Five must-visit lakes in Zhejiang

West Lake

The snowy scenery of West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided by West Lake scenic area]

A mixture of islands, pavilions, villas, courtyards, boulevards, arched bridges, hills, parks, monasteries, lagoons and tea plantations, West Lake is one of China's top ten scenic spots. It also includes museums, shopping streets and boutique restaurants.

Address: 15 Nanshan Rd, Xihu district, Hangzhou

Admission fee: Free

Xianghu Lake

Xianghu Lake in Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou [Photo/zaixs.com]

Xianghu Lake, the sister of West Lake, is known for its picturesque scenery and age-old history. Xianghu Lake Scenic Area is situated west of Xiaoshan district, about 20 kilometers away from downtown Hangzhou and is considered the cradle of Zhejiang culture.

Address: 2758 Fengqing Revenue, Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou

Admission fee: Free

Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake)

Qiandao Lake [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) is located in Chun'an county, Hangzhou. It is a man-made lake backed up by a hydro-power dam on the Xin'an River that offers a quiet place for respite with its verdant mountains, crystal-clear waters and islands.

With an average depth of 34 meters and clear blue waters, Qiandao Lake's islands are the remaining hilltops from when the reservoir was filled up.

Address: Qiandao Lake scenic area, Chun'an county, Hangzhou

Admission fee: 150 yuan per person (high season)

                         120 yuan per person (low season)