Located in the west of Zhejiang province, Thousand-Island Lake is 145 kilometers to the provincial capital, Hangzhou, and 128 kilometers to splendid Huangshan Mountain. This is a shining pearl on this Hangzhou-Thousand-Island Lake-Huangshan Mountain international golden tourist route. The big lake has an area of 573 square kilometers which is 108 times of that of Hangzhou West Lake. In further, the capacity is more than 3,000 times of that of West Lake. So it has been given an epithet of three thousand Xizi. The advantaged Thousand-Island Lake has long and zigzag lakeshore line, wide lake surface and 1,078 scattered islands. Especially, long time water and soil conservation has formed an entironment of green mountains, flourishing woods, fresh air and clean lake. The magnate of domestic water industry, Nongfu Fountain, is originated from here.
Climate /Temperature:
1000 Island Lake is located in the north of Sub-tropic Monsoon Climate area. Due to the wide coverage of forest, as well as the accommodation function of the lake water, climate here is warm and wet and it differs dramatically in four seasons. The annual average temperature is 17 C; Annual and daily range of temperature is minor; annual average precipitation is 1430 mm with about 155 rainy days.
Admission fee for Thousand-Island Lake:
195 rmb for adult. 100 rmb for the kids between 1.2 and 1.5 meters. Free for kids shorter than 1.2 meters. 45 rmb for the aged > 70. 120 rmb for the aged between 60 and 70. 120 rmb for students (need a student ID).
Traffic:
(1). The Thousand-Island Lake is about 130 km from Hangzhou, 130 km from Mount Huang (Huangshan). Many travel agents recommend the “Hangzhou – Thousand-Island Lake – Mount Huang” route to the tourists.
(2). From Hangzhou to Thousand-Island Lake: You can take the tour bus at Hangzhou West Bus Station to the Thousand-Island Lake. (6:00-18:50, available every 30 minutes) The trip is about 2 hours. If you wanna drive to Thousand-Island Lake, you can choose this route: Hangzhou Nanshuniu – Highway Hangqian – Highway Qiandaohu (means Thousand-Island Lake). This trip is about 129 km and takes 90 minutes.
(3). From Shanghai to Thousand-Island Lake: There are no public transportations for it and the best way is to drive your car to the destination. The trip is about 316 km: Shanghai – Highway Huhang – Hangzhou North – Hangzhou Raocheng Highway – Hangzhou South – Highway Hangxin – Thousand-Island Lake.
Food:
These are recommended by the tourists who have been to the Thousand-Island Lake: Qingzhengguiyu fish, Congyoubaihua, Qingtangyuyuan, Jiaoyanyezhupai, Qiandaoyubie, Yinyugeng, Silengpen, Sirechao, Liudajianpingpan, Babaoyutoutang, Yumizhixiang. In a word, Thousand-Island Lake is a good place for eating fish.
Tips:
(1). The peak season for the Thousand-Island Lake is March 1st to Nov 30th.
(2). The slack season for the Thousand-Island Lake is Dec 1st to Feb 29th.
(3). Most travel agents will take the tourists to 3 or 4 islands. The best one is the Meifeng Island. The worst one is the Snake Island.(its sheman show is boring)
(4). A local tour guide can be very helpful for your Thousand-Island Lake travel.
(5). Most stores and restaursnts in Thousand-Island Lake only accept cash. You will be disappointed if you wanna use a credit card here.
(6). Many people recommend a dish named Steamed Fish Head with Diced Hot Red Peppers. It is very delicious but the price is not low.