An expansive artificial reservoir created by damming the Qiantang River, Qiandao Lake is distinguished by its extraordinary island landscape: over 1,000 large islands and thousands of smaller ones rise from its blue waters.
At a glance
Qiandao Lake (also known as the Xin’anjiang Reservoir) sprawls across 573 square kilometers in Zhejiang Province. The lake holds a storage capacity of 17.8 cubic kilometers, with islands covering approximately 86 square kilometers of its surface.
History
The lake was formed in 1959 following completion of a hydroelectric barrier on the Qiantang River. Its creation transformed the landscape of Chun’an County into a unique archipelago environment.
What you see
The lake’s defining feature is its profusion of islands. Some bear distinctive names reflecting local wildlife and geography: Bird Island, Snake Island, Monkey Island, and Lock Island are among the named formations. The interplay of water, forested islands, and changing light creates a landscape of considerable scenic variety.
Cultural significance
As a major hydroelectric facility and water resource, Qiandao Lake represents twentieth-century infrastructure that reshaped both the natural environment and human settlement patterns in the region. The lake’s island system has become a destination for tourism and ecological interest.
Key facts
- Location: Chun’an County, Zhejiang Province, China
- Coordinates: 29.5773008, 118.9377963
- Completed: 1959
- Surface area: 573 km²
- Storage capacity: 17.8 km³
- Island coverage: approximately 86 km²
- Number of islands: 1,078 large islands plus thousands of smaller islands
Practical information
The lake is accessible from Hangzhou and surrounding towns. Opening hours and admission fees are not listed; check local tourism websites for current visitor information.
Getting there
Qiandao Lake is located in Chun’an County, Zhejiang Province. Visitors should consult regional transportation providers for routes from Hangzhou and other nearby cities.
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