Zhejiang: Qiandao Lake’s - ARLC
This one seems pretty cool and I can’t wait to check it out this summer! Qiandao Lake (千岛湖; or Thousand Island Lake) was created in 1959 when authorities flooded the valley for a hydroelectric plant.
In the process, it created a gorgeous fresh-water lake with a plethora of mountain peaks penetrating the surface – inadvertently creating thousands of small islands. It also flooded Lion City (狮城; Shi Cheng), a 1,400 year-old Tang Dynasty village.
The village is still in tact (about 30 meters underwater, of course), and is complete with 265 arches, five city gates, and dozens of cool architectural structures.
There is also another smaller village named He Cheng (河城) that has been drowned by the dam; some believe it dates back roughly 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty.
The visibility isn’t perfect and you’ll need a flashlight, basically turning it into a night dive, but it’s still a grand adventure you can tick off your list.
Plus it’s quite easy to get to from Hangzhou.
Introduction
This one seems pretty cool and I can’t wait to check it out this summer! Qiandao Lake (千岛湖; or Thousand Island Lake) was created in 1959 when authorities flooded the valley for a hydroelectric plant.
In the process, it created a gorgeous fresh-water lake with a plethora of mountain peaks penetrating the surface – inadvertently creating thousands of small islands. It also flooded Lion City (狮城; Shi Cheng), a 1,400 year-old Tang Dynasty village.
The village is still in tact (about 30 meters underwater, of course), and is complete with 265 arches, five city gates, and dozens of cool architectural structures.
There is also another smaller village named He Cheng (河城) that has been drowned by the dam; some believe it dates back roughly 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty.
The visibility isn’t perfect and you’ll need a flashlight, basically turning it into a night dive, but it’s still a grand adventure you can tick off your list.
Plus it’s quite easy to get to from Hangzhou.
Dive Site Information
Dive Site Information :
• Water Temp: 28-30 degrees Celsius
• Visibility: 1-8 metres
• Air Temp; 28-30 degrees Celsius
• Level: Advanced with at least 20 logged dives
What's Included
Onboard shower and toilet
Tanks, weights and weight belt
Water, tea and coffee
Light snack after the first dive
Soft dive gear (full foot fins, wetsuit and mask) – requested sizes subject to availability.
What's Excluded
• Equipment rental
• 4 x AA sized batteries (if required for night dive)
• Airfare (if any)
• Taxes and fuel surcharges,
• Personal expenses (includes drinks, bills and tips),
• Travel insurance (proof of insurance required),
• Visa application and fees (if applicable),
• Gratitude for the Boat Crew / Guide
Dive Trip Requirements
• Valid passport and Visa (if applicable)
• Cash in Singapore or local currency (Malaysian Ringgit; RM)
• Personal Medication
• Travel Insurance (recommended)
• Able to snorkel/swim in the sea
• Minimum of PADI Open Water Diver Certification or equivalent (for leisure diver)
Equipment needed for the excursion:
Sun cream, hat, flip flop or sandals, swimming suit, beach wear, towel, camera
How to Get There
Getting there:
You need to get to the town of Dashuzhen (大叔真) on the southwest corner of Qiandao Lake, a 6-7 hour scenic drive from Shanghai, or three hours from Hangzhou.
Since Dashuzhen is quite tiny, the number of buses running in and out of town is limited, so it may be best to contact Big Blue in Shanghai (see contact info below).
They offer weekend getaway dive trips to this destination – it’s by far the easiest and most efficient way to tackle Lion City.
Big Blue Shanghai
Address: Bldg 10, 10 Jinbang Lu,
near Hami Lu
地址: 金浜路10弄10号, 近哈密路
Phone: +86 21 6291 2110
If you’d rather wing it without a tour, first get to Hangzhou.
There are dozens of high-speed bullet trains departing to Hangzhou from all major cities in China daily, especially Shanghai.
Once in Hangzhou, there are buses departing to Qiandao Lake every half hour from Hangzhou West Bus Station.
Upon arrival in Qiandao, take a taxi to Dashuzhen. The journey takes about an hour and should cost less than 200 RMB.
Payment Terms
SGD 100 deposit required upon confirmation of booking of accommodation and dive trip.
Payment payable once upon confirmation of booking of accommodation and or with dive trip package/s.
Equipment Rental
Rates (SGD)/ Per Day :
Dive Torch : SGD 10
Dive Computer : SGD 15
Dive Computer - D4i : SGD 30
Camera : SGD 35
Disclaimer
Estimated rates for booking, Exact cost of dive trip booking depends on each dive itinerary and arrangement package. Invoice on the payment details will be sent to your personal email account upon booking.
Includes Boat transport, and for each pax meal - Breakfast, Lunch and transport back and forth to your hotel or resort or hostel accomodation.
If you will like to book for the accomodation for a stay for 1 Night or more for yourself and family members or for a tour group etc. , please indicate for your accomodation booking, for the number of days/nights of stay here in China, and we will arrange for you.
Subjective to availability.
An invoice will be sent to you via email on the separate payment charges for accomodation stay.
Applicable to local and foreign visitors :
• The arrangement of the sequence of the itinerary is subject to change with/without prior notice.
• In the event that the venue of attraction is closed to visitors, it will be replaced with an alternative venue if possible.
• May request for travel itinerary from us via email.
• During trade fairs or the peak season, accommodation stay may not be inclusive.
All dive trip/s are subjected to the weather conditions and change in itinerary.
If the dive trip unfortunately has to postpone or cancelled, there can be a request for arrangement for another dive trip. Subjected to approval and availability of boat charters.
Cancellation Policy
Any change in trip dates after booking confirmation will be subjected to SGD 100 administrative fees per change/s.
Full fees will be charges for packages cancelled or postponed with less than 28 days notice.
If you cancel less than 28 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, full payment will be non-refundable.
If more than 28 days, 50% of the package price will be forfeited with an administrative charge of SGD 50 Payable to the dive shop.
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
* The timings are as estimated proposed. Diving trip is subjected to road / traffic / tide / weather conditions on the day of trip.
Additional Information
Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
Equipment needed for the excursion:
Sun cream, hat, flip flop or sandals, swimming suit, beach wear, towel, camera
All dive trip/s are subjected to the weather conditions and change in itinerary.
If the dive trip unfortunately has to postpone or cancelled, there can be a request for arrangement for another dive trip.
Subjected to approval and availability of boat charters.
Passport & Visa Requirements
Please check you have the required travel documents before booking your dive trip. Ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity from your time of entry into China.
