千岛湖

Why this place

Qiandao Lake was created in the 1950s when a dam was built on the Xin'an River, drowning two ancient county towns and leaving over a thousand hilltops as islands. The water is exceptionally clear, the fish is famous, and the drowned towns are still down there, occasionally dived on.

What to see

• The lake scenery and boat trips between the island groups
• The Meifeng viewing platform, for the panorama over the islands
• The old county town site and the submerged city, documented in the local museum
• The lakeside cycling paths and the villages on the shore

What to eat

• Qiandao Lake fish, especially the 'big head' carp in a soup — a local speciality
• The region's organic produce and its tea; the lakeside hotels do large fish banquets

How to plan

Two days based on the lake, or one day as a trip from Hangzhou.

Best time

March–May and September–November