Qiandao Lake
Zhejiang Sheng
Qiandao Lake, also known as Thousand Island Lake, is a vast man-made freshwater reservoir located in Chun'an County, Zhejiang Province, China. Created in 1959 by the construction of the Xin'an River Dam, the lake covers approximately 573 square kilometers and contains over 1,000 islands, ranging from large to tiny islets, making its geography uniquely picturesque. The surrounding area is heavily forested, contributing to the lake's pristine environment and clear waters. The lake supports a significant aquaculture industry, breeding various fish species including carp and sturgeon, the latter used to produce high-quality caviar. Beneath its waters lies the ancient submerged city of Shicheng, dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty, remarkably preserved at depths of 26 to 40 meters. Qiandao Lake is also known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and supporting local economic activities such as mineral water production and tourism development. Its calm waters and numerous islands create a tranquil and visually captivating landscape, making it a unique natural and cultural destination in eastern China.
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Tip: The best time to visit Qiandao Lake is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Visitors are advised to book boat tours in advance to explore the islands and the submerged ancient city safely. Discounts may be available for group bookings or off-peak seasons. It is recommended to check local weather conditions and water activities schedules before planning your visit.
Interesting facts
- •Qiandao Lake contains 1,078 large islands and thousands of smaller islets.
- •The submerged ancient city of Shicheng lies at depths of 26 to 40 meters, remarkably well-preserved underwater.
- •The lake supports an aquaculture industry including 30,000 sturgeons bred for caviar production under the Kaluga Queen label.
- •Xin'an Dam, creating the lake, was the first dam in China taller than 100 meters.
- •One of the islands reportedly features the world's largest lock.
- •Qiandao Lake is nearly the size of Singapore, covering 573 square kilometers.
History
Qiandao Lake was formed in 1959 following the completion of the Xin'an River Dam, which flooded the valley to create the reservoir.
The dam was notable as China's first to exceed 100 meters in height.
The lake submerged the ancient city of Shicheng, originally built during the Eastern Han Dynasty and serving as a county seat before the reservoir's creation.
Since then, the lake area has developed into an important site for aquaculture and tourism.
In 1994, the lake was the scene of a tragic hijacking incident involving a tourist boat.
In the late 1990s and 2000s, the region also became a focus for innovative engineering projects such as the planned Archimedes bridge, a submerged floating tunnel prototype.
Place Guide
Xin'an River Dam1959
The dam that created Qiandao Lake in 1959, standing 105 meters tall with a crest length of 466.5 meters. It was the first dam in China to exceed 100 meters in height and has an installed power capacity of 845 MW.
Submerged City of ShichengEastern Han Dynasty (AD 25–200)
An ancient city built during the Eastern Han Dynasty, now submerged beneath Qiandao Lake at depths between 26 and 40 meters. It was the county seat of the former Sui'an County and is remarkably well-preserved underwater, attracting divers and historians.
Islands of Qiandao Lake
The lake features over 1,000 islands, including notable ones such as Bird Island, Snake Island, Monkey Island, Lock Island, and the Island to Remind You of Your Childhood. Each island offers unique natural or cultural features.