Qiandao Lake Travel Guide 2026 - Cruises, Meifeng Peak, Rafting & Fish Head Dinners

What's inside this guide Bucket List · Highlights · Q&A · Itineraries · Attractions · Activities · Where to Stay · Food · Getting Around · Shopping · Practical Info · Day Trips · Tips · Background · Plan Your Trip

Qiandao Lake Bucket Listthe cruises, the peak and the fish head

Ride the centre-lake cruise

The classic day - the luxury boat at RMB 45 (children RMB 25) runs Meifeng, Yule, Longshan and Moonlight in the morning, Moonlight, Longshan and Shenlong in the afternoon.

Climb Meifeng Peak

The aerial view of the thousand islands - the cableway at RMB 25 single up / RMB 20 down / RMB 40 return; the summit railings frame the classic postcard.

Take the southeast route

The 8:40-13:00 sailings to Huangshan Jian, Tianchi and Mishan - the quieter of the two lake routes.

Ride the 185-km circuit

The cycling circuit of the lake is the classic two-wheeler of the region - the villages, the bridges and the shore roads at your own pace.

Run the white-water rivers

Eight rafting rivers open around the lake - the Jiulongxi at RMB 158, the Jiupaojie at RMB 100 and the Jinfeng Gorge tunnel run at RMB 108.

Eat the fish head

The fish-head dinner is the signature of Qiandao Lake - the Shunfenggang restaurant near the passenger pier and the Xianshan restaurant at the foot of the hill.

Top Highlightsthe green water and the drowned towns

No.1
The island seaThe emerald islands from the air.
No.2
The lake fleetThe boats threading the thousand islands.
No.3
The blue-green waterThe clear water of the Xin'an reservoir.

Questions & Answerswhat travellers always ask about Qiandao Lake

How many days do I need at Qiandao Lake?

One day takes the centre-lake cruise; a second adds the southeast route, a rafting river or the cycling circuit; a third can reach the mountain villages or the Huizhou road to Anhui.

How much is the gate ticket?

RMB 150 in the high season (March 1-November 30) and RMB 120 in the low season, students half price; the combined ticket can be used the next day with a RMB 10 renewal at the pier.

Which cruise should I take?

The centre route (luxury boat RMB 45) is the classic - Meifeng Peak, Moonlight Island, Longshan Temple and the Yule fish farm; the southeast route adds Huangshan Jian, Tianchi and Mishan at 8:40-13:00.

How do I get there from Hangzhou?

The West Station coaches run 6:00-18:50 every 30 minutes at RMB 60, about 2 hours; the Shanghai coaches cost RMB 100; the Huangshan coach leaves at 6:30 and reaches the pier at 9:40.

Is there an airport or railway?

No airport - fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan and take the coach; the Qiandao Lake railway station sits at Maozhuyuan in Jiande, on the new high-speed line.

What about rafting?

Eight rivers run around the lake - the Jiulongxi (RMB 158), the Jiupaojie (RMB 100, 'the first rafting of China'), the Jinfeng Gorge tunnel (RMB 108) and the gentle Wuqiangxi (RMB 100).

Can ToursChinaTravel arrange my Qiandao Lake trip?

Yes - email [email protected] or message us on WhatsApp. Our team books the cruises, the gate tickets, the rafting, the cycling and the hotels, free of charge and without obligation.

Sample Itinerariesthe island day and the two-day lake circuit

Island Cruise - One Day

Meifeng Peak, Moonlight Island and the Longshan Temple on the classic lake route. View the plan →

Day 1

08:00 the centre-lake pier; 08:30-09:00 the first sailing; morning Meifeng Peak with the cableway; midday Moonlight Island and the Longshan Temple; afternoon the Yule fish farm; 17:00 the fish-head dinner at Shunfenggang.

The Two-Day Lake Circuit

Both routes, a rafting river and the cycling road of the lake. View the plan →

Day 1

Morning the centre-lake cruise to Meifeng and the islands; afternoon the Jinfeng Gorge rafting; night the Kaiyuan Resort dinner.

