Best attractions and places to see around Xinanjiang Shuiku center on Qiandao Lake, a large artificial lake formed by the Xin'anjiang Dam. This region is characterized by its clear waters and more than 1,000 islands, surrounded by verdant mountains and forests. The area offers a blend of natural landscapes and opportunities for various recreational activities. It is known for its scenic beauty and engineering significance.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
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Popular around Xinanjiang Shuiku
The bike route around the North-East part of Qiandaohu is amazing. For the entire (about 50km) way it is a strictly separate bike path. Long stretches are completely unique cycleways, and when running alongside the road it is a physically separated cycle way. Along the way there are tunnels with the walls painted, curvy sections hugging to the hillside and offering spectacular views. It is best enjoyed going clockwise. Cycling in this area is hugely popular, so I guess this will be busy during the weekend and holidays. I strongly recommend to go early mornings. The air is fresh and you have the route to yourself.
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The cycleway departs from the main road and takes you around a curvy, hilly section. Mostly hugging to the hillside and ofter offering great views onto the lake.
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A segment of the north-east loop around Qiandaohu that is primarily reserved for biking. It turns off the main G330 highway (which continues in a large loop), takes you up a gentle slope, offers great views from a bridge and takes you through a tunnel before merging back to the highway.
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This arch bridge is a key element of the Qiandaohu Ring Road and connects Chun’An with Wutong, Tongziwu and other areas around the lake. It has a total length of 330m and a net span of 308m. Its color stands out against the surrounding green areas. And I read that the technical description for this bridge is: medium-supported concrete-filled steel tubular catenary arch bridge. There you go ;-)
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The bike route around the North-East part of Qiandaohu is amazing. For the entire (about 50km) way it is a strictly separate bike path. Long stretches are completely unique cycleways, and when running alongside the road it is a physically separated cycle way. Along the way there are tunnels with the walls painted, curvy sections hugging to the hillside and offering spectacular views. It is best enjoyed going clockwise. Cycling in this area is hugely popular, so I guess this will be busy during the weekend and holidays. I strongly recommend to go early mornings. The air is fresh and you have the route to yourself.
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The Xinanjiang Shuiku region is primarily defined by Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake), a vast artificial lake renowned for its exceptionally clear waters and over 1,000 islands. It is surrounded by verdant mountains and lush forests, featuring fir, bamboo, tea bushes, loquat, and orange trees. The Xin'an River, which feeds the lake, is also celebrated for its limpid waters and scenic stretches.
Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints. For instance, the Curves and Views cycleway provides great vistas onto the lake. Additionally, the Qiandaohu North-East Loop offers spectacular views as it hugs the hillside. Beyond these, Meifeng Island is known for its panoramic views of the lake, accessible via a Skywalk.
The Xinanjiang Shuiku area is excellent for outdoor activities, particularly cycling. You can explore various cycleways like the Bike ‘Shortcut’ Huanzuo Line or the Qiandaohu North-East Loop. Beyond cycling, the region offers opportunities for boating, hiking, and other water sports. For more detailed cycling routes, you can check out the Road Cycling Routes around Xinanjiang Shuiku guide.
Yes, the area caters to various cycling abilities. Many cycleways, such as the Bike ‘Shortcut’ Huanzuo Line, feature gentle slopes. For more challenging rides, the region offers several road cycling routes with varying difficulty grades, including moderate to difficult options, as detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Xinanjiang Shuiku guide.
Absolutely. Beneath the waters of Qiandao Lake lies the remarkably preserved Submerged Ancient City of Shi Cheng (Lion City), which can be explored via diving or glass-bottomed boat tours. Along the Xin'an River, you can find traditional villages exhibiting Hui-style architecture, such as Shendu Village. Yuliang Town Old Street offers a glimpse into the region's past trade, and Fuxi Temple provides a serene cultural experience.
Many attractions in the Xinanjiang Shuiku area are family-friendly. Several cycleways, including Bike ‘Shortcut’ Huanzuo Line, Qiandaohu North-East Loop, and Curves and Views, are categorized as such. Exploring the various islands of Qiandao Lake, such as Bird Island with its migratory cranes or even the famous Monkey Island, can also be enjoyable for families.
Yes, the Nanpu Bridge (Nanpu Daqiao), a key element of the Qiandaohu Ring Road, is noted as wheelchair-accessible. This arch bridge connects various areas around the lake and offers scenic views.
Qiandao Lake is unique due to its origin as an artificial lake formed by the Xin'anjiang Dam, resulting in over 1,000 islands dotting its surface. Its exceptionally clear water is so pristine that it's the source for the renowned Nongfu Spring mineral water. The lake also famously conceals the well-preserved Submerged Ancient City of Shi Cheng beneath its depths.
Yes, exploring the islands is a major attraction. Many islands offer unique experiences, such as Meifeng Island for panoramic views, Dragon Island with its jade carving museum and 3D Glass Bridge, and Bird Island, a sanctuary for migratory cranes. Boat tours are a popular way to visit these diverse islands.
The Xin'an River Landscape Gallery is a scenic area along the Xin'an River that showcases traditional 'Hui style' architecture, ancient villages, and a sightseeing cable bridge. Points of interest within this gallery include Grand Screen Walls, Watercraft Coming Home, Villages at the Lakefront, a Wetland Plank Road, Sculptures Carved Out of a Cliff, and a Hui Style Water Street, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The Xinanjiang Shuiku region, including Qiandao Lake, is beautiful throughout the year. However, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like cycling and boating, with comfortable temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Summers can be warm, while winters are cooler but still offer serene landscapes.
Getting around the attractions in Xinanjiang Shuiku can be done in several ways. Cycling is highly popular, with dedicated cycleways like the Qiandaohu North-East Loop. Boat tours are essential for exploring the numerous islands on Qiandao Lake. Additionally, local transportation options are available to reach various points of interest around the lake and along the Xin'an River.


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