Watery retreat in Thousand Island lake
He Lu
China Daily
Publication Date: 23-08-2008



Famous for its breathtaking mountains, valleys and crystal clear waters, Hangzhou's Thousand Island (Qiandao in Chinese) Lake is a virtual paradise for every lover of swimming. But what if you are a landlubber or inexperienced swimmer? Don't worry, you can add some excitement to your experience here with fun-filled rafting trips.
Known for its unparalleled natural beauty, Thousand Island Lake has long been a favourite vacation destination in China. From tranquil islands to swift currents, there are adventures for everyone.
The trips are journeys of both surprise and enjoyment, combining the heart-pounding thrills of whitewater rafting with all the fun of a carefree cruise.
Imagine this. One minute you're comfortably settled on a raft floating leisurely within a green world of mountains and trees, and the next moment you could be thrown into an adventure--maybe slipping all the way from the top of a mountain. The journey is full of steep pitches that most often take you by surprise and soak you to the skin.
The attraction is simply too much to resist. With the sunlight, mountains and whispering of the flowing water, you don't even need music here. Visitors also get a variety of choices on types of raft they want to ride, with different ones offering different experiences.
Apart from rafting, Thousand Island Lake is also an excellent place for fishing.
With an extensive water area and the best ecological conditions, Thousand Island Lake has 85 species of freshwater fish and an annual catch of more than 4,000 tonnes.
The sight of dancing fish is regarded as a wonder in China, a marvelous spectacle of the waterscape. At Thousand Island Lake, you can witness the wonderful scene of numerous fish jumping and shining in the sunshine, and people bustling around in a holiday mood.
The lake is largely dominated by mandarin fish, an aggressive breed that feeds on smaller fish and other aquatic life. Noted for their fresh taste, mandarin fish is very popular. They are also easy to catch, simply because they cannot resist the temptation of the bait.
To catch mandarin fish, you only have to pull the string when they bite the bait. The chances of missing are very slim. Dishes of mandarin fish are usually served in pepper-pot soups and they are at their best in the summer when the fish is in peak condition.
Some other types of fish are much smarter. They may spit out the bait even before you realize it, and all you are left with is an empty fishing rod.
Lots of travellers and locals also like to catch turtles in the lake, as these creatures are regarded as highly nutritious by the Chinese.
Fishing is a great fun at the Thousand Island Lake. But even if you don't manage to catch a fish, the sunlight and fresh air at one of the most beautiful lakes in China is sure to bring you unparalleled pleasure.