Overview
A relaxed three-day private getaway to China's stunning Thousand Island Lake, mixing lakeside cycling, kayaking, a 360-degree summit hike and a hands-on sailing experience.
About This Tour
Qiandao Lake, the Thousand Island Lake, is one of eastern China's most beautiful man-made lakes, a vast expanse of crystalline blue water dotted with more than a thousand green islands. This private three-day trip turns it into an active, easy-going escape with your own English-speaking guide and private vehicle. You cycle the lakeside greenway, paddle a kayak out among the islands, climb a small peak to a 360-degree panorama, and finish with a genuine sailing experience on the open water, an unusual treat in inland China. Evenings are spent in lakeside town with fresh local food, including the region's famous fish-head dishes. Activity order may shift with the weather, and your guide keeps the pace light and flexible, making this ideal for couples, families with children and travelers who want nature, gentle adventure and great photos without anything strenuous. Best enjoyed late spring through autumn. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: late spring to autumn (May-Oct) for warm-water activities • Fitness level: easy; suitable for families and children with a guardian • Some activities require getting wet, bring a change of clothes and swimwear • Activity sequence may be reordered by the guide based on weather and crowds • Try the famous Qiandao Lake fish-head dishes
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Shanghai / Qiandao Lake | Lakeside greenway cycling
Depart Shanghai by private vehicle (about 5 hours) and arrive at Qiandao Lake around midday for lunch in the lakeside town. Mid-afternoon, gear up for a relaxed ride along the Pailing Peninsula cycling greenway, a scenic path themed by the four seasons in changing colors of vegetation, hugging the shore with frequent viewing platforms to stop, gaze across the blue water and take photos. Tandem bikes are available for couples or families. Ride at your own gentle pace, soaking in the lake-and-mountain scenery, and return the bicycles in the early evening. Check in to your hotel in the town center, then enjoy dinner of fresh local fare, perhaps the renowned Qiandao Lake fish head, before an easy evening stroll under the stars. Lunch: own choice lakeside. Dinner: local restaurant. Overnight: twin-room hotel in Qiandao Lake town.
2
Day 2: Summit viewpoint hike & island kayaking
After breakfast, take an easy morning hike up a small peak of around 600 m, roughly an hour to the top, where the view opens into a sweeping 360-degree panorama over the lake's countless islands, a fantastic photo spot. Descend for a free or shared lunch in town. In the afternoon the highlight is kayaking: collect your equipment, get a hands-on lesson from the guide, practice balance and turning in the shallows, then paddle out across the open water to explore quiet coves and uninhabited islets, with playful on-water activities along the way. Come ashore in the late afternoon, freshen up and enjoy a free dinner exploring the town's eateries. Note the order of activities may be adjusted by the guide based on the day's weather. Breakfast: hotel. Lunch & dinner: own choice. Overnight: twin-room hotel in Qiandao Lake town.
3
Day 3: Sailing experience | Return to Shanghai
Enjoy a slow morning, with early risers free to walk the shore and watch the lake at dawn before breakfast. Around mid-morning transfer to the sailing base, where a professional instructor briefs everyone on safety before small groups of about six take turns aboard the sailboats for roughly an hour each, gliding across the open water, an exciting and rare experience on an inland Chinese lake and a wonderful photo opportunity. Around midday, gather for lunch by the lake, with another chance to try the famous fish-head specialty, then board the private vehicle for the return drive to Shanghai, arriving in the evening. Breakfast: hotel. Lunch: lakeside restaurant. Overnight: not included (end of tour).
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers 2 nights hotel (twin room, A/C, private bath) in Qiandao Lake town Bicycle rental & lakeside cycling Kayaking activity Sailing experience
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Most meals & personal dining Personal expenses Tips
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.6★★★★★Based on 125 reviews
Lena N.🇲🇽 Mexico★★★★★2024-09
Looking back, I wasn't sure how much would fit into 3 days without feeling hurried. The balance worked better than I expected. The stop at the cycling section had room to breathe instead of becoming another quick photo.
Julia S.🇺🇸 USA★★★★☆2024-10
The unglamorous part: the guide checked the pace before the steeper section rather than after someone fell behind. That made the trail feel supportive without becoming fussy. I would keep the Hangzhou outline as it was.
Nadia R.🇨🇦 Canada★★★★★2025-03
One thing I learned: the trail is more physical than the tidy itinerary makes it sound. Proper shoes helped, and I was glad we kept water handy. With 3 days to work with, the balance felt sensible.
Andreas O.🇬🇧 UK★★★★★2024-12
The route made more sense once we were on it. Time at the trail set the pace, while the cycling section gave us a reason to slow down.