I've been to Dongqian Lake three times and finally figured out how to enjoy it properly.

📍 Key Attractions at a Glance 1️⃣ Little Putuo • The landmark "heart" of Dongqian Lake, with a 2km-long causeway connecting photo spots like Water Moon Pavilion and Water Guanyin. On sunny days, the lake sparkles; on rainy days, it's shrouded in mist like a fairyland. • Admission: 30 yuan (Ctrip reference), best to visit before 9am or in the evening to avoid crowds. 2️⃣ Fuquan Mountain • A combination of tea plantations and mountain scenery. From the 556m peak, enjoy panoramic views of the East China Sea and Dongqian Lake. April is tea-picking season when you can experience handmade tea processing. • Admission: 50 yuan (includes shuttle bus), accessible by car to the summit. 3️⃣ Hanling Old Street • A thousand-year-old village renovation with white walls and black tiles overlooking the lake. Highlights include the Kengo Kuma-designed Hanling Art Museum (exterior is free) and beef rice cakes at "Baozhong Restaurant." • Hidden experience: Take a rowing boat at dusk (50 yuan/person) to watch the sunset. 4️⃣ Taogong Island • Legendary hiding place of Fan Li and Xi Shi, the island is quiet and rustic, perfect for walking and photography. The Xishi Art Museum is hidden among trees, with minimalist architecture blending with nature. 🚴 Around the Lake • Cycling route: Visitor Center → Little Putuo → Taogong Island → Limin Village → Hanling Old Street (about 15km total, electric bike rental 50 yuan/3 hours). • Recommended boat tour: Little Putuo to Hanling takes 60 minutes one-way (20 yuan/person), passing Qianhu State Guesthouse and Mashan Wetland. 🍴 Must-Try Food • Dongqian Lake's Four Treasures: black carp, sauce-marinated pomfret, river shrimp, and snails. Recommended restaurants: "Xiao A Si Farmhouse Restaurant" and "Datian Mountain Residence." • Snacks: Onion pancakes at "Wujia Pancake Shop" in Hanling Old Street, handmade mochi in Xiashui Village. • Coffee: "White Fish Coffee" in Limin Village serves salt and pepper chicken with taro ice cream, "Tea Pavilion" at the Academician Center offers lakeside afternoon tea. 📸 Best Photo Spots 1. Academician Center: Century-old buildings framed with Dongqian Lake, spiral staircase and glass house are incredibly soothing. 2. Fuquan Mountain tea plantations: Fresh green tea leaves in April, wear light-colored clothes for Japanese-style fresh photos. 3. Hanling Art Museum: Fair-faced concrete architecture with changing light and shadows like an art exhibition. 🚌 Transportation Tips • Driving: Navigate to "Dongqian Lake Visitor Center," arrive before 8am on holidays. Parking at Little Putuo/Hanling costs 20 yuan/day. • Public transit: Take bus 906 from downtown to Dongqian Lake Town, then transfer to bus 966 around the lake (3 yuan/person). • Shuttle service: Free shuttles from outer parking lots to scenic areas (e.g., from Brick Factory to Little Putuo). 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations • Fanshe Guesthouse: 299 yuan package includes breakfast for two + afternoon tea, 42㎡ lake-view room with terrace (advance reservation required). • Cordis Hotel: Private villas with private lakefront, ideal for family vacations (about 2,000 yuan/night). • Qianhu Parkview Hotel: Good value option with a Chinese restaurant serving "yellow croaker with preserved vegetables." 📌 Important Notes 1. Ticket discounts: Children under 1.2m get free admission to Fuquan Mountain; student tickets for Southern Song Dynasty Stone Carving Park are 25 yuan. 2. Seasonal highlights: Cherry blossoms in April (Limin Village, Academician Park), red maples in November (Fuquan Mountain). 3. Avoiding crowds: Hanling/Little Putuo get congested on weekends; visit on weekdays or arrive before 9am. 📅 Suggested Itineraries • One-day tour: Academician Center (morning photography) → Little Putuo (1 hour) → lunch at Qianhu Fishing Port → tea picking at Fuquan Mountain → sunset at Hanling Old Street. • Two-day tour: First day cycling around the lake + Hanling night views, second day Taogong Island + Southern Song Dynasty Stone Carving Park. The beauty of Dongqian Lake lies in its scenery and local atmosphere. No need to rush—a leisurely stroll is enough to soothe your soul. 🌊