This article is all you need! Qiandao Lake Dream Trip Guide

Basic Information _ Qiandao Lake is located in Chun'an County, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 129 km east of Hangzhou and 140 km west of Huangshan. Covering an area of 982 square kilometers, it is a national AAAAA-level scenic area and a national forest park. _ Transportation Guide _ By Air: You can fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport from major cities across the country, then transfer by bus or taxi to Qiandao Lake. _ By High-Speed Rail: Take the high-speed train to Hangzhou Station or Hangzhou South Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Qiandao Lake; you can also take the high-speed train directly to Qiandao Lake Station, then choose a taxi or hotel shuttle bus to the scenic area. It is recommended to use Gaode Map for taxis, as it is cheaper than Didi. _ By Car: Access Qiandao Lake via Hangxin Jing Expressway, National Highway 320, National Highway 104, and other roads. Driving offers more freedom to arrange your itinerary, and since attractions around Qiandao Lake are scattered, driving is more convenient. _ Travel Tips _ Recommended Duration _ It is recommended to spend 2-3 days to fully experience the beauty and features of Qiandao Lake. _ Attraction Recommendations _ Meifeng Island _ This is the best spot to enjoy a panoramic view of Qiandao Lake. The highlight is climbing to the top of the mountain for a 360-degree unobstructed view of the lake and mountains. The 1,078 islands are scattered like emeralds on blue silk. It offers visitors an excellent vantage point to appreciate the magnificent scenery of Qiandao Lake. Recommended because here you can take in the entire beauty of Qiandao Lake, letting all worries drift away with the wind. Every photo looks like a National Geographic masterpiece. _ Wenyuan Lion City _ This is a "replica" of the ancient underwater city, featuring a blend of Hui-style architecture and Song Dynasty streets. Visitors can experience bamboo weaving heritage crafts and ancient costume photo shoots. The nighttime light show adds a magical atmosphere. It showcases the culture of the underwater ancient city, allowing visitors to better understand its history. Recommended because you can both take photos and deeply explore the history and culture of the underwater city. _ Qiandao Lake Forest Oxygen Bar _ A natural oxygen bar characterized by lush vegetation and fresh air, with waterfalls and streams along the way. Visitors can hike here, breathe fresh air, and feel the vitality and tranquility of nature. It provides a great place for relaxation and closeness to nature. Recommended for hiking enthusiasts and those pursuing a healthy lifestyle; this place is a must-visit. _ Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform _ An excellent spot to watch the sunset over Qiandao Lake, featuring a wide view overlooking the lake and bridge with spectacular scenery. Visitors can take the scenic escalator or hike up the mountain. On the way down, you can experience the forest water slide, which is very exciting. It offers photographers and scenery lovers a perfect place for shooting and viewing. Recommended because here you can see the sunset and islands blending into an ink painting; photography enthusiasts should not miss it. _ Qilong Lane _ A night market snack street full of local life atmosphere, featuring various authentic snacks such as dried mustard greens pancakes, osmanthus cake, and Qiandao Lake rice cakes. You can get full for about 20 yuan per person. It allows visitors to taste local specialties and experience the lifestyle of Qiandao Lake. Recommended for food lovers as a great place to experience local food culture. _ Travel Itinerary Planning _ Two-Day Tour Plan _ Day 1: _ Morning: After arriving at Qiandao Lake, head to Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform. You can pay 25 yuan to take the elevator up to the third-level viewing platform to overlook Qiandao Lake. It is recommended to stay until sunset to enjoy the stunning colors of the orange sea and layered islands (remember to bring a jacket as it is windy at the top). _ Afternoon: Visit Beer Town, which looks like a European fairy tale town on sunny days. Be sure to check in at the popular lighthouse and rainbow stairs. You can also buy a fresh craft beer for 5 yuan at the Beer Museum entrance. A secret tip: there is a hidden photo spot behind the rainbow stairs; using flash creates a cool millennium girl vibe. _ Evening: Navigate to "Shilin Train Park" to experience a little Kamakura-style Japanese drama run. The combination of railway, zebra crossing, and blue lake surface is very photogenic. If you visit during cherry blossom season, wearing JK uniforms or white dresses makes for even better photos. Note that this place is quite far. _ Day 2: _ Morning: Head to Qiandao Lake Forest Oxygen Bar and take the cable car up the mountain surrounded by greenery. It is recommended to walk the "Wizard of Oz" trail, which is 2 km long, allowing you to breathe fresh air along the way. Remember to bring mosquito repellent as there are many insects in the forest. _ Noon: Dine at "Chunyuanwai" and try the "clay pot rich fish soup" with tender fish head and rich broth; also try the crispy fried bighead carp tofu rolls and the spicy and tender Hell charcoal grilled chicken, which goes perfectly with rice. _ Afternoon: Choose to cycle around the lake, recommended route is "Chunyang Line," passing windmills, wildflowers, and a transparent glass walkway. Along the way, rent a shared electric bike for a highlight moment. Don’t forget to buy a bag of honey mountain baked pancakes; the crispy dried mustard greens aroma is intoxicating. Finally, pack up and head back around 7 pm. _ Three-Day Tour Plan _ Day 1: Take a boat to Meifeng Island, one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Qiandao Lake. Climb high to take in the lake and mountain views. In the afternoon, visit Longshan Island and the Hai Rui Temple to feel the profound historical and cultural heritage. _ Day 2: In the morning, go to Huangshan Peak to admire the spectacular "All Under Heaven is for the Public" wonder; in the afternoon, visit Wenyuan Lion City to experience bamboo weaving heritage crafts and ancient costume photo shoots, feeling the mysterious charm of the underwater ancient city. _ Day 3: Visit Qiandao Lake Forest Oxygen Bar for hiking and adventure, getting close to nature and breathing fresh air to relax. Afterwards, you can choose to enjoy the sun and sea breeze at Dream Castle Beach, sunbathe, play in the sand, or rent a kayak to play on the lake. _ Food Recommendations _ Qiandao Lake Fish Head Soup: A must-try dish, with "Chun Brand Organic Fish Head" being the most famous. The soup is milky white and fragrant. Recommended restaurants include Fish Flavor Restaurant and Chunyuanwai, best paired with fish tofu or corn cakes. _ Wild River Shrimp: Tender meat, suitable for steaming or frying. _ Farmhouse Free-Range Chicken: Local free-range chicken, delicious stewed or braised. _ Braised Bamboo Shoots with Pork: A local specialty dish combining bamboo shoots and pork belly with rich flavor. _ Rice Cake: Traditional snack with a soft outer layer and various fillings. _ Other Local Snacks: Anshang rice noodles at Qilong Lane, with a soft texture and fragrant taste when mixed with various sauces and toppings; also worth trying are osmanthus cake and Qiandao Lake rice cakes. _ Accommodation Recommendations _ Lake View Hotels: Club Med Resort, Intercontinental Hotel, etc., offer lake views right from the window but are relatively expensive; for budget travelers, Fanli Homestay offers great value and stylish design. _ Central Lake Area Hotels: Suitable for non-driving tourists, with many nearby attractions, beautiful scenery, and convenient dining and entertainment. _ Southeast Lake Area Hotels: Suitable for self-driving tourists, with good environment and complete hotel facilities, ideal for those with high hotel standards. _ Notes _ Ticket Booking: Purchase scenic area combo tickets (including boat rides) online one day in advance to save 30%, especially during holidays. Book boat tickets and accommodation early. _ Season Choice: Rapeseed flower fields bloom from April to May, and autumn colors are stunning from September to November. These two periods offer beautiful scenery and avoid summer crowds. _ Sun and Mosquito Protection: Qiandao Lake has strong sunlight and many mosquitoes. Be sure to take sun protection and mosquito repellent, including sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and mosquito spray. _ Respect Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions. _ Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and activities. _ Dining Suggestions: It is recommended to buy set meals in advance on review platforms for better deals. When ordering at fish stalls, ask clearly about prices. Recommended stalls include Xiyuan Food Stall and old shops near Qiandao Lake Square.