The water glistens a clear blue-green and the winter sun reflects sparkling ripples. It’s Christmas Eve and Qiandao Lake has put on a perfect sunny winter day. The laughs of the 20 foreign tour experiencers carry across the lake. Experiencing kayaking, karting, and cycling on the most beautiful greenway around the breathtaking Qiandao Lake, these 20 foreigners were simply amazed by the many activities Qiandao Lake offered. In their words, “To be honest, we didn’t expect that there are so many great activities you can do in Qiandao Lake. Also, the views of islands are literally breathtaking. You can take a boat, do kayaking, enjoying the view of islands while biking. They are all so much fun. Besides, local Qiandao food is so tasty. We just love it. We can definitely say that when you visit China, Qiandao Lake should be your must go place. We traveled to countless places in China but Qiandao Lake is our favorite by far!”
20 foreign Qiandao Lake tour experiencers – having an unforgettable Christmas in Qiandao Lake
20 foreign Qiandao Lake Tour Experiencers – having fun doing kayaking
20 foreign Qiandao Lake tour experiencers – cycling along the most beautiful Qiandao Lake Greenway
20 foreign Qiandao Lake tour experiencers – enjoying karting
About Qiandao Lake
Qiandao Lake is where rural meets urban, a 300km drive west from Shanghai. In 1959, the construction of the Xin’an River Hydropower Station created the lake. This station was one of China’s first ambitious hydropower dam projects that pushed the country to become the world’s largest producer of hydropower. Fed from the peaks and foothills of Yellow Mountain and the surrounding Xin’anjiang National Park the lake has over 100 species of fish. China rates it as a national first-class lake, and Nongfu Spring, a major bottled water company, sources its product from the lake.
What to Do
Riparian life varies between local farming and fishing villages to the burgeoning tourism economy. You can explore the lake cruising to islands such as Monkey Island and Bird Island, hosts to the respective animals – monkeys, ostriches, and peacocks.
If you are looking to remain on land, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Hire a bike and explore the Greenway, a cycle path that spans 140km and borders the water. Challenge friends and family to go-karting near Cheerday Beer Town, the home of Cheerday’s brewery. Take a kayak out on the water, explore the history of Lion City, a town rebuilt after it’s submerged original, or detox your lungs from the city smog at an oxygen forest bar.
About the Food
In terms of local delicacies, the area is rich in produce and most dishes include fish and shrimp. Here the fish is fresh, soft, steamed to perfection and served with light vinegar and soy sauce. The area is also famous for Fish Head Soup, a milky white ginger broth with tofu, yam, and bamboo shoots. If fish heads make you uneasy, you can simply enjoy the vegetables and the soup broth, perfect after a long day of sightseeing.
How to get there?
From Shanghai catch a high-speed train to Hangzhou East Railway Station (~1.5 hours), then ride the newly-opened line from Hangzhou to Qiandaohu Station (~1.5 hours).
Where to stay?
Depending on your budget, the Intercontinental and Hilton are reliable five-star hotels that both have locations along the lake and keep up their international reputation. English is spoken by upper management, and the buffets cater to both Western and Chinese tastes.
You can also find a number of smaller hotels that provide a more local and intimate atmosphere. Suggested is the Readwood, a boutique hotel with a spectacular view over the lake. The manager speaks perfect English and is passionate about showing visitors the lake.
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