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Yes! This time we are heading to Qiandao Lake in China (Thousand Island Lake China)—not to be confused with Thousand Islands Lake in California, USA.
On this 2 Days Qiandao Lake Tour from Hangzhou, you will enjoy a full-day relaxing cruise to explore those beautiful islands and lakes, and also legends of the Submerged Lion City.
The iconic Qiandao Lake Lighthouse and the adjacent Beer Town are also included in this leisurely escape. Optional upgrades such as a high-end lake-view hotel are also available.
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| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hangzhou | Private car service from Hangzhou to Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake). | |
| 1-2 | Qiandao Lake | Thousand Island Lake Lighthouse, Beer Town, Botanical Garden, Qilong Alley, Qiandao Lake Cruise, Optional Qiandao Lake Biking (1h) |
Hangzhou
Qiandao Lake
Welcome to Hangzhou! Upon arrival, your Hangzhou guide/driver will meet you at your hotel or airport/train station and escort you to Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake China). The entire private transfer takes 2 hours around. A short rest stop will be arranged along the way for convenience.
Your Qiandao Lake tour begins with a visit to the charming Beer Town. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing experience such as tasting local craft beer, relaxing at lakeside cafés, or taking photos in the themed streets that resemble a small European town by the lake.
Next, continue to the nearby iconic Qiandao Lake Lighthouse, one of the most photogenic landmarks in the region. Set against the vast lake horizon, the white lighthouse offers a perfect panoramic viewpoint of the surrounding islands and shimmering waters.
After lunch, be driven for half an hour around to the peaceful Qiandao Lake Botanical Garden, where you can enjoy a short nature walk surrounded by subtropical plants, flowers, and forest scenery. This stop offers a quiet contrast to the open lake views earlier in the day.
After the garden tour, head to Qilong Alley, a lively local street filled with snacks, small shops, and traditional charm. It is a great place to experience local life and enjoy a casual evening stroll.
Finally, check in at a well-selected Qiandao Lake hotel. Optional lake-view hotel upgrades are available for guests who wish to enjoy sunset and early morning lake scenery directly from their balcony.
Dining:
Accommodation:
Pace:
This morning after breakfast, your Qiandao Lake Tour (Thousand Island Lake China) continues with the highlight experience of the journey — a full-day Qiandao Lake Cruise (09:00–15:30) through one of China’s most iconic freshwater lake landscapes.
You will board the Qiandao Lake Cruise Line 1, the classic sightseeing route that takes you across the central lake area. Surrounded by emerald waters and thousands of scattered islands, this cruise offers one of the most breathtaking lake views in China and is a must-do experience on any Thousand Island Tour.
During the cruise, your professional guide will introduce the unique ecology of Qiandao Lake, famous for its exceptionally clean and high-quality freshwater, which is also the source of well-known bottled water brands such as Nongfu Spring.
You will also hear the fascinating legend of the Sunken Lion City, an ancient city submerged beneath the lake during the creation of Qiandao Lake reservoir.
Your first island stop is Meifeng Island, the most iconic viewpoint of Qiandao Lake. From the pier, you can enjoy a 30-minute walk to the summit. At the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire lake, where thousands of green islands scatter across crystal-clear waters.
The ride takes only about 3 minutes and offers a convenient way to reach the panoramic viewpoint. However, please note that you may need to wait in line for at least half an hour to get a ticket during peak travel seasons, especially on weekends and holidays.
Continue the cruise to Yule Island. The island offers a casual dining atmosphere and simple leisure experiences, allowing you to take a break.
Next, visit Longshan Island, a cultural stop where you will explore the Hai Gong Shrine and learn about the history of Chun’an County, the region surrounding Qiandao Lake.
Here, your guide will explain how the lake area has evolved from ancient settlements to a modern ecological tourism destination, giving you deeper insight into the cultural heritage behind the Thousand Island Lake China landscape.
The cruise also pass by Moonlight Island. If you want more island experience, you can hop on it too.
After the cruise returns to the pier, your 2 Days Qiandao Lake Tour from Hangzhou ends. Your guide/driver will escort you to the railway Station of this region for departure. If you prefer getting back to Hangzhou for leaving, you will be transferred back to Hangzhou.
Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Qiandao Lake Tour from Hangzhou! We are always here to assist you and look forward to seeing you again for your next trip to China/Asia!
You may choose an optional 1-hour cycling experience along the Chunyang Greenway, starting from Shuixiu Square. This lakeside cycling route offers a relaxing and immersive way to experience the natural beauty of Qiandao Lake at a slower pace.
