Just before National Day, Chun’an county unveiled its “Eight Heartwarming Services” initiative to build a more tourist-friendly destination at the Qiandao Lake Tourism Innovation and High-Quality Development Conference. Now, the scenic area has introduced three new reforms aimed at improving the visitor experience and boosting off-season appeal.

A key measure is the pilot “all-in-one ticket” for the low season, covering boat rides, entry tickets, and island attractions. Also included are joint discount tickets with Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and a new “bus-like” boat service on the lake. The all-in-one ticket is already making travel more affordable. Under a market-led, government-supported model, boat operators can set their own discounts, while the government matches those with corresponding cuts to entry fees - with the highest discount waiving the entry ticket entirely. Six companies, including Qiandao Lake Tourism Co., Ltd., have joined the program, offering 30% off boat fares and a full waiver of the entry fee. For example, a sightseeing boat tour with Qiandao Lake Tourism usually costs ¥195. During the trial period from November 1 to December 31, visitors will pay only ¥45.5. The all-in-one ticket also bundles island activity passes at a steep discount: a ¥370 package in the Central Lake now costs ¥145.5, while a ¥245 package in the Southeast Lake is reduced to ¥85.5 - savings of over 60%. These cuts are real reforms and help boost both market and travelers’ confidence.

Another change addresses the complaints about rigid itineraries. The old “one boat, one route” system means tourists would spend a full day on a fixed schedule, which no longer suits fast-paced, short-stop travel styles. Fragmented management among multiple operators also made reforms difficult. The new “boat bus” system transforms sightseeing boats into “lake buses.” Three route types are offered in the Central and Southeast lake zones: a grand loop route covering all islands (with two options in the Central Zone: Line 1 with 4 islands, Line 2 with 3 islands), a compact route that will stop at two islands, and a special route that visits Meifeng or Huangshanjian. Now, visitors can hop on and off from the boat, deciding how many islands to visit and when to return - just like riding a bus.

Beyond route flexibility, the reforms also tackle a deeper issue: repetitive tourism offerings and limited experiences. Solutions include new themed tours such as the “Sunset Waters” route and the romantic boat ride for couples, along with customized team-building packages and lakeside wedding banquets. In addition, Qiandao Lake is teaming up with Huangshan. Qiandao Lake Tourism Group, Huangshan Tourism Development Co., and China Travel Service (Zhejiang) will soon launch a joint “Mountains & Lakes” ticket, offering a 40% discount off separate entry fees. This partnership allows visitors to explore two of China’s iconic landscapes at a great discount.