Lake Qiandaohu

» Hangzhou, Zhe Jiang

Lake Qiandaohu Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Lake Qiandaohu (Thousand Islets Lake) situated in Chun'an county 160 km (100 miles) west of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is a golden tourist line in the west of Zhejiang. It is famous for the beautiful mountains over its banks and the clear waters. There are many places of historic interest and scenic beauty along the river.

Something about the Lake

Lake Qiandaohu is a crystal pure lake. Covering an area of 580 square kilometers, it has a storage capacity of 17.8 billion cubic meters. The average depth of water is 34 meters and the visibility in the water can be reached to 7 - 9 meters. It has a total of 1,078 islets, each with its own formation. That is why the lake is named Lake Qiandaohu (Thousand Islets Lake).

A man-made lake

Lake Qiandaohu is a young lake. She is an artificial lake formed as the result of being a reservoir for constructing Xin'an River Waterpower Plant in 1959.

A wealthy lake

Lake Qiandaohu (Thousand Islets Lake) is a lake possessing great wealth. It teems with tea, mulberry, timber, and bamboo. There are 1,786 species of plants and 87 species of freshwater fish in all. The Lake is embraced all around by mountain ranges. Here, visitors can hear birds singing, smell the fragrance of flowers, and taste fresh fruit when it is in season. Besides, there are various kinds of local products, such as non-core persimmon, sweet date, hickory nut, and sun-dried fish.

The water

Besides the surrounding green hills and large amount of animals and plants, the Lake is also famous for its water. According to the national water evaluation standard, the water, which can be drunk directly from the Lake, is top ranking.

Shining attractions

Located in the upper reaches of Qiantangjiang River, the Qiandaohu Lake ranges from Fuyang to Chun'an. It is a golden tourist line in the west of Zhejiang. It is famous for the beautiful mountains over its banks and the clear waters. There are many places of historic interest and scenic beauty along the river.

Historical interest

Lake Qiandaohu is also a place of historic interest. Here, you will find a lot of famous people in history.

This is the hometown of the first Empress Chen Shuozhen who revolted in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Another famous peasant revolutionary is Fang La, who revolted in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

This is the hometown of Sun Quan, the King of Wu, during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-265 BC). Another town here, Fuyang Longmen ancient town is the place where Sun Quan's descendants have continually gathered until the present day. It is reported recently the descendants of Liubei, the king of Shu during Three Kingdoms Period were also found in Fuyang. Now the descendants of Sunquan, Liubei, and Zhugeliang all gathered in Fuyang. Qiandao Hu is not only a place of scenic beauty but also of historic interest.

Plat Blossom Mountain

In the middle of the lake, an islet in the shape of a plant blossom is famed for its beautiful natural scenery and perfect environment and also regarded as the best place to view the surrounding landscape.

Here, one can also see many wild animals such as swans, mandarin ducks, mandarins, and bitterns. Those who have rich interest in wild animals can continue to appreciate the animal show or go to feed ostriches in Ostrich Islet and take photos with them, even ride on an ostrich's back if they're brave enough. In addition, various traditional activities are offered there. Different seasons have different activities: Muju (local drama) in the spring, Dragon Lantern show in the fall, Tiao Zhu Ma (local dancing party) in the summer may be visitors' favorites.

Stone Forest

This section is located forty kilometers from the town centre of Lake Qiandaohu and is made up of three parts: Xishan part, Turquoise part and Hawksbill part, covering ten square kilometers. It is called "the first stone-forest in Huadong Area." With strange stones, cliffs, elf caves and an ancient path, it is characterized by an otherworldliness that is hard to find anywhere else.

Dragon Hill (Long Shan)

It consists of Dragon Hill and Five-Dragon Island. The Hairui Temple was built here by the Chun'an people to commemorate Hairui, a famous official of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), who once served as head of this county. It is the essential structural work piece, including carving of wood, stone and brick. There also are over twenty pieces of poem steles. On the top of the Dragon Hill stands a bell tower.

Xian Hill (Xian Shan)

Xian Hill lies in the southeast area of the lake, including Xian Hill, Tian Chi (a pond), Guihua Dao (an islet) and Mi Hill. Xian Hill has trees which bear fruit all year round. Scenery on other parts of the hill is also charming and beautiful.

