Central Lake Scenic Area

千岛湖中心湖区

The main route for Qiandao Lake: board a boat at the tourist pier and visit Meifeng Island, Moonlight Island, Longshan Island and others in turn, taking in the islands scattered across the lake.

The Central Lake Area is the earliest and most developed sightseeing zone on Qiandao Lake. Boats leave from the tourist piers in Qiandao Lake Town (Sunshine Pier and Central Lake Pier). The circuit passes Meifeng Island (the best place to see the islands), Moonlight Island (Lock Island, known for its lovers' locks and Zhuangyuan Bridge, or Top Scholar Bridge), Longshan Island (with the Hai Rui Shrine and a bell tower), and Yule Island (water activities). The whole trip takes about 5 to 6 hours. Boats come in standard and deluxe versions, the latter with observation decks and dining. Departures are concentrated between 8:00 and 10:00 each morning, and there are fewer sailings in the afternoon, so going early is best.

Tickets: scenic area admission is about 150 yuan in peak season (March to November) and about 120 yuan in the off-season. Boat tickets cost an extra 65 to 85 yuan. The two are often sold together as a Central Lake package. During holidays, book a day ahead on the official mini-program.

Highlights: the island groups and clear water seen from the boat, the panoramic view from Meifeng Island, and the Ming dynasty Hai Rui Shrine on Longshan Island.

Getting there: local buses or a walk within the town reach the pier. A tourist shuttle from the high-speed rail station takes about 40 minutes.

Note: the return boat leaves on a fixed schedule, so do not linger on the islands and miss it. Decks get intense sun in summer, so bring a hat and sunscreen. Feeding wildlife and swimming in the lake are prohibited.

Central Lake Scenic Area

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby