A Must-Do Route for Hangzhou Travel! Qiandao Lake Loop Self-Drive Tour | A Detailed Route Guide

Tired of rushing through trips?

Then take a self-drive tour to Qiandao Lake.

Hidden away in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Qiandao Lake

is far from the city noise,

where mountains and waters meet

and every step reveals beautiful scenery.

The joy of a road trip is the freedom to go at your own pace—

no need to race against attraction opening hours,

just pull over whenever you see something beautiful.

Your first stop

is Shangjiangbu Viewing Platform,

right next to Shangjiangbu Bridge.

The long bridge stretches across the emerald waves,

spanning the lake with distant mountains in view.

Cars slowly crossing the bridge

create a charming scene of their own.

As the starting point of the journey,

this spot boasts the widest stretch of water on Qiandao Lake's east bank,

making it the highlight of the loop road.

When you arrive and step out of the car,

the moist lake breeze

hits you instantly,

washing away the fatigue of the drive.

From Shangjiangbu,

drive 28 kilometers south

to enter Hongshan Valley, hidden deep in the mountains.

Rolling green hills embrace the quiet gorge,

with oddly shaped rocks

scattered across the slopes.

The winding terrain

reveals new views at every turn.

Towering trees fill the valley,

with vines twisting around them,

and thick branches forming an endless green canopy.

Among the rocks,

crystal-clear springs rush down the stone steps,

while forest waterfalls plunge down,

scattering spray like shattered jade.

Step closer

and you'll feel the cool mist

surrounding you.

Drive another 26 kilometers

and you'll reach Xiajiang Village.

At the village entrance,

a long stream

catches your eye.

Clear mountain spring water winds through the village,

with white-walled, black-tiled houses

lined up along the banks,

surrounded by green hills.

Staggered rocks form small waterfalls,

splashing as the water flows over them.

In the distance, a covered bridge

reflects in the water,

lush plants line the banks,

and green fields

paint a gentle Jiangnan waterscape.

Leaving Xiajiang Village,

head to Fenkou Town at the southern end of the loop.

Distant mountains surround the town

as a clear river flows slowly through it.

As a supply hub for nearby villages,

Fenkou is full of down-to-earth local life.

Unlike trendy tourist villages,

it keeps its authentic,

simple charm.

Old and new blend in the streets,

smoke rises from the old lanes,

shops are scattered about,

and the air smells of home-cooked meals

and local snacks.

A short stroll

lets you feel

the town's unique rural warmth.

A 13-kilometer drive from Fenkou Town

brings you to the 1,000-year-old hidden gem,

Qinchuan Ancient Village,

nestled among the mountains.

A clear stream

runs straight through the center of the village,

so clean you can see the bottom.

Ming and Qing dynasty houses line both banks,

connected by winding bluestone alleys.

Most residents here

are original villagers who have lived here for generations.

No need to hunt for photo spots—

just sit on the stone steps by the stream,

listen to the flowing water,

and let time slow down.

From the ancient village,

drive 9 kilometers

to Wenyuan Shicheng,

a replica of the underwater ancient city.

Over half a century ago,

the old city of Sui'an sank to the bottom of Qiandao Lake,

and this town was rebuilt

to match its original look.

White-walled, black-tiled streets

crisscross the area,

and you'll find intangible cultural heritage artisans

everywhere.

If you're lucky,

you might catch a folk performance

with cheering crowds,

letting you immerse yourself in Qiandao Lake's

forgotten history.

On the western route, 6.5 kilometers apart,

you'll pass Meifeng Viewing Platform

and Little Jinshan Viewing Platform.

Meifeng

is the highest point at Qiandao Lake.

From the top,

over a thousand green islands

scatter across the lake like stars,

varying in size and spacing,

resembling green pearls on blue silk—

a breathtaking sight

that showcases nature's artistry.

Nearby Little Jinshan Viewing Platform

has a gentler vibe,

with hills embracing a shallow bay

and calm, soft waters.

It lacks Meifeng's grandeur

but has its own delicate beauty.

One platform is majestic,

the other graceful—

the contrast makes stopping at both worthwhile,

and many drivers linger here,

reluctant to leave.

Next, drive across Qiandao Lake Bridge,

spanning the wide lake

with one end at the mountain foot

and the other near the shore.

Clear water flows around the pillars,

rippling in the breeze.

Green hills stretch into the distance

with islands floating on the lake.

On sunny days, sunlight dances on the water,

reflecting the mountains and bridge;

at dusk, the sunset paints the sky red,

casting glow over the bridge and lake.

The breeze brushes past

as the water gently ripples,

creating an open lakeside panorama

of green hills, the bridge and the vast lake.

Not far from the bridge

is the final stop of the loop:

Tianyu Mountain Viewing Platform.

Tianyu Mountain sits right by the lake,

covered in lush trees,

with trails hidden in the shade.

From the platform,

the entire Qiandao Lake unfolds before you—

wide waters

dotted with scattered green islands,

and Qiandao Lake Bridge

stretching across like a ribbon.

Mountains surround the lake on all sides.

In the morning, mist drifts over the water,

blurring the landscape;

in the evening, golden sunlight

makes the lake sparkle.

The mountains and water sit close together,

peaceful and timeless.

Green hills embrace the clear waters,

and a thousand islands dot the lake.

The beauty of Qiandao Lake strikes deep in your heart.

Lost in its scenery,

surrounded by fresh greenery,

far from the city noise,

you truly embrace nature.

This beauty

is worth experiencing in person—

don't miss it.