Animal-Series

Animal-Series section is mainly made up of three areas. Monkey Ilset (raising over five hundred monkeys including Honghe monkey, Sicuan short-tail monkey, and red-face monkey). Peacock garden (raising white, blue, green and variegated peacocks) and Magic Dragon Island (Shenlong Dao), which actually is an island of snakes, where visitors can play with them and see some special shows.

Folding Screen Section

It is mainly for entertainment and spending holidays. It includes some little wooden houses, entertainment on water, song and dance shows and Penglai Islet.

Anytime is the best time

Here, you can enjoy special scenery in different seasons. Truly, Lake Qiandaohu is beautiful and inviting anytime. In spring, flowers spring up everywhere, dressing the lake in many vibrant colors. In summer, visitors like boating on the pure green lake and are reluctant to leave. In autumn, visitors will be attracted by the hills in heavy red, for leaves here turn red in autumn. Even in winter, although blanketed with snow, Lake Qiandaohu warmly welcomes visitors from all over the world. Its snow scenery is so exquisite that poetry can hardly capture it.

Attractions around » Hangzhou, Zhe Jiang

Natural Scene

• West Lake
• Mt. Putuoshan
• Lake Qiandaohu
• Feilaifeng Peak
• Solitary Hill
• Red Carp Pond
• Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds
• Qiantang River
• Hupao Spring
• Grand Canal

Historical Site

• Lingyin Temple
• Ancient Town of Wuzhen
• Liuhe Pagoda
• Hefang Street
• Tomb of General Yue Fei

Cultural Site

• Hangzhou Botanical Garden
• National Tea Museum
• China National Silk Museum
• Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Orchid Pavilion

Day Entertainment & Sports

• Jian Lake Golf Culb

Shopping & Leisure

• Hefang Street

Lake Qiandaohu Highlights

Lake & Spring in Great China

• West Lake
• Lake Kanas
• Lake Namtso
• Lake Qinghaihu
• Lake Yamdrok
• Huaqing Pool
• Crescent Spring
• Lake Qiandaohu
• Lake Xuanwuhu
• Lake Taihu
• Slender West Lake
• Lake Hongfenghu
• Lake Dianchi
• Lake Luguhu
• Heavenly Lake
• Butterfly Spring
• Lake Erhai
• Longsheng Hot Spring National Park
• Lake Bitahai
• Lake Shuduhu
• Lake Napahai
• Red Carp Pond
• Hupao Spring
• Black Dragon Pool
• Lake Karakuli
• Tianhe Pool
• Lake Dongtinghu
• Baotu Spring
• Lake Daminghu
• Yuquan Park
• Lake Bosten
• East Lake Scenic Area

Lake Qiandaohu FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. Hangzhou's weather and something we need to know

  Food

1. What's the specialty of Hangzhou cuisine?
2. What are some famous restaurants in Hangzhou?

  Shopping

1. What are the best souvenirs in Hangzhou?

  Customs

1. What are some local festivals in Hangzhou?

• Hangzhou's weather and something we need to know

  Hangzhou's weather is always warm and humid, with a clear division of four seasons.

  The peak season usually starts in March and lasts for a month, due to a flower-blooming season, with a temperature of 9 to 15 C.

  From late June to early July, it is the plum rain season. Rainfalls are very unpredictable. Typhoon takes places in the early August with pouring rains, so during this period of time, an umbrella is always needed when you prepare to go out.

  The winter in Hangzhou is just like other cities' in south China, with piercing cold. Warm clothes are strongly suggested.

  If you want to take a walk alongside the West Lake, please wear some warm clothes too, to avoid from getting a clod which will affect your journey.

  Each season in Hangzhou has its own splendid view and specialty, which are all worth visiting.

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• What's the specialty of Hangzhou cuisine?

  Hangzhou cuisine does have it's own characteristics: smells nice, tastes good and looks pleasant. Fresh tastes is the most well-known specialty of Hangzhou cuisine.

  The most famous dishes are Fish Maw with Chinese Broccoli, Dongpo Pork, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, etc.

