The beauty of Qiandao Lake lies not only in its grand scale, with the lake resembling an emerald plate and the islands like jade hairpins, but also in the unique micro-landscapes of each island and each bay.
Nature's Creation – The Clarity of Water and the Rhythm of the Island
The core landscape here is a concerto of lakes, islands, forests, and light and shadow.
The source of the beautiful water: the crystal-clear lake itself
Water quality and color: Qiandao Lake is a Class I national water body, meeting drinking water standards without any treatment. The lake water exhibits a gradual change in blue from near to far: transparent light green at the shore, gradually turning emerald green, Tiffany blue, and finally a deep azure blue at the center of the lake. This ultimate clarity is the foundation of all the vibrant life in Qiandao Lake.
Morning mist and sunset: In the early morning, a thin mist often rises over the lake, making the islands appear and disappear in the mist, like a traditional Chinese ink painting. In the evening, the setting sun dyes the lake water golden and red, creating a spectacular scene of "half the river is green, half is red". Meifeng Viewing Platform and Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform are the highest points for appreciating the lake and mountain scenery.
The Beauty of a Thousand Islands: Green Pearls of Various Shapes
The islands do not exist in isolation; they combine to form a rich gallery of landscapes.
Dense Archipelago Area: The islands are most densely distributed in the central lake area and the southeast lake area. When viewed from a high vantage point, the islands resemble pearls scattered on a jade plate, with distinct layers, making it an excellent spot for capturing the classic "Thousand Islands" panoramic view.
Featured themed islands: Meifeng Island is known for its "Meifeng Scenic View," where visitors can take a cable car to the top and experience the expansive view of all the surrounding islands. Moonlight Island is connected by lock culture and love themes, full of romantic charm. Huangshan Peak, on the other hand, features more than 90 islands naturally arranged to form the giant Chinese character "天下为公" (meaning "The world belongs to all"), a true natural wonder.
Wilderness and Ecological Islands: Numerous undeveloped islands retain their original vegetation and are home to birds and wildlife. A boat trip through them is like exploring a hidden aquatic paradise.
Forest Oxygen Bar: A Green Corridor Around the Lake
The lake area boasts a forest coverage rate of up to 95% and extremely high levels of negative oxygen ions. The Qiandao Lake Ring Greenway (over 150 kilometers long) is hailed as "China's most beautiful cycling path," winding through scenic lakes, mountains, villages, and ancient towns, offering an excellent way to immerse yourself in the ecological beauty of Qiandao Lake.
Humanistic Ingenuity – Underwater Memories and Onshore Charm
Beneath the lake's surface, time is preserved; on its shores, life continues.
Exploring the Underwater Ancient City: The well-preserved Lion City and He City, submerged dozens of meters underwater, are known as the "Atlantis of the East." While direct diving is not possible, visitors can experience their mystery and awe through VR technology at the Qiandao Lake Underwater Ancient City Science and Technology Museum, a simulated diving cabin, or by watching documentaries. This rich cultural heritage is the soul that distinguishes Qiandao Lake from other lakes.
Wenyuan Lion City: Located in Jiangjia Town, it reconstructs some of the underwater Lion City buildings according to their original appearance, and reproduces the street scene of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is a physical window to touch the history and culture of Qiandao Lake immigrants.
Ancient Villages and Fishing Customs: Scattered around the lake are ancient villages such as Qinchuan Ancient Village (Ming and Qing Dynasty Hui-style architecture) and Longchuan Bay, which retain their traditional way of life. The local "giant net fishing" scene is spectacular and a unique display of fishing culture.
Contemporary architectural aesthetics: Modern buildings such as the Qiandao Lake Pearl Plaza and Beer Town, designed by international design masters, stand on the shore of Qiandao Lake, in harmonious dialogue with the natural landscape and showcasing another aspect of humanistic features.
Photography Tips:
From a bird's-eye view: Meifeng Viewing Platform and Huangshan Peak are must-visit spots for capturing panoramic views of the archipelago, with the best light and shadow at sunrise and sunset.
Lake Mirror: On a calm morning, use the reflection of the island in the lake to create a symmetrical composition of the sky and the island.
Humanistic Documentary: The stone bridges, streams, and elderly people of Qinchuan Ancient Village provide excellent subjects for photographing the simple and honest folk customs.
Astronomical photography: At a lakeside far from light pollution, you can capture stunning views of the Milky Way stretching across the lake islands.
Drone Notice: Flight regulations are strict; advance notice is required and no-fly zones must be avoided.
