Thousand Islets Lake (Qiandao Lake)
Did you ever want to escape from the bustling metropolis? Come to Thousand Islets Lake and experience something special.
With 81% of the area covered in forests, Thousand Islets Lake (Qiandao Lake) is a pure lake with clean, fresh air. It is a young lake formed in 1959 as a result of the construction of New Anjiang Hydroelectric Power Station. It is a beautiful lake with 1,078 islets showing different views in different seasons. It is a rich lake abounding with fish and surrounded by trees, tea, mulberry (the food of the silkworm) and other fruit trees. Qiandao Lake is also a delightful lake with many activities including enjoying the natural scenery and local culture, observing wild animals and taking part in many exciting activities.
Thousand Island Lake is located in Chun’an County, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of Hangzhou and 140 kilometers (87 miles) southeast of Mount Huangshan. It is a shining gem on the classic “Golden Route” connecting Hangzhou, Thousand Island Lake, and Mount Huangshan, and is renowned worldwide. Thousand Island Lake
is renowned for its emerald-green mountains, crystal-clear waters, unique caves, and bizarre rock formations. The famous Nongfu Spring water brand is sourced from Thousand Island Lake. Based on its geographical location, the Thousand Island Lake Scenic Area can be divided into six zones: the Southeast Lake Zone (the earliest developed area), the Central Lake Zone (home to several must-see attractions), the Southwest Lake Zone, the Northeast Lake Zone, the Northwest Lake Zone, and the Fuxi Stone Forest (the first stone forest in East China). Each zone boasts unique and captivating scenery.
The southeastern part of the lake features Tianchi (the site of a quarry from the Southern Song Dynasty), Xianshan Island, Guihua Island, and Mishan Island (the origin of the riddle: “One is a boy, one is a girl, two are boys and a half, but three are not boys”). The central part of the lake includes the Thousand Island Lake Fishing Village, Meifeng Island, the Wulong Scenic Area, and the Wildlife Reserve. On Meifeng Island, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and mountains, and experience grass sledding and boating on the lake. The Wulong Scenic Area consists of Suo Island, Bird Island, Zhenqu Garden, and Qishi Island, connected by multiple bridges. Suo Island is a world of locks, featuring locks for happiness, wisdom, health, and carp. China’s first lock museum is located here, housing the world’s largest lock—the “Safety Lock”—certified by the Guinness World Records. In the animal zone, you can observe peacocks, snakes, monkeys, ostriches, and other animals. You can watch animal shows, feed the animals, play with them, take photos, and fully enjoy the fun of interacting with them.
The best time to visit Thousand Island Lake is in the fall and winter, when rainfall is minimal, the weather is sunny, the air is fresh and cool, and the lake water is crystal clear—a truly refreshing experience. Be sure to sample the distinctive local seafood and other regional delicacies. You can also take home some souvenirs, such as inkstones, hemp embroidery, and pearl products.
Thousand Island Lake is currently China’s largest forest park. It has won numerous awards and is highly praised by tourists from both home and abroad. Why not come and see it for yourself?