Thousand Island Lake（千島湖）

Thousand Island Lake [File photo]

Thousand Island Lake, or Qiandao Lake, is a man-made lake located in western Chun'an County, Zhejiang Province. It was created after the completion of the Xin'anjiang hydroelectric station in 1959.

A total of 1,078 large islands dot the water and a couple of thousand smaller ones are sprinkled across, gaining the lake its name. It covers an area of 573 square kilometers (57,300 hectares), with an average depth of 34 meters. Visibility in the water can be up to 12 meters. The water in the lake is crystal clear and even drinkable, attracting many well-known bottled water brands, including Nongfu Spring.

The lake's scenery goes on to feature blossoming forests and exotic islands, both of which provide a fitting habitat to local wildlife. Additionally, the lake features two ancient underwater towns: Hecheng Town and Shicheng Town, which were once upon a time flooded by the hydroelectric station. They have been well-preserved, but are not yet open to the public.

Admission:150 yuan (US$23.55)/person (summer);

                         120 yuan (US$18.84)/person (winter)