How do I get to Qiandao Lake from Hangzhou?

Take the high-speed train from Hangzhou East Station to Qiandao Lake (Chun'an) Station; the ride is roughly 50 minutes. From the station you'll still need a taxi or local bus to reach the lakeside docks and hotels, as the area is spread out. Plan it as an overnight trip rather than a day trip.

Is the boat tour worth it, and what do you actually see?

Yes. The standard two-hour cruise stops at a couple of the larger islands, such as Five Dragon Island and Lock Island, with open-water scenery between them. It's the simplest way to grasp the scale of the 1,000-plus forested islands. Buy the cruise ticket at the dock; bring sun protection as deck seating is exposed.

Can foreigners scuba dive to the submerged underwater city?

Diving to the sunken ancient town of Chun'an is possible but strictly for certified advanced divers, and it's expensive. The water is deep and cold with limited visibility, so it is not a casual tourist activity. Most visitors simply enjoy the lake views and boat tours instead, which need no special arrangements.

Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake), Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

1078-island man-made lake created 1959 — boat tours, mountain biking, the source of Nongfu Spring bottled water. UNESCO Biosphere candidate.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 千岛湖 (Qiāndǎo Hú)
Opening hours: Always open
Time needed: 2-3 days (full day if rushed)
Best time to visit: April-October weekday; avoid August heat
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Passport booking required
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Qiandao Lake Town, Chun'an, Hangzhou · 杭州市淳安县千岛湖镇

See Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake)tickets & tours

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Qiandao Lake ('Thousand Island Lake') was created 1959 when the Xin'an Jiang River was dammed to power Eastern China's first hydroelectric project — submerging two ancient cities (Chun'an and Sui'an, now legendary 'underwater cities' that scuba divers visit) and 1378 mountain peaks (now the 1078 islands). 580 km² of clear blue water — the source of Nongfu Spring bottled water (the most popular in China). Activities: 2-hour boat tour to Five Dragon Island + Lock Island ¥150, mountain biking the lake-perimeter trails, scuba diving to the Chun'an underwater city (advanced divers only, certification required, ¥3000+). High-speed rail from Hangzhou East 50 min ¥75. Best 3-day trip with mid-range lakeside hotels (¥600-1500).

Highlights

Boat Tour to Five Dragon Island¥150 / 2-hour scenic tour
Underwater Chun'an CityScuba diving to submerged 1300-year-old town
Nongfu Spring SourceLake water bottled as China's #1 mineral water

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Treat this as a two-day trip, not a day trip; the rail station sits far from the docks and the area rewards an unhurried pace.
▸Visit on a weekday outside August; summer heat and holiday crowds overwhelm the boats and lakeside paths.
▸Renting a bike for the perimeter trails gives quieter water views than the packed cruise decks do.
▸Morning light, before the haze builds, gives the clearest layered-island photos from any hilltop viewpoint.
▸Book a lakeside hotel rather than a town-centre one; you trade convenience for sunrise water views worth waking up for.
▸Carry cash or a small water supply for island stops, where on-site prices climb and choice is limited.
▸Spring and autumn weekdays give the calmest water and mildest temperatures for the open-deck cruise.

Photos

Tranquil scene of West Lake with peaceful waters and distant hills in Hangzhou, China.

Serene view of historic boats and structures on West Lake in Hangzhou, China, with misty mountains.

Serene view of traditional floating pagodas on West Lake, Hangzhou, China, capturing cultural architecture.

Two bicycles parked by a serene lake in Hangzhou, China, perfect for outdoor adventures.

A stunning aerial shot of vibrant green lake with lushly wooded islands, showcasing natural beauty.

Aerial view over West Lake, lush greenery, and Hangzhou city skyline under a clear blue sky.

A breathtaking aerial view of a lush, green island archipelago amidst clear blue waters.

Breathtaking view of a tranquil lake with mountain backdrop in Hubei, China, ideal for travel enthusiasts.

Serene lake view with distant mountains and a bright, cloudy sky.

Tranquil view of West Lake featuring a traditional pavilion amidst serene waters and distant hills.

A tranquil scene featuring a boat on a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.

Aerial shot of docks and boats surrounded by greenery in Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia.

Scenic aerial view of lush green island surrounded by calm waters near Jiujiang, China.

Aerial view of a calm lake with islands and surrounding landscape at twilight, showcasing a serene natural setting.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

LakeDay·TripAdvisor·4/5

1078-island lake. Boat tour ¥130. Stunning aerials. Day-trip from Hangzhou (2.5 hrs).

2026-04-22

千岛湖·Xiaohongshu·5/5

千岛湖 1078 个小岛！¥130 游船。岛上石林 + 猴岛。从杭州 2.5 小时车程。

2026-03-28

Olivia B.·Google Maps·4/5

Aerial views are jaw-dropping. Day-trip doable but overnight better.

2026-02-28

Frequently asked questions about Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake)

How do I get to Qiandao Lake from Hangzhou?: Take the high-speed train from Hangzhou East Station to Qiandao Lake (Chun'an) Station; the ride is roughly 50 minutes. From the station you'll still need a taxi or local bus to reach the lakeside docks and hotels, as the area is spread out. Plan it as an overnight trip rather than a day trip.
Is the boat tour worth it, and what do you actually see?: Yes. The standard two-hour cruise stops at a couple of the larger islands, such as Five Dragon Island and Lock Island, with open-water scenery between them. It's the simplest way to grasp the scale of the 1,000-plus forested islands. Buy the cruise ticket at the dock; bring sun protection as deck seating is exposed.
Can foreigners scuba dive to the submerged underwater city?: Diving to the sunken ancient town of Chun'an is possible but strictly for certified advanced divers, and it's expensive. The water is deep and cold with limited visibility, so it is not a casual tourist activity. Most visitors simply enjoy the lake views and boat tours instead, which need no special arrangements.