Qiandao Lake will remember your reflection, and the islands will cherish your stories. Set off! Let the 1,078 islands be your first poetic escape of 2025. 🌅