Qianxia Lake Eco-tourism Resort in Lishui

Deep in the mountains of Qingtian County, Lishui, lies a spectacular destination surrounded by 1,009 mountain valleys and gorges—Qianxia Lake (千峡湖). Covering around 70 square kilometers, it is the largest fjord-type artificial lake in Zhejiang Province, yet remains far less crowded and well-known than the famous Qiandao Lake.

Some travelers call it the “mini fjords of southern Zhejiang,” while others consider it the “third most beautiful lake in Zhejiang,” after West Lake and Qiandao Lake.

If you are looking for a peaceful destination where dramatic mountains, emerald water and traditional villages come together, Qianxia Lake is well worth the journey. Cruise through the narrow waterways surrounded by forested mountains, breathe in the fresh air of an area with 90% forest coverage, listen to wind chimes beneath the eaves of Qianxia Town, and you may briefly wonder whether you are looking at Lake Geneva in Switzerland or a traditional Chinese landscape painting.

1,009 Gorges: The Story Behind the Name Qianxia Lake

The name Qianxia Lake was not chosen by chance.

When the reservoir began storing water in 2008, a nationwide campaign was launched to find a suitable name. “Qianxia Lake” was selected from 3,640 proposed names, an appropriate choice for a landscape where winding waterways cut through a mountainous environment to form 1,009 beautiful bays and gorges.

Seen from above, the lake resembles a giant green puzzle carefully arranged by nature, with mountains and water intertwined in countless different shapes.

The surrounding area has an impressive 90% forest coverage rate, while the average concentration of negative oxygen ions reaches around 6,000 per cubic centimeter. The traditional landscape of “nine parts mountains, half a part water and half a part farmland” gives the region a distinctly rural and pastoral character.

In 2021, Qianxia Lake was selected as one of the first “Climate Wellness Villages of Zhejiang Province,” recognizing its favorable natural environment for relaxation and outdoor recreation.

A Town and Four Scenic Experiences

The beauty of Qianxia Lake is not limited to its mountains and water. Scattered around the lake are small settlements, cultural attractions and traditional lifestyles that add another layer to the landscape.

Qianxia Town: An Award-Winning Town by the Lake

The gateway to the Qianxia Lake Resort is Qianxia Town (千峡镇), located in Beishan Town, Qingtian County.

Backed by Quanshan Mountain and facing the waters of Qianxia Lake, the town was carefully designed around the shoreline. Qianxia Avenue, Qingtian Street and Jingning Street curve around the lake, creating a distinctive waterside townscape.

In 2016, Qianxia Town won the International Under Construction Project Award at the 53rd American BRICK Award, thanks to its combination of traditional Chinese courtyard-style residences and modern commercial and resort facilities.

For such a small mountain town to receive an international architectural award is one of the first surprises waiting for visitors at Qianxia Lake.

Fjord Cruise: A 90-Minute Journey Through a Chinese Landscape Painting

The best way to appreciate Qianxia Lake is from the water.

The Fjord Cruise departs from the pier beside the Qianxia Town Visitor Center and heads north into Zhangshuwan Gorge. The water is deep green, forested mountains rise on both sides, and hundreds of small green islands appear across the lake.

Every bend reveals a slightly different landscape.

After around 20 minutes, the boat reaches a traditional fishing village, where you may see local fishermen casting their nets and going about their daily routines.

The entire cruise takes approximately 90 minutes.

The cruise boats are white, two-story vessels. The lower deck has an air-conditioned lounge with leather seats and large floor-to-ceiling windows, while the upper deck is an open-air viewing platform and the best place to enjoy the surrounding fjord scenery.

The boats use an environmentally friendly electric propulsion system, making the journey smooth and remarkably quiet.

With steep green mountains, winding blue-green water and secluded bays surrounding you, it is easy to understand why Qianxia Lake is sometimes compared with European fjord landscapes.

Four Scenic Areas: Stories Hidden Among the Mountains

Beyond the main lake cruise, the resort area features four themed cultural attractions.

Xiaocheng Mountain – Magical Liu Mansion

Xiaocheng Mountain · Magical Liu Mansion is centered around the legendary Ming Dynasty strategist and scholar Liu Bowen (刘伯温).

The attraction blends historical stories with the surrounding mountain terraces and valleys. From higher viewpoints, visitors can enjoy excellent views of the winding lake and surrounding gorges.

Qianxia Fishing Village

Qianxia Fishing Village offers an opportunity to experience traditional lakeside life.

The village focuses on local fishing culture and provides a glimpse into how communities have traditionally lived alongside the mountains and water.

Lengshuikeng – Farming Culture Village

At Lengshuikeng · Farming Culture Village, visitors can discover traditional agricultural practices and rural culture.

It is a quieter experience that allows you to step away from the modern city and see another side of life in southern Zhejiang.

Longgong'ao – Phoenix She Village

Longgong'ao · Phoenix She Village focuses on the culture of the She ethnic group, one of the distinctive ethnic communities of southeastern China.

Visitors can experience traditional She customs, architecture and folk culture while exploring the surrounding mountain landscape.

Qianxia Lake Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

The most comfortable seasons are spring and autumn, especially April–May and September–November.

