Explore 600-Year-Old Ming Dynasty Villages
Qiandao LakeUnderwater Ruins Diving
Qiandao Lake is located in Chun’an County, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, approximately 400 kilometers from Shanghai. The lake covers an area of 573 square kilometers and comprises 1,078 islands, hence its name, “Thousand Island Lake.”
The underwater ruins here date back 600 years to the Ming Dynasty, featuring typical local architectural styles and remaining relatively well-preserved. Exquisite carvings can be seen on the lintels, beams, and columns, leaving the original architectural structures clearly visible.
Diving Season Guide
Featured Dive Sites
Itinerary
08:30
Hotel pickup and transfer to the ancient village dive sites
09:30
Briefing and check dive at the lake bay *
11:00
Diving at Shanping Shuidai Ancestral Hall and Houhe Hall
12:30
Lunch
14:00
Diving at Xinfang House
16:00
Private transfer back to the hotel
Note *
For safety reasons, divers diving at Qiandao Lake for the first time are required to demonstrate the following skills during the check dive: buoyancy and weight check, designated depth stops during descent, hovering, and alternate air source breathing while hovering.
Divers who fail to demonstrate proficient buoyancy control during the check dive will be required to undergo supervised buoyancy technique practice within the bay area during subsequent dives. Access to the ancient village exploration dives will be granted only after the required performance standards have been met.
Packages and Pricing
Underwater Ruins Diving Package
One-day Diving Package
RMB 1,680Inclusions: 3 dives (1 check dive and 2 boat dives to the underwater ruins), dive guide, tanks, weights, dive insurance, tround-trip transfers between hotel and dive sites, and lunch.
Two-day Diving Package
RMB 2,880Inclusions: 5 dives (1 check dive and 4 boat dives to the underwater ruins), dive guide, tanks, weights, dive insurance, tround-trip transfers between hotel and dive sites, and lunch.
Non-diver
RMB 380 / day (RMB 680 / two days)Inclusions: Round-trip transfers between hotel and dive sites, boat space, and lunch. Non-divers shall not participate in any underwater activities.
Equipment Rental
* Rental prices are fixed regardless of the number of diving days.
Diving Prerequisites and Safety Requirements
Must hold an Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification or an equivalent level from a recognized agency.
Divers are expected to demonstrate proficient neutral buoyancy control, stable trim, and the ability to calmly follow a dive guide and guide lines in low-visibility environments.
Drysuit Usage
Divers who wish to use a drysuit but do not hold a Dry Suit Certification may receive a briefing and practice session during the Check Dive. Participation in the underwater ruins dives will be subject to the diver's actual performance and the instructor's safety assessment.
Upgrade Path for OW Divers
Current Open Water (OW) divers may gain access to the underwater ruins by completing our PADI Advanced Open Water course. Subject to safety conditions, select adventure dives within the course may be conducted at the underwater ruins site.
⚠️ Dive with Us: Safety and Eco-Rules
- Respect the Lake: Please leave the environment as you found it.
- Dive Safely: Always dive within your training and capability.
- Stay Alert: No alcohol 24h before diving → No flying 24h after diving.
- Look, Don't Touch: To protect the underwater heritage, touching or taking anything from the water is strictly forbidden. Violation will result in the immediate cancellation of all remaining dives.
- Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but bubbles.
FAQ
We recommend traveling by high-speed rail or by car. If you are taking the train, please arrive at Qiandaohu Railway Station. From there, you can easily take a taxi directly to your hotel.
We suggest staying within the Qiandaohu Town area. To ensure convenient pickup and drop-off services, we recommend prioritizing hotels located within the blue circle indicated on the map. If you are unsure about your choice, please contact us for confirmation before finalizing your booking.
We strongly recommend arriving one day before your diving trip. This helps avoid any potential transportation delays or issues with equipment preparation that could affect your itinerary.
While we don't provide a dedicated shuttle from the station, taxis and ride-hailing services (like Didi) are readily available at the station. We can assist you in coordinating transportation if needed.
Yes, Qiandaohu Town has a variety of local restaurants specializing in lake fish. We can provide a curated "Local Favorites" list once you confirm your stay.
We provide full sets of professional diving gear for rent, so you don't need to worry about equipment. However, we highly recommend bringing your own gear if you have it, as using equipment you are accustomed to will significantly enhance your comfort and experience.
A minimum of an Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification is required for this trip. Given the unique conditions of Qiandao Lake, we highly recommend that participants have prior experience with night dives, low-visibility environments, and cold-water diving.
To ensure maximum safety, all divers visiting Qiandao Lake for the first time will undergo a mandatory check dive during the first dive of the itinerary. This session focuses on weight checks and neutral buoyancy adjustments to help you acclimate to the local environment. Once your stability and comfort are confirmed, we will proceed to guide you into the Ancient Village area for further exploration.
Book Your Adventure
Submit Request: Please submit your booking request via email or WeChat at least 7 days in advance.
Qualification Review: Upon receiving your request, we will review your diving certification level, experience, and equipment needs to confirm availability and the suitability of the itinerary.
Confirm Reservation: We recommend pre-payment to secure your slot. For guests who find it inconvenient to pay in advance, payment on the day of the dive is also accepted.
Payment Methods: WeChat Pay, Alipay, Cash, or Bank Transfer.
Cancellation and Modification Policy
- Full refund for cancellations made 7 or more days before the trip; 50% refund for cancellations made between 3 and 7 days; no refunds for cancellations within 3 days of the trip.
- Date changes are free of charge, subject to availability.
- In the event of severe weather or other uncontrollable factors requiring cancellation, all prepaid fees will be refunded in full.
- No refunds will be issued if a diver is unable to dive or chooses not to dive for personal reasons.
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