Dining:Accommodation:Pace:
Vehicle ServiceAirport/Train Station TransfersProfessional Guide ServiceDriver ServiceHotel AccommodationDaily Hotel BreakfastMeals as SpecifiedEntrance FeesInsuranceSpecial ExperiencesComprehensive Service
China Visa FeeInternational / Domestic AirfareTransportation During Free TimeOptional ActivitiesMeals Not ListedBeveragesExtra Expenses Inside Scenic AreasTips for Guide and DriverPersonal ExpensesSingle Room SupplementOne-on-one Wheelchair Assistance
Most travelers recommend 2 days for a Qiandao Lake Tour from Hangzhou, which allows you to enjoy a full-day cruise, island hopping, and lakeside relaxation. A 3-day stay is ideal for those who prefer a slower pace with extra cycling, photography, or resort relaxation.
Most travelers choose a private transfer from Hangzhou, which takes around 2 hours. This is considered the most convenient option for international visitors. High spee trains are available but less direct.
You can take a high-speed train from Hangzhou to Qiandaohu Railway Station (千岛湖站). The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the train schedule. This is a comfortable and efficient option for independent travelers who prefer public transport in China.
After arriving at Qiandaohu Station, you will still need an additional 30–60 minutes by car or local transfer to reach the main Qiandao Lake scenic area (Thousand Island Lake China), as the railway station is located slightly outside the lake region.
Depends. It saves time and provides easier access to the best panoramic viewpoint of Qiandao Lake. However, travelers should expect possible queues during weekends and peak seasons.
Yes, many travelers choose a lake-view hotel in Qiandao Lake, especially those with balconies facing the islands. This is one of the most recommended experiences on Instagram travel posts, as sunrise and sunset views over the lake are highly photogenic and peaceful.
Yes, Qiandao Lake is very suitable for families, seniors, and leisure travelers. The itinerary is not physically demanding, with options like cruise sightseeing, cable car access, and private transfers, making it a comfortable slow travel destination near Hangzhou.
The Qiandao Lake Cruise (Thousand Island Lake China Cruise) offers different sightseeing routes, with three main cruise lines available depending on travel time, season, and visitor preference. For most international travelers and first-time visitors, Qiandao Lake Cruise Line 1 is highly recommended, as it covers the most iconic scenery and provides the best overall introduction to the Thousand Island Lake China landscape in a single day.
Yes, the full lakeside cycling loop around Qiandao Lake is quite long—approximately around 150+ km in total circumference, which would take a full day or more to complete and is generally suitable only for experienced cyclists. One of the most recommended routes is the Chunyang Greenway Cycling Trail, starting from Shuixiu Square.
However, for most visitors on a 2 Days Qiandao Lake Tour from Hangzhou, a short 1-hour cycling experience is highly recommended instead. This allows you to enjoy a relaxing ride along a flat and well-maintained lakeside path, surrounded by calm waters, green hills, and island views, without requiring high physical effort.
A good night's sleep is essential during your Qiandao Lake Tour from Hangzhou. In our private tours, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred hotel class—whether it's luxury 5-star, comfortable 4-star, or economic 3-star accommodations.
We carefully select hotels in prime locations in Qiandao Lake, Hangzhou, situated close to vibrant commercial streets or major tourist attractions. All our partner hotels maintain long-term relationships with us and are equipped with essential amenities including windows, air-conditioning, hot water, showers, and Wi-Fi (with the exception of basic conditions at Mount Everest) to ensure a comfortable stay.
The hotel staff are proficient in English and dedicated to providing high-quality service. Should you have any special requirements during your stay, they are always available to assist you to ensure a truly pleasant experience.
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Tripadvisor 4.9
4.9 | 16,674 reviews
I highly recommend this 6-day Beijing and Shanghai group tour! It’s the perfect short trip to see China’s top highlights like the Great Wall and the Bund.
The price was fantastic for the value we received, with excellent guides and no forced shopping. A wonderful, budget-friendly experience!
Our 10-day China tour through Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Shanghai was absolutely incredible! Traveling in a small group made everything seamless. The guides were highly knowledgeable, and I really appreciated the "no shopping stops" policy.
From hiking the Mutianyu Great Wall to the stunning Li River cruise and Shanghai's modern skyline, every moment was perfectly planned. Highly recommend Asia Odyssey Travel!
I recently finished the 8-day Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai small group tour with Asia Odyssey Travel, and it was absolutely fantastic! Traveling with just 12 people made the experience intimate and fun.
Our English-speaking guides were incredibly knowledgeable, bringing historical sites like the Terracotta Warriors and the Forbidden City to life. I truly appreciated their strict "no shopping stops" policy, which gave us much more time to explore.
The high-speed train transfers were seamless, and the hotels were very comfortable. A perfect, hassle-free trip! Highly recommended!
Just came back from an amazing 8 days tour to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. The tour is very well organized and we enjoyed every minute of it. But what made the difference is the kindness and commitment of Asia Odyssey staff to provide exceptional service; including the travel assistant, Cindy and the three tour guides, Mary, Timo and Jessica. Thank you all for making our first time journey to China unforgettable!
Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou - Huangshan
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Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou
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Shanghai - Hangzhou - Suzhou - Shanghai
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Shanghai - Hangzhou - Huangshan
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I highly recommend this 6-day Beijing and Shanghai group tour! It’s the perfect short trip to see China’s top highlights like the Great Wall and the Bund.
The price was fantastic for the value we received, with excellent guides and no forced shopping. A wonderful, budget-friendly experience!
Our 10-day China tour through Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Shanghai was absolutely incredible! Traveling in a small group made everything seamless. The guides were highly knowledgeable, and I really appreciated the "no shopping stops" policy.
From hiking the Mutianyu Great Wall to the stunning Li River cruise and Shanghai's modern skyline, every moment was perfectly planned. Highly recommend Asia Odyssey Travel!
I recently finished the 8-day Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai small group tour with Asia Odyssey Travel, and it was absolutely fantastic! Traveling with just 12 people made the experience intimate and fun.
Our English-speaking guides were incredibly knowledgeable, bringing historical sites like the Terracotta Warriors and the Forbidden City to life. I truly appreciated their strict "no shopping stops" policy, which gave us much more time to explore.
The high-speed train transfers were seamless, and the hotels were very comfortable. A perfect, hassle-free trip! Highly recommended!
This was a group trip organised by Asia Odyssey Travel and I had booked with them for the 29th July tour. Overall it was a fantastic experience starting from the rail station pick up, the hotel stays, the food and the guide during each day. Ms. Freya as a guide was nice and a little sweet girl. Shall get better with experience. My best wishes to her. Ms. Nia, the tour coordinator cooperated with me very well since my booking and everything was smooth. I reccomend Asia Odyssey for future travels. Best wishes.
We organized an 18-day tour across China with Asia Odyssey Travel, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the very beginning, we were supported by Steven, who speaks excellent English and showed great patience and flexibility. He helped us design a fully customized itinerary based on our preferences, adjusting the original proposals to suit our needs. Steven also stayed in touch throughout the trip to make sure everything went smoothly—and we even had the pleasure of meeting him in person during our stop in Yangshuo!
Our journey included many destinations: Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Furong, Fenghuang, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Shanghai. We took two domestic flights and three trains, including two long-distance rides. In each location, we were met by a local English-speaking guide and a driver. We were truly impressed by the professionalism and kindness of every guide we had: Vincent in Beijing, Tina in Chengdu, Christine in Chongqing, Rachel in Zhangjiajie – Furong and Fenghuang, and Helen in Guilin. Each of them was knowledgeable, helpful, and a joy to spend time with.
Although we’re not usually the type to travel with organized tours, we wanted a good balance between guided experiences and time on our own. Asia Odyssey Travel was incredibly accommodating, allowing us the flexibility to explore independently while still taking care of all the logistics—like picking us up from airports or train stations and ensuring someone accompanied us to our hotels, which was especially valuable in a country where English is not widely spoken.
Thanks to Steven’s advice and the guidance of the local experts, we were able to make the most of every stop—visiting key sights at the right times and avoiding crowds whenever possible. We always felt supported, cared for, and in good hands.
We wholeheartedly recommend traveling with Asia Odyssey Travel, and if we return to the region in the future, we’ll definitely choose them again!
Just came back from an amazing 8 days tour to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. The tour is very well organized and we enjoyed every minute of it. But what made the difference is the kindness and commitment of Asia Odyssey staff to provide exceptional service; including the travel assistant, Cindy and the three tour guides, Mary, Timo and Jessica. Thank you all for making our first time journey to China unforgettable!
Navigating China has never been easy with Asia Odyssey Travel and the knowledgeable guides. Tani has been also very helpful and responsive to my queries and I’ve learned a lot on how things work in China. The itinerary is worth it but ensure you warm up before your tour because the explorations need a lot of walking. Also, having a small group is ideal since we had time to know each other, and learn from new acquaintances.
I recently had the pleasure of touring Beijing with an amazing guide Steven and driver, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! From the moment we were picked up, everything was well-organized, smooth, and enjoyable.
Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. He shared fascinating insights about Beijing’s history and culture, making each site we visited even more meaningful. Their enthusiasm and storytelling brought places like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven to life. They also gave us great recommendations for local food and hidden gems, which made our trip even more special.
The driver was equally fantastic—always punctual, professional, and courteous. Navigating Beijing’s busy streets can be challenging, but our driver made it feel effortless. The vehicle was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, making our journey stress-free and enjoyable.
Overall, this was an unforgettable experience, thanks to our guide and driver. I highly recommend their services to anyone visiting Beijing.
Booking through Asia Odyssey Travel made everything so easy! The entire trip on the Century Voyage was seamless and stress-free. The all-inclusive pricing was a huge plus—no surprise charges, just pure relaxation. The ship itself is stunning, with luxurious interiors and spacious cabins that felt like a high-end hotel room. The staff was super friendly and spoke great English, which made everything more comfortable.
