6202 Travel Guide

Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) is a massive artificial lake in Chun'an County, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. About 573 km² with 1,078 emerald islands, featuring crystal-clear water (national Grade 1, drinkable), scattered green islands and delicious freshwater fish — the Yangtze Delta's most popular resort destination. Created in 1959 by the Xin'anjiang Dam. Water clarity ~7 m average (up to 12+ m); national Grade 1, drinkable. 1,078 islands dot the lake. Boat tours are the main experience — visiting Meifeng Island (panoramic summit views), Longshan Island and Moonlight Island. Famous local fish head soup. About 2.5 hours from Hangzhou, 4 hours from Shanghai. Visiting for China's most beautiful artificial lake is a refreshing Hangzhou-area resort experience.