☆About the Lake of 1000 Islands☆

Most travellers come to China in search of the inestimably old and wonderful. They're searching for lost temples and mountains that have been visited for millennia. Hangzhou is a favourite destination for such travellers - this pretty city on the banks of the West Lake has been famous for centuries and is a tourist's paradise, with old pagodas reaching up above the lake waters through the ancient mists.
Perhaps unexpectedly, visitors on the Hangzhou tourist trail now have something quite new and remarkable to visit. Often called the most beautiful body of water in China, the Thousand Islands Lake is just two hours' drive from Hangzhou, and is one of the loveliest places to visit in the whole region. A man-made reservoir formed during the construction of Xin'an River Hydropower Station in 1959, the result of the dam project exceeded all expectations in terms of beauty, and, as the name suggests. there are at least a thousand isles on the new lake.

Located in Chun'an County of Zhejiang Province on the upper reach of the Xin'an River, the Thousand Island Lake is among the first 44 national scenic spots proclaimed by the State Council. The surface area of the lake covers 570 square kilometers, which holds 18,000 cubic meters of water. As a large National Forest Park, the dense forests have purified the air of the surrounding areas. The water is so pure that it can be drunk directly. Its water is crystal clear interwoven with branching streams and beautiful scenery all over the lake.

Embraced by green hills, the lake is surrounded by numerous species of wild bird and rich resources. There are about 100 kinds of freshwater fish in the lake and 1,800 kinds of plants, and the area abounds in tea, mulberry, and bamboo. The lake is also famous for its fruits of four seasons, such as persimmon without fruit stone, sweet spun gold jujube, mountain walnut, together with local specials like dried freshwater fish, and dried wild brake tender leaves.

The whole lake area is divided into five small parts - northeast, southeast, northwest, southwest and central. After large-scale reconstructions in recent years, the lake is with dozens of scenic spots including the Xian Hill, the Screen Peak, the Plum Peak, the Dragon Hill, the Animal-Series, and the Stone Forest. Travel along to the farthest reaches of the lake, and you'll be close to China's greatest scenic mountain - Huang Shan.

Monkeys are the most active in the lake area and can be seen crouching in the trees eating fruit. For photography enthusiasts, the islands are full of pictorial opportunities and cameras have to be always at the ready.

Fishing is another popular activity as the lake is home to 87 varieties of freshwater fish. The annual fish catch is more than 4,000 tons. The lake is largely dominated by mandarin fish, an aggressive breed that feeds on smaller fish and other aquatic life. Dishes of mandarin fish are usually served in pepper-pot soups and they are at their best in summer when the fish is in peak condition. Lots of travelers and locals like to fish for turtles in the lake as well since these creatures are regarded as highly nutritious by the Chinese.

LINKS

A Glimpse of Old China        Thousand Island Lake Tourism Board         Thousand Island Lake Govt