Destination of my dream: Thousand Island Lake

Was it an image? A slogan or an idea borne out of a casual chat from someone who has been there, done that?

Earlier in May, I had the rare fortune of meeting a dear old friend in Hangzhou, China. That brought my attention to a nearby vacation spot named Thousand Island Lake (Qian Dao Hu).  

It was a feeling of ‘like’. 

If I were to be totally honest, it was nostalgia that sparked my curiosity for this AAAA Chinese attraction. Thousand Island Lake looks similar to Guatapé, a quaint Colombia town by Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. What do you think?

Left: Thousand Island Lake, Right: Guatapé

Further research reveals that Thousand Island Lake – like Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir –  was man made. It was formed in 1959 with the completion of the Xin’an River Hydroelectric Station. As its name suggests, there are 1,078 islands dotting this fresh water lake, which is surrounded by lush forests. 

Located in Chun’an County, Hangzhou, Thousand Island Lake is best known for its clear and clean water, sometimes referred as “The Best Water in China”. In fact, popular mineral water brands like Nongfu Spring use water from the Thousand Island Lake! 

I was in awe, and ready for a quest to find the freshest bottled water after meeting my dear friend in Hangzhou city. What I didn’t know then was how much I would fall in love with Thousand Island Lake, and how easy it was to feel that sense of belonging.  

Over the years, I have learn to trust my intuition, especially when it comes to choosing the right travel destination(s). While peers around me are saving calories for their ideal meal, I am preoccupied with my travel footprint. Hence, the need to get the travel destination right.

How to continue exploring with minimal environmental impact?

Slow travel is definitely the way to go, preferably in nearby destinations. While I miss Colombia and would very much like to explore South America thoroughly, it is not justifiable. That’s alright because there are always hidden gems just around the corner, should one look in the right place. 

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