Day 2

Morning the southeast route to Huangshan Jian and Tianchi; afternoon the 185-km cycling circuit section from the town; evening the Xianshan fish dinner.

All plans are bookable end-to-end by our team — see the full day-by-day Qiandao Lake itineraries hub, or the day-trip pages for single-day options.

Top Attractionstickets, hours, transport & insider tips

Meifeng Peak

The classic viewpoint of the thousand islands - the cableway at RMB 25 single up / RMB 20 down / RMB 40 return; the summit rails frame the postcard of the lake.

Cableway RMB 25-40 · 08:00-17:00 · Viewpoint · Cableway

View details →

Moonlight Island

The island of the centre route with the Zhuangyuan Bridge and the lock museum (the museum RMB 10 extra) - the romantic stop of the cruise.

In cruise fare · Cruise hours · Island · Bridge

View details →

Huangshan Jian

The highest viewpoint of the southeast route - the islands below scatter like chess pieces over the water; the 8:40-13:00 sailings call here.

In cruise fare · Southeast route · Viewpoint · Island

View details →

Longshan Temple

The temple of the centre route on Longshan Island - the rebuilt halls and the lake views of the pilgrim stop.

In cruise fare · Cruise hours · Temple · Island

View details →

Jiulongxi Rafting

The most popular of the eight rivers - RMB 158 including the ticket, the transfer and the insurance; the rapids run about 2 hours.

RMB 158 · 09:00-16:00 · Rafting · Adventure

View details →

Jinfeng Gorge Tunnel Rafting

The tunnel river at RMB 108 - the 800-metre dark tunnel drops into the gorge; the wildest of the eight.

RMB 108 · 09:00-16:00 · Rafting · Tunnel

View details →

The 185-km Cycling Circuit

The classic road around the lake - the shore villages, the bridges and the quiet hills; bikes rent in the town from RMB 30-80 a day.

Rent from RMB 30 · Daylight hours · Cycling · Circuit

View details →

The Drowned Towns

The 1959 reservoir drowned the county towns of Hecheng and Shicheng - the stone city of Shicheng now lies 40 metres under the water, visited by the diving tours.

Diving RMB 300-500 · By arrangement · History · Diving

View details →

More in the region on the Zhejiang attractions page.

Activities & Festivalsthe water sports and the mountain roads

The Fish Head Dinner

The signature meal of the lake - the braised fish head of the Qian Island fish at the Shunfenggang and Xianshan restaurants.

The Tea Garden Tofu

The 'Qian'-stamped dried tofu of the tea gardens - the Qing tribute snack of the region.

The Autumn Season

September-November brings the clear, cool weather and the best of the lake - the classic season of the island cruises.

The Bicycle Festival

The autumn cycling events circle the 185-km circuit - the lake road closes to cars for the race days.

Where to Stayfrom the lake resorts to the village inns

Every hotel below is bookable by our team; browse the full Zhejiang hotels directory.

Kaiyuan Resort

The lakeside resort on the Qilin Peninsula, 888 Yangguang Road - from RMB 936; +86 571 6501 8088 / 6501 8388.

Phone: +86 571 6501 8088 · Book: Zhejiang hotels · or email [email protected]

Waiwai Jia Guesthouse

The homely inn at 118 Lizhuang village, Langdaling - from RMB 100; +86 571 6480 5853.

Phone: +86 571 6480 5853 · Book: Zhejiang hotels · or email [email protected]

Jiupao Inn

The village inn at 10 Shangxi village, Jiupaojie scenic area - from RMB 80; +86 571 6499 5918.

Phone: +86 571 6499 5918 · Book: Zhejiang hotels · or email [email protected]

Tiandao / Wenxin / Fenghuang resorts

The lake resorts of the islands and the shore at RMB 300-700 - the mid-range of the lake hotels.

