Looking for a new adventure during this National Day holiday? Look no further than the Greater West Hangzhou area. The Tangqi Town-Dingshan Lake-Chaoshan Cruise is set to begin trial operation on October 1. This is the first sightseeing cruise in Linping, connecting Tangqi Ancient Town, Dingshan Lake Scenic Area, and Chaoshan Mountain Scenic Area.

The Chaoshan Mountain-Dingshan Lake Comprehensive Protection Project is a key development in the Greater West Hangzhou area. Covering Chaoshan Scenic Area (9.06 square kilometers), Dingshan Lake, and Tangqi Town in Linping, the project includes two sub-projects: Chaoshan Mountain Scenic Area Improvement Project and Tangqi Town-Dingshan Lake-Chaoshan Mountain Water Environmental Improvement Project. The primary goals are to enhance transportation within and the scenic area and its surrounding areas, revitalize the three major parks in the area, improve the environment and functionality of waterways, and expand green spaces.

As per the plan, the entire Tangqi Town-Dingshan Lake-Chaoshan Mountain cruise route will approximately 15.8 kilometers long. This includes a 5.3-kilometer stretch through the historic Tangqi Ancient Town and a 10.5-kilometer section from the Caizi River to Chaoshan Mountain. The recently launched 7.8-kilometer route connects Tangqi Town, Dingshan Lake, and Chaoshan Mountain. Additionally, a 1-kilometer cruise through the Tangqi Ancient Town Canal is now available.

There are four tour routes, serviced by three main docks: Cuizi River Dock in Tangqi, Dingshan Lake Dock, and Xiyuan Dock in the Chaoshan Mountain area. You can choose from rowing boats, small pleasure boats, or medium-sized pleasure boats for your cruise.

The medium-sized pleasure boat offers a round-trip cruise of approximately 15.6 kilometers (7.8 km each way), taking about 60 minutes. You can board or disembark at either the Cuizi River Dock in Tangqi or the Dingshan Lake Dock. With the same ticket, you can enjoy two trips on the same day, exploring Tangqi Town, Dingshan Lake, and Chaoshan Mountain at your own pace.

For a shorter cruise, you may enjoy a 40-minute round trip between Chaoshan Mountain and Dingshan Lake on a small pleasure boat. Just marvel at the stunning views of Dingshan Lake and Chaoshan Mountain’s iconic plum blossom sea, while catching a glimpse of the area’s Jinshi culture.

You can also enjoy a leisurely 45-minute rowing boat cruise on Dingshan Lake. Departing from and returning to Dingshan Lake Dock, this scenic 2-kilometer cruise offers stunning views of the lake’s natural beauty.

If you’re looking to explore Tangqi Ancient Town, a 45-minute rowing boat tour is available. Starting at Chansang Dock, you’ll sail under Guangji Bridge and Huayuan Bridge before returning to Shunde Wharf. This 2-kilometer journey will allow you to see Guangji Bridge from a unique perspective while imemersing youself in the charming atmosphere of this ancient water town in the historic Jiangnan region.