Zhejiang-Jiangxi-Fujian Road Trip (1) – Qiandao Lake, China's Largest Artificial Lake

Hand in Hand Travel Season 10 – Zhejiang-Jiangxi-Fujian Road Trip (1) Qiandao Lake, China's Largest Artificial Lake Shanghai – Hangzhou Qiandao Lake October 11, 2020 Weather: Sunny to cloudy, 18-26°C. We set off at 6:30 AM, taking the Hukun Expressway and Changshen Expressway. Due to an accident and road construction in the Hangzhou section, we were stuck in traffic for over an hour. After driving 346 km, we arrived at Qiandao Lake at noon. Having booked our hotel and scenic area tickets online the day before, we headed straight to the Qiandao Lake Central Scenic Area Pier (Figure 1) for our scheduled 1 PM cruise. The autumn sky was clear, and the sun shone brightly. Aboard the cruise, a refreshing breeze accompanied us as we took in the breathtaking views of the lake and mountains (Figure 2). Qiandao Lake, originally known as the Xin'an River Reservoir, was formed in 1959 with the construction of the Xin'an River Hydropower Station. Overnight, the ancient cities of "Shi Cheng" (Lion City) and "He Cheng," dating back to the Han and Tang dynasties, were submerged beneath the lake. Today, Qiandao Lake—China's largest artificial lake, covering 982 square kilometers—is a 5A-level scenic area, one of the first national scenic spots, and a national forest park. It stands as a glittering gem nestled among the mountains of northwestern Zhejiang. With a dendritic shape, Qiandao Lake is dotted with 1,078 islands of varying sizes, scattered in a picturesque and orderly fashion (Figure 3). Due to limited time, we chose a half-day cruise in the central lake area, visiting Meifeng Island, Longshan Island, and Moonlight Island. Meifeng Island, located at the western end of the central lake area, is renowned for its scattered islands, intricate waterways, and pristine ecology, earning its status as a top-tier attraction. On a clear day like today, climbing the Meifeng Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of over 300 islands (Figure 4), perfectly capturing the essence of Guo Moruo's poem: "Three thousand West Lakes, mountains dwarfed by their height; Peaks transformed into islands, waves rolling where land once lay." Longshan Island, once a famous scenic spot in western Zhejiang, became an island after the Xin'an River Reservoir was filled. The island features the Hai Rui Temple (Figure 5) with its upturned eaves, as well as sculptures of historical figures who once lived here (Figure 6), making it a cultural hub. Moonlight Island, also known as Lock Island, is a world of locks (Figure 7), with 160,000 locks of all kinds adorning the island, each carrying the wishes of those who placed them. The island also boasts attractions like koi ponds, zip lines, traditional boats, and a swaying bridge, making it especially popular with young visitors and children (Figures 8–9). Qiandao Lake, embraced by mountains and cradling islands, left us with unforgettable memories of its "green lake with golden belts" scenery. By 5 PM, as the sun set, our tour concluded, having glimpsed the essence of its iconic sights. As a "treasure trove" of freshwater fish, the town is filled with fish-themed restaurants, making it a must to indulge in fresh local seafood. Tomorrow, we head to Wuyuan—our journey has just begun, so it's time to rest early and pace ourselves.