Location & Access

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Zhejiang Province, Thousand Island Lake Northwest Lake Area is part of the sprawling Thousand Island Lake scenic area in Chun’an County. To get here, fly into Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, then take a 2-hour drive west. The final stretch along Menggu Road offers glimpses of the lake’s turquoise waters, hinting at the wonders ahead.

Natural Wonders

Thousand Island Lake Northwest Lake Area lives up to its name: over a thousand forested islands dot the glassy lake, each shaped like a jade pendant. The northwest section is quieter than the crowded south lake, with hidden coves and mist-kissed hills. Rent a kayak or join a boat tour—gliding past uninhabited isles feels like drifting through a Chinese landscape painting. Keep your eyes peeled for herons diving into the water and monkeys swinging in the treetops!

Cultural Gems

Beyond nature, Thousand Island Lake Northwest Lake Area holds stories too. Visit the underwater city of Shicheng, a medieval town intentionally flooded during the lake’s creation. Some say you can still spot rooftops through the crystal-clear water. For a spiritual twist, explore the lakeside Guanyin Temple, where locals burn incense for safe voyages. Don’t miss the fish-themed sculptures in Qiandao Lake Fish Culture Park—they’re quirky photo ops!

Getting Around

Navigating Thousand Island Lake Northwest Lake Area is a breeze. Electric bikes let you cruise along lakeside paths, while wooden walkways connect key viewpoints. For island-hopping, hop on a sightseeing boat (tickets start at ¥50). The area’s compact size means you can cover most highlights in a day, but budget extra time to hike the forest trails or watch the sunset from Dragon Mountain.

Stay & Eat

Accommodation near Thousand Island Lake Northwest Lake Area ranges from lakeview resorts to cozy B&Bs. Try the locally famed fish feast—the lake’s fresh catches are grilled, steamed, or stir-fried with spicy Sichuan peppers. For a treat, buy “fish top noodles” from street vendors: noodles topped with fish roe, a regional specialty.

Tips for Visitors

The best time to visit Thousand Island Lake Northwest Lake Area is spring (April–June) or fall (September–October), when the weather is mild and the lake is calm. Summer brings crowds but also lush greenery, while winter reveals misty, ethereal landscapes. Wear comfy shoes—many paths are rocky, and some islands require light hiking. And yes, bring your camera—every angle of this place looks like a postcard!

By blending serene nature, cultural quirks, and easy access, Thousand Island Lake Northwest Lake Area offers a slice of paradise without the tourist chaos. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, it’s worth detouring from Hangzhou to explore this hidden gem.