Qingshan Lake Day Trip

Decided to visit Qingshan Lake during the Dragon Boat Festival. While planning, I noticed most guides were repetitive, filled with endless matcha lake and kayaking photos. Routes invariably suggested entering from parking lots near Qingshan Lake Station or Balibali Station subway exits, but the paid/free area distinctions were confusing for first-timers. Here’s a practical guide based on our experience. 💚 Background: We stayed at a hotel near Qingshan Lake on the second night of the holiday, visiting on the final day when crowds were thinner. 🚄 Route: Took a high-speed train to Hangzhou West Station, then a taxi to Grand Mercure Hotel by Qingshan Lake Station (right at the subway exit). For drivers, parking is available at both Qingshan Lake and Balibali Stations. We walked along Keji Avenue from Qingshan Lake Station to the visitor center (between the two stations), where bike and shuttle rentals are abundant. This is the closest entry point to the "Matcha Lake" water forest. 💰 Key Question: Paid vs. Free Zones The visitor center staff dodged the question 😂, hinting the difference was minimal: "If unsure, just enter without a ticket first." We rented a 2-person electric shuttle (no ticket) and explored. Observations: The free zone offers elevated, wider boardwalks through the water forest, while the paid zone includes closer-to-water wooden paths (see Pic 14) and optional kayaking (extra fee). We missed the paid zone’s ticket checkpoint while exiting, so its additional perks remain unclear. But the free zone’s lake and fir tree views are stunning for nature lovers—my photos are all from there. 🛺 Rentals: Bikes and pedal carts are available for exercise. We opted for an electric shuttle (¥100/hour, ¥50/extra half-hour; ¥380 deposit refunded post-use). Multiple drop-off points exist inside. Our route: Entered from Liuzhuang Gate (visitor center on Keji Avenue), meandered through the water forest, stopped for photos, turned back near Qingshuiwan Station, and returned the shuttle at Pengzu Statue (see Pic 15 for map). Total: 1.5 hours (leisurely pace), ¥150. 🌿 Verdict: Qingshan Lake is a vast reservoir surrounded by roads and local neighborhoods. Trails sometimes merge with streets, offering many exit points—no need to return rentals to the main gate if you exit casually. We spent just over two hours exploring ~1/6 of the lakeside, passing shady groves teeming with wildlife. A full day of hiking or cycling here would be equally delightful.