  You can not underestimate Hangzhou's snacks. Thousands years of history provides a peculiarity of Hangzhou snacks. Congbaohui, Cat Ears (Do not panic. It's not really cat's ears. It's dough in a cat's ear's shape and is cooked in different ways), Noodles with Preserved Vegetable and Sliced Pork and Bamboo Shoots in Soup, Crisp Cakes, etc.

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• What are some famous restaurants in Hangzhou?

  Louwailou Restaurant

  Built in the 1840s by a Qing Dynasty Noble, Louwailou Restaurant is said to be the oldest restaurant in China. Many foreign heads have dined there when visiting this city.

  The Restaurant features authentic Hangzhou cuisine. Tasty food served including West Lake Carp in Sweet and Sour Sauce, Beggar's Chicken as well as Dragon Well Tea served with snacks.

  Address: No 30 Gushan Road
  Tel: (0571) 8796 9023
  Opening Hours: Open daily 11:30am - 2:30pm and 4:30pm - 8:30pm

  Tianwaitian Restaurant

  This is also a very old restaurant first opened in 1910. its nice location close to the Lingyin Temple, tasty seafood and warm service make the restaurant very popular eating place for tourist.

  Address: No. 2 Tianzhu Road, outside the Peak Flown from Afar Park entrance
  Tel: (0571) 8796 0599
  Opening hours: Open Daily 7am - 9pm
  

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• What are the best souvenirs to best in Hangzhou?

  Silk

  Hangzhou is well known for producing excellent silks, including satins.

  The best place for purchasing silk in Hangzhou is at Hangzhou Silk City, the biggest silk wholesale and retail market in China with more than 600 silk enterprises dealing in a wide variety of pure silk fabrics, garments, handicraft articles, scarves, and ties.

  It is located at No.253 Xinhua Road (at the intersection of Fengqi Road, Tiyuchang Road, and Xinhua Road). You can get to the site by bus No.11 and 28.

  Tea

  Hangzhou Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea) is considered China's best. It is not only famous for its unique green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and flat appearance, but is also regarded as a health elixir.

  The tea falls into different grades; the best is the first pick of a year, normally in late March or early April.

  Besides its good quality, Longjing Tea also enjoys a famous long history. If you are interested in tea culture and history, Meijiawu Village in West Lake District is the ideal spot where you can have a cup of tea, watch a tea ceremony, and select tea under professional guidance.

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• What are some local festivals in Hangzhou?

  There are some remarkable festivals in Hangzhou, maybe you will experience one of them if you are lucky enough:
  

  • Dragon Well Tea Festival (April-May)
    The annual Dragon Well Tea Festival, hosted by Dragon Well Village, attracts people from everywhere to take part in activities such as picking tea, drinking tea, enjoying a tea ceremony, and walking in the countryside.
    
    
  • West Lake Lotus Festival (July-August)
    The main activities of this festival include viewing the beautiful lotus, picking lotus seed pods, shelling lotus seed, watching folk drama performances, and visiting the lotus exhibition. The host area is one of the scenic spots of West Lake-Qu Yuan Feng He.
    
    
  • West Lake Osmanthus Festival (September-October)
    Since osmanthus is the city flower of Hangzhou, the government has decreed that each year during September when osmanthus blooms, Hangzhou citizens host the West Lake Osmanthus Festival.
    
    The sites of the celebration are usually in Man Long Gui Yu Park, Man Jue Long Village, and Hangzhou Arboretum. Appreciating osmanthus and the food made of osmanthus, drinking tea, watching shows and painting exhibitions are the main activities during the festival.
    
    
  • China International Qiantang River Tidal Bore Festival (September-the 18th day of the eighth lunar month)
    During this tourist-friendly festival, one of the largest in China, visitors arrive to appreciate the great spectacle of the Qiantang River Bore. The bore is a unique natural phenomenon triggered by the pull of the moon.
    
    When the tides come in, a wave is produced so large that it surges several meters high. Every year this magnificent wonder draws thousands of tourists from all over the world.
    
    
  • West Lake International Fireworks Show (In the middle of October)
    This dazzling event in West Lake draws thousand of viewers to the fireworks site to witness the glittering and colorful skyline. Thousands of new fireworks products from different countries entertain enthusiastic visitors.
  
  
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