Book: Zhejiang hotels · or email [email protected]

Food & Restaurantsthe fish head and the lake produce

Shunfenggang Restaurant

The local favourite near the passenger pier on Renmin Road - the fish head and the lake dishes at honest prices.

Xianshan Restaurant

The restaurant at the foot of the hill - from RMB 73 per head; the braised fish and the seasonal vegetables.

Kaiyuan Resort Chinese Restaurant

The resort dining at the Qilin Peninsula, 888 Yangguang Road - the thick-soup fish head at RMB 368 and the full lake menu at about RMB 176 per head; +86 571 6481 1000.

Phone: +86 571 6481 1000

Tea Garden Dried Tofu

The 'Qian'-stamped tofu of the tea gardens - the Qing tribute snack of the region, sold at the pier stalls.

Shopping & Souvenirstea, tofu and the lake produce

Qiandao Lake Green Tea

The local green teas of the surrounding hills - the 'Qiandao Yuyu' and the spring leaves of the terraces.

Tea Garden Dried Tofu

The 'Qian'-stamped tofu - the tribute snack of the region, boxed for the road.

Dried Fish & Lake Produce

The dried fish of the lake and the mountain produce of the Chun'an hills.

Full local-product guides live on the Zhejiang specialties page.

Getting There & Aroundby coach, rail, car and the lake piers

From Hangzhou

The West Station coaches run 6:00-18:50 every 30 minutes at RMB 60, about 2 hours; the passenger pier lies at the end of the line.

From Shanghai & Huangshan The Shanghai coach costs RMB 100; the Huangshan coach leaves at 6:30 and reaches the pier at 9:40.

The Shanghai coach costs RMB 100; the Huangshan coach leaves at 6:30 and reaches the pier at 9:40.

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By train

The Qiandao Lake Station at Maozhuyuan, Jiande - on the new high-speed line; the station is about 40 minutes from the town by bus.

By car

The Hangzhou-Chun'an expressway runs 129 km, about 90 minutes; the lake road is one of the classic drives of Zhejiang.

Lake piers The central passenger pier (+86 571 6481 2799) serves the lake routes and the 6:00 / 11:40 boats to Shendu in Anhui (RMB 15, about 5 hours); the southeast pier (+86 571 6488 1959) serves the second route.

The central passenger pier (+86 571 6481 2799) serves the lake routes and the 6:00 / 11:40 boats to Shendu in Anhui (RMB 15, about 5 hours); the southeast pier (+86 571 6488 1959) serves the second route.

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Local buses & taxis The nine city buses cost RMB 1 (K004 reaches the tourist pier); the local taxis start at RMB 5 - the cheapest fares in the province.

The nine city buses cost RMB 1 (K004 reaches the tourist pier); the local taxis start at RMB 5 - the cheapest fares in the province.

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Day Trips From Qiandao Lakethe peaks, the rivers and the mountain roads

Southeast Route Day Trip

Huangshan Jian, Tianchi and Mishan by the morning sailings.

Rafting Day Trip

The Jiulongxi or the Jinfeng Gorge tunnel rapids.

Cycling Circuit Day Trip

The classic 185-km road at your own pace.

Travel Tipsthings to remember

Take the first sailing

The centre-lake boats leave at 8:00-9:00 - the morning light on Meifeng is the postcard of the lake; the afternoon sailings run the shorter route.

The combined ticket renews

The gate ticket can be used the next day with a RMB 10 renewal at the pier - useful if you take both lake routes.

The fish head is for two

The thick-soup fish head feeds two or three - order the small size unless you bring a table.

Season the rafting

The rivers run best after the summer rains - check the water level at the booking offices before the long drive.

The cycling road is long

The 185-km circuit needs two days for most riders - plan the overnight at the mid-lake villages.

Practical Informationbanks, hospitals, emergencies and local help

Qiandao Lake tourism enquiry

The tourism hotline of the lake.

Phone: +86 400 8811 988

The central pier

The centre-lake cruise pier and the Anhui boats.

