Did you ever want to escape from the bustling metropolis? Come
to Thousand Islets Lake and experience something special.
With 81% of the area covered in forests, Thousand Islets Lake (Qian
Dao Lake) is a pure lake with clean, fresh air. It is a young lake
formed in 1959 as a result of the construction of New Anjiang Hydroelectric
Power Station. It is a beautiful lake with 1078 islets showing different
views in different seasons. It is a rich lake abounding with fish
and surrounded by trees, tea, mulberry (the food of the silkworm)
and other fruit trees. Qian Dao Lake is also a delightful lake with
many activities including enjoying the natural scenery and local
culture, observing wild animals and taking part in many exciting
activities.
Thousand Islets Lake (Qian Dao Lake) lies in Chun'an County,
about 150 km (93 miles) west of Hangzhou City and is 140 km (87
miles) southeast of Mt.
Huangshan. It is a resplendent pearl in the classical golden
route of Hangzhou-Thousand Islets Lake-Mt. Huangshan and has become
popular all over the world.
Qian Dao Lake is noted for its verdurous mountains, crystal clear
water, exotic caves and strange stones. Nongfu (farmer) Spring Water,
a famous mineral water brand, comes from Qiandao Lake. The scenic
area can be divided into six sections on the basis of geographical
location. They are: Southeast Lake District (the first to be developed),
Central Lake District (combining several spots that should not be
missed), Southwest Lake District, Northeast Lake District, Northwest
Lake District and Fuxi Stone Forest (the first stone forest in East
China), each possessing their own unique and striking landscapes.
In Southeast Lake District can be found Tianchi (heaven pool),
a quarry site dating from the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279),
Xianshan (admiration mountain) Island, Guihua (sweet osmanthus)
Island and Mishan (honey mountain) Island (The story of 'One boy
is a boy, two boys half a boy, three boys no boy' originated here).
In Central Lake District, there are Qiandao Lake Fishing Village,
Meifeng (plum peak) Island, Wulong (five dragons) Scenic Area and
the Animal Interest Section. On Meifeng Island, you can command
views from a great height, experience grass-skiing, and boat down
the water. Wulong Scenic Area is made up of Lock Island, Bird Island,
Zhenqu (true delight) Garden and Qishi (strange stone) Island connected
by several bridges. Lock Island is a world of locks, including happiness
lock, wisdom lock, health lock and carp lock. The first Lock Museum
in China was built here housing Safety Lock, the biggest lock in
Guinness World Records. In the Animal Interest Section, peacocks,
snakes, monkeys and ostriches can be seen. You can enjoy yourself
by watching the animals performing, feeding them, playing with them
and taking photos of them.
The best time to visit Qiandao Lake is in autumn and winter, when
there is less rainfall. Fine weather, cool and fresh air and clear
water are really enjoyable. Do sample the distinctively cooked seafood
and some local food here. Take home souvenirs like inkstones, hemp
embroideries and products made of pearls.
Thousand Islets Lake is currently the largest forest park in China.
It has been awarded many titles and received favorable comments
from tourists both at home and abroad. So, why not come and see
for yourself!