Qiandao Lake Reef

Qiandao Lake Shore

Qiandao Lake Wall

Qiandao Lake is renowned throughout China for its organic fish, which grow slowly in the cold clear water developing firm texture and clean flavors that are highly prized. The lake’s most famous dish is Qiandao Lake fish head soup, a rich milky broth made from enormous organic carp heads that is considered a delicacy. Other lake specialties include braised mandarin fish, grilled catfish, and various preparations of freshwater shrimp. The surrounding Zhejiang countryside supplies excellent bamboo shoots, wild vegetables, and free-range poultry that complement the lake’s seafood. Restaurants around Qiandao Lake Town specialize in these local dishes with views across the water.

Qiandao Lake Resort

Qiandao Lakeview Hotel

Qiandao Island Retreat

Qiandao Budget Inn

Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) in Zhejiang province is one of China’s most extraordinary freshwater diving destinations, a vast man-made reservoir created in 1959 by the construction of the Xin’an River Dam that flooded an ancient valley containing entire towns, temples, and bridges dating back over a thousand years. The lake covers 573 square kilometers with 1,078 islands scattered across crystal-clear water that reaches depths of over 50 meters. The submerged ancient town of Shicheng, perfectly preserved in the cold deep water at 26-40 meters depth, offers a truly unique diving experience where divers can explore intact Ming and Qing dynasty architecture including city walls, temples, houses, and streets that have been underwater for over six decades. The lake’s surface water is warm in summer but thermoclines create dramatic temperature drops at depth, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Freshwater fish species including giant carp, catfish, mandarin fish, and freshwater eel inhabit the submerged structures. Visibility varies from 3 to 15 meters depending on depth and season, with the best conditions in autumn when rainfall is minimal. The combination of underwater archaeological exploration, stunning surface scenery, and the surreal experience of diving through ancient Chinese architecture makes Qiandao Lake one of the world’s most unique diving destinations.

Inland Freshwater – Qiandao Lake

Best visibility and comfortable temperatures.

Variable visibility depending on rainfall.

Scenic boat tour through the stunning archipelago of forested islands

Lake cruise through the thousand islands

View the submerged ancient town from the underwater viewing platform (non-divers)

Shicheng ancient town underwater viewing platform

Cycle the extensive lakeside cycling path with scenic viewpoints

Qiandao Lake cycling greenway

Hike through the pristine forested hills surrounding the lake

Forest oxygen bar hiking

Dine on the lake famous organic fish prepared in traditional styles

Qiandao Lake organic fish feast

Ferry to the island viewpoint with the most spectacular panorama of the lake

Meifeng Island panoramic viewpoint

Fly into Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) then transfer by car approximately 2.5 hours to Qiandao Lake town. Alternatively, high-speed rail to Qiandao Lake station from Hangzhou takes about 1 hour.

Dive Sites in Inland Freshwater – Qiandao Lake

Qiandao Lake Reef

Qiandao Lake Shore

Qiandao Lake Wall