Between the Mountains and Waters: Qiandao Lake

Escape the summer heat in Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai! The bamboo forest retreat of Moganshan paired with the crystal-clear waters and blue skies of Qiandao Lake makes the perfect combination. This itinerary offers both a cool retreat and Instagram-worthy spots, with every shot looking like a masterpiece 📸 🌿 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary: DAY1: Moganshan Scenic Area (recommended to buy combo ticket) - Sword Pond Waterfall: Must-visit spot with spectacular cascading falls - Reed Marsh Park: Instagrammable location featuring giant windmills and purple flower fields - Yucun Cultural Street: Republic-era style town full of artsy shops and cafes 🏠 Accommodation Recommendation: Staying near Yucun is most convenient We stayed at "Moganshan Bamboo Shadow" homestay, 300+/night Features a huge terrace overlooking bamboo forests, perfect for evening breezes DAY2: Morning continues in Moganshan - Dakeng Scenic Area: Morning sea of clouds viewing - Skyline Forest Valley: Newly opened outdoor adventure park Afternoon transfer to Qiandao Lake (about 2 hours drive) DAY3: Qiandao Lake Day Tour - Central Lake Area: Recommended to buy cruise tickets - Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform: Panoramic view of Qiandao Lake - Beer Town: Colorful architecture perfect for photos - Evening lakeside walk for sunset views 🍜 Food Recommendations: Moganshan Must-eats: - Mother Jin's Kitchen (popular restaurant) - Aqing's Noodle House (signature topped noodles) - Moganshan Bamboo Chicken (extremely tender) Qiandao Lake Must-eats: - Qiandao Lake Fish Head (we went to Xiushui Renjia at Fish Street) - Anshang Rice Noodles (local specialty snack) - Dried Vegetable Pancake (available at street stalls) 🚗 Transportation Tips: 1. Recommended to self-drive, about 2 hours from Moganshan to Qiandao Lake 2. Alternative option: High-speed train to Deqing Station, then taxi to Moganshan 3. Public buses available in Qiandao Lake area, but recommend renting bicycles for lakeside cycling