Qiandao Lake or the Thousand Island Lake is located in Zhejiang, China, about 150 kilometers from the city of Hangzhou on China travels. It is an artificial lake formed after the completion of the Xin'an River hydroelectric station. In 1959, in order to build the Xin'anjiang Reservoir the valley was flooded with water resulting in a lake or reservoir 573 square km in area and with a storage capacity of 17.8 cubic km. The lake is so called because it is dotted with 1,078 large islands and a few thousand smaller ones across it.

In a previous incarnation, the area was rolling countryside. Then it was intentionally flooded in 1959 to create an enormous reservoir. The result is a dramatic landscape of lush, green hilltop islands as far as the eye can see, set in waters the color of jade, which are now the source of China's most famous brand of mineral water and popular Hangzhou Travel attraction, Nongfu Spring. Around 30 m (98.4 ft) below the sparkling surface lies the ancient town of Lion City, dating all the way back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-200 AD) and remaining as it was when the waters engulfed it. For those with an adventurous nature and a scuba license, the Shanghai dive club Big Blue organizes regular trips out for a bit of eerie underwater exploration.

For those who prefer to remain more or less above the surface, there's still plenty to occupy, with excellent food, numerous boat trips for Hangzhou Tourist Attractions and tours around the islands and twelve official scenic areas. Water sports including windsurfing, sailing and fishing are all on offer, along with four yachting clubs and China's first sightseeing submarine.