Qiandao Lake Seven-Day Travel Guide in Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Day 1: Arrival at Qiandao Lake, First Lakeside Experience - **Morning** Arrive at Qiandao Lake Town. It is recommended to take the high-speed train to Qiandao Lake Station and then rent a car for self-driving (refer to webpage 2). Check in at a lake-view hotel such as "Warm Island Zhiyia Art Hotel," where rooms face the lake directly. Book an afternoon tea by the lake in advance to quietly enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. - **Afternoon** Head to "Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform." You can hike up the trail or take the elevator to the top (recommended in the evening) to overlook the panoramic view of Qiandao Lake, capturing the magnificent scene of "lake bays connected, islands scattered like chess pieces" (free admission, elevator fee about 30 RMB). - **Evening** Taste authentic fish head soup at the hotel or "Fish Street." The old brand "Fish Flavor Restaurant" is recommended for its organic fish head soup (168 RMB/pot), paired with Qiandao Lake vermicelli, rich in fresh flavor. Day 2: Exploring Islands in the Central Lake Area - **All day** Take a boat tour to visit classic islands in the central lake area: - **Meifeng Island**: Take the cable car (one way 60 RMB) to the top viewing platform to capture the classic scene of "islands scattered like emeralds on a jade plate," and participate in fish rubbing art experience (30 RMB/person). - **Yule Island**: Watch the giant net fishing performance and try water scooters (50 RMB/person). Lunch is recommended at Yule Restaurant with a fish head soup set. - **Moonlight Island**: Stroll through the lock culture theme park and hang love locks (20 RMB/lock). At night, join the Moonlight Night Market to taste grilled lake fish and Qiandao Jade Leaf Tea jelly. - **Accommodation**: Choose a lake-view homestay or return to a hotel in Qiandao Lake Town. --- Day 3: Cycling Around the Lake and Water Sports - **Morning** Rent an electric bike (50 RMB/hour) or mountain bike to cycle along the "Qiandao Lake Greenway." The section from Jiangbu Bridge to Hongye Bay is recommended for stunning lake and mountain views. - **Afternoon** Go to "Hongye Bay Water Park" to experience kayaking (discounted price includes helicopter experience for 198 RMB), paddling through reed marshes to feel the tranquility of "traveling in a painting." - **Evening** Watch the 3D stage play "Qiandao Lake · Spirit of Water" to learn about the underwater ancient city and cultural history (ticket about 180 RMB). --- Day 4: Ancient Village and Underwater Ancient City Culture - **Morning** Drive to "Qinchuan Ancient Village" (40 minutes by car), stroll among Ming and Qing dynasty ancient houses, experience the bamboo horse dance (40 RMB/person), and taste farmhouse free-range chicken stew (58 RMB/portion). - **Afternoon** Visit "Wenyuan Lion City," a restored underwater ancient city featuring Huizhou-style architecture and intangible cultural heritage crafts. It is recommended to dine at "Jiang Baiwei" restaurant to try the Eighteen Bowls banquet (about 80 RMB per person). - **Accommodation**: Choose a characteristic homestay in Jiangjia Town to enjoy the ancient town’s night atmosphere. --- Day 5: Stone Forest Wonders and Forest Oxygen Bar - **All day** - **Qiandao Lake Stone Forest**: Explore East China’s top stone forest with maze-like lava landforms. Hike Blue Jade Flat and Tortoise Ridge, photographing strange stones and rocks (ticket 80 RMB). - **Forest Oxygen Bar**: Breathe fresh air with negative oxygen ion concentration over 150 times that of the city. Hike along the stream and try forest grass sledding (30 RMB/person). - **Dining**: Have a simple lunch inside the Stone Forest scenic area. For dinner, return to town to try Linqi hot pot (charcoal grilled, about 50 RMB per person). --- Day 6: Leisure Entertainment and Nightlife - **Morning** Take a helicopter ride (198 RMB/person) to overlook the panoramic view of Qiandao Lake, with a complimentary kayaking experience at Hongye Bay. - **Afternoon** Visit "Beer Town," tour the brewery and enjoy free beer tasting, photograph Gaudí-style architecture, and join the night market festivities in the evening. - **Evening** Night tour of Qiandao Lake on a three-deck painted boat, enjoy a fish feast, and watch bamboo horse dance and cross-dressing performances (ticket including dinner about 200 RMB/person). --- Day 7: Departure and Souvenir Shopping - **Morning** Free activities. Recommended to shop for local specialties at "Qilong Alley": Qiandao Lake dried fish (20 RMB/bag), Qiandao Jade Leaf Tea (200 RMB/can), and hickory nuts (15 RMB/bag). - **Afternoon** Adjust according to departure time. You can visit "Longchuan Bay Wetland" on the way, take a wooden boat through the reed marshes, and photograph egret habitats. --- Notes: 1. **Transportation**: Self-driving or car rental is recommended as distances between scenic spots are long, and some roads require mountain driving. 2. **Tickets**: Book central lake area boat tickets in advance through official platforms (about 150 RMB including boat ticket). Some attractions offer half-price tickets for students. 3. **Gear**: Sunscreen, lightweight hiking shoes, drones (allowed for aerial photography in some scenic spots). 4. **Environmental Protection**: Follow ancient village protection rules and do not litter. --- This guide combines natural scenery, cultural experiences, and food exploration, balancing depth and leisure. The charm of Qiandao Lake lies in "slow travel," so it is recommended to reserve afternoon rest time daily to quietly enjoy the gentle lake breeze.