Phone: +86 571 6481 2799

The southeast pier

The southeast-route pier and the tickets.

Phone: +86 571 6488 1959

Chun'an No.1 Hospital

The hospital of the county town.

Phone: +86 571 6481 3550

Qiandao Lake guides

The licensed guide service of the lake.

Phone: +86 571 6482 5012

Background & Historythe lake that drowned two towns

The 1959 reservoir

The Xin'an River dam raised the waters in 1959 and drowned the county towns of Hecheng and Shicheng - the 1,078 islands are the old hilltops.

The underwater city

The stone city of Shicheng now lies about 40 metres under the surface - the diving tours reach the walls, the gates and the carvings.

The Mu opera

The local Mu opera of Chun'an is unique to the county - the only place in China where the folk theatre still runs.

The Hui road

The lake country was the gateway between Zhejiang and Anhui - the Huizhou merchants' road ran through the passes above the water.

Plan Your Qiandao Lake Tripattractions, hotels, flights and specialties — all in one place

Everything on ToursChinaTravel is bookable through our team by email or WhatsApp. Here's where each part of your Qiandao Lake trip lives on the site.

Qiandao Lake Travel Guide — the thousand-island lake, the Meifeng Peak, the cruises and the fish-head dinners

Qiandao Lake Bucket Listthe cruises, the peak and the fish head

Ride the centre-lake cruise

Climb Meifeng Peak

Take the southeast route

Ride the 185-km circuit

Run the white-water rivers

Eat the fish head

Top Highlightsthe green water and the drowned towns

The island sea

The lake fleet

The blue-green water

Questions & Answerswhat travellers always ask about Qiandao Lake

How many days do I need at Qiandao Lake?

How much is the gate ticket?

Which cruise should I take?

How do I get there from Hangzhou?

Is there an airport or railway?

What about rafting?

Can ToursChinaTravel arrange my Qiandao Lake trip?

Sample Itinerariesthe island day and the two-day lake circuit

Top Attractionstickets, hours, transport & insider tips

Activities & Festivalsthe water sports and the mountain roads

The Fish Head Dinner

The Tea Garden Tofu

The Autumn Season

The Bicycle Festival

Where to Stayfrom the lake resorts to the village inns

Kaiyuan Resort

Waiwai Jia Guesthouse

Jiupao Inn

Tiandao / Wenxin / Fenghuang resorts

Food & Restaurantsthe fish head and the lake produce

Shunfenggang Restaurant

Xianshan Restaurant

Kaiyuan Resort Chinese Restaurant

Tea Garden Dried Tofu

Shopping & Souvenirstea, tofu and the lake produce

Qiandao Lake Green Tea

Tea Garden Dried Tofu

Dried Fish & Lake Produce

Getting There & Aroundby coach, rail, car and the lake piers

From Hangzhou

The Shanghai coach costs RMB 100; the Huangshan coach leaves at 6:30 and reaches the pier at 9:40.

By train

By car

The central passenger pier (+86 571 6481 2799) serves the lake routes and the 6:00 / 11:40 boats to Shendu in Anhui (RMB 15, about 5 hours); the southeast pier (+86 571 6488 1959) serves the second route.

The nine city buses cost RMB 1 (K004 reaches the tourist pier); the local taxis start at RMB 5 - the cheapest fares in the province.

Day Trips From Qiandao Lakethe peaks, the rivers and the mountain roads

Travel Tipsthings to remember

Take the first sailing

The combined ticket renews

The fish head is for two

Season the rafting

The cycling road is long

Practical Informationbanks, hospitals, emergencies and local help

Qiandao Lake tourism enquiry

The central pier

The southeast pier

Chun'an No.1 Hospital

Qiandao Lake guides

Background & Historythe lake that drowned two towns

The 1959 reservoir

The underwater city

The Mu opera

The Hui road

Plan Your Qiandao Lake Tripattractions, hotels, flights and specialties — all in one place