• Spring: Mild temperatures and fresh green mountain scenery.
• April–May: One of the most comfortable periods for hiking and sightseeing.
• Summer (July–August): The busiest season, with more water-based activities, although temperatures can be high.
• Autumn: Clearer weather and comfortable temperatures make it ideal for cruising and outdoor activities.
• After Rain: The lake can become particularly atmospheric, with mist drifting across the mountains and water.

Opening Hours

8:30 AM–5:30 PM

Please note that the scenic area is generally closed from January 1 to April 28 each year.

Entrance Fee

The scenic area itself is free to enter.

The Fjord Cruise requires a separate ticket:

• Low season: RMB 110
• Peak season: RMB 150
• Children under 1.1 m: Free, without a separate seat
• Children between 1.1–1.5 m and visitors aged 70 and above: Discounted tickets

Recommended Duration

Allow half a day to a full day.

For the main experience, around 4–6 hours is recommended, including the boat cruise, Qianxia Town and a leisurely walk around the surrounding area.

How to Get to Qianxia Lake

High-Speed Train + Free Shuttle Bus

This is the recommended option for travelers without a car.

Take a high-speed train to Qingtian Railway Station, then use the free shuttle bus directly to Qianxia Town.

Advance reservation is required. Call 0578-6038037 before your trip.

Qianxia Lake → Qingtian:

• 8:00 AM
• 3:10 PM
• Additional 4:00 PM service on Fridays
• Additional 3:10 PM service on Sundays

Qingtian → Qianxia Lake:

• 10:10 AM
• 4:30 PM
• Additional 5:00 PM service on Fridays
• Additional 7:30 PM service on Sundays

Because seats on the shuttle are limited, advance reservation is strongly recommended.

By Car

Search for “Qianxia Lake Ecological Tourism Resort” in your navigation app.

The drive from Qingtian County town takes approximately one hour.

The complete Qianxia Lake scenic driving route is around 60 km, making it suitable for travelers planning a relaxed weekend road trip.

Recommended One-Day Route

For first-time visitors, a simple route works well:

Qingtian Railway Station → Free Shuttle Bus → Qianxia Town → Explore the Town and Take Photos → Qianxia Lake Pier → 90-Minute Fjord Cruise → Return to Qianxia Town → Shuttle Bus back to Qingtian

This route focuses on the most distinctive scenery without making the day overly rushed.

Best Photography Spots

Qianxia Lake is particularly photogenic because the scenery changes dramatically with every bend of the shoreline.

• Upper Deck of the Cruise: The best overall viewpoint for photographing the fjord-like landscape.
• Qianxia Town: Traditional-style buildings, hanging wind chimes and flowering walls create a relaxed artistic atmosphere.
• Zhangshuwan Gorge: Steep cliffs, forested mountains and numerous bays create classic Chinese landscape-painting compositions.
• Recommended Clothing: Light-colored clothing or Hanfu works beautifully against the emerald water and green mountains.

Practical Tips

• The resort is located in a mountainous area, so temperatures can vary significantly between morning and evening. Bring a light jacket.
• Sun protection is important in summer, especially on the boat, where shaded areas are limited.
• Reserve the shuttle bus in advance, as seating is limited.
• Some sections of the lakeside driving route are mountain roads. Drive carefully, especially in rainy weather.
• After heavy rain, visibility may change quickly, but mist over the lake can also create some of the most beautiful scenery.

What to Eat at Qianxia Lake

A visit to Qianxia Lake is also an opportunity to sample local specialties.

• She-style Hot Pot: A distinctive dish influenced by the culinary traditions of the She ethnic group.
• She-style Cured Ham: Traditionally prepared cured meat with a rich and savory flavor.
• Qingtian Bayberries: A local specialty with a refreshing sweet-and-sour taste, especially popular during the summer season.
• Ciba: Traditional sticky rice cakes with a soft and chewy texture.

Explore More Around Qianxia Lake

Qianxia Lake is located in Qingtian County, a fascinating small city often described as a place where European-style café culture meets the misty atmosphere of Jiangnan.

After visiting the lake, consider taking a stroll along Linjiang Road European-style Street in downtown Qingtian. The approximately one-kilometer-long street is lined with more than 100 cafés and Western-style restaurants, making it a surprisingly cosmopolitan corner of southern Zhejiang.

For travelers who have more time, you can also combine Qianxia Lake with:

• Shimen Cave Scenic Area: Associated with Liu Bowen and his studies.
• Xiaozhoushan Terraced Fields: Particularly beautiful in spring when the surrounding fields are covered with yellow rapeseed flowers.
• Qingtian County: A good place to explore local food, coffee culture and the town's distinctive overseas Chinese heritage.

Why Visit Qianxia Lake?

From the birth of the name “Qianxia Lake” in 2008 to the spectacular landscape of 1,009 gorges, from the award-winning Qianxia Town to the 90-minute Fjord Cruise, this destination combines mountain scenery, clean air, traditional villages and local culture in a remarkably peaceful setting.

It may not have the international fame of Qiandao Lake or the cultural prestige of West Lake, but that is precisely part of its appeal. Qianxia Lake feels quieter, less commercialized and closer to nature.

If you are searching for a fjord-like escape in Zhejiang, where emerald water winds through forested mountains and every bend reveals another beautiful landscape, Qianxia Lake is a destination worth discovering.

Here, the mountains are green, the water is clear, the breeze is gentle, and you are surrounded by 1,009 gorges in one of southern Zhejiang's most beautiful hidden landscapes.