Everytime time we think about China our first impressions goes to country’s brilliant technologies, new innovations and cultural legacies. But did you know that China has tremendous amounts of natural beauties and travel destinations that catering enthusiastic and adventure backpackers.
Out of that, today I’m going to explain (one of my Chinese favourite places) the country’s most underrated travel spot is; Matcha Lake. Often cited as Qingshan Lake that is perfect spot impressing visitors through “Tall Cypress Trees rise out of the Water covered in bright green duckweed and broadwalks which let you walk straight through it”.
Let’s dig more about this Match Lake’s real prices, transport options/getting option and best season to visit.
Is Qingshan Lake/Matcha Lake Worth Visiting?
My straight answer is “Yes”. If you really like to indulge in a more quiet nature atmosphere and a totally unique spot to do kayaking and paddleboardings.
However, the park is even paradise to photographers and slow walkers amidst tall Cypress trees. If you don’t mind a long transfer for one main sight, this could be the best option for you.
Match Lake vs Qingshan Lake- Same Place, but Different Scale
When I first searched about Matcha Lake, I thought that both Matcha Lake and Qingshan Lake are the same. It is true both are the same, but there are some different features we can see here.
Qingshan Lake is the whole lake in Lin’an district, recognised as the Chinese one of the largest artificial lakes, primarily built in 1964. However, Qingshan Lake adhered to Hangzhou’s 3 major lakes, West Lake and Qiandao Lake.
But Matcha Lake is not its original name, this name given by the local visitors and later it went viral in social media as a nickname. Some people even believe that Matcha names often come through where duckweed carpets the surface.
To explore lake planning matters the most, sometimes visitors only limit their journey to see its color of water or vibrant seasons. But you have to remember these’re just small slices of its large size.
While I went to see what the intrinsic features of Matcha Lake were, I was surprised by its size. Even though it’s varying size, the lake is about 50,000 square meters with more than 10,000 trees averaging 30 meters tall. Luckily, since it is a compact attraction you can finish within 1 or 2 hours.
Lake’s color is my other favourite feature which is considered as its core thing to attract millions of visitors. The lake’s green color comes from duckweed, a kind of floating plant that thrives in warm weather.
Make sure that, color is seasonal, it is purely based on the algae bloom and not dye. Sometimes it can look patchy after wind or rain.
How to Get to Qingshan Lake from Hangzhou
Reaching to Qingshan Lake is super easy, thanks to multiple modes to reach Matcha Lake. Let’s bifurcate from cheapest to costlier options.
1. Metro
If you are looking to reach Matcha Lake through most budget friendly options, maybe there is no better option than Metro. Take Hangzhou Metro Line 16 to Qingshan Lake Station or Babaili Station.
Once you reach Qingshan Lake station you’d have to walk 10 to 15 minutes to reach the lake premises. If you dislike walking, book cycle or shuttle bus that operate locally and they cost you ¥1 ($0.15).
2. Bus
Easiest and straightforward option to reach Matcha Lake. K1 and K2 Lin’an buses operate directly to nearby bus stations and you can ask them to stop at “Qingshan Lake”.
3. Car
If you’re looking to reach Matcha Lake by car (own or private), it takes an hour from downtown. From Downtown use AMap (alternative to Google Map), navigate to “Qingshan Lake Water Forest”. Make sure that those who’re coming through cars must pay ¥10 ($1.50) or 20 ($3) as a parking fee per day.
Instead of a car, you have additional option to choose a locally popular Didi. Didi is cheaper than a car and a 2km economy ride was quoted at roughly 80p. To avoid any language barriers, it is better to download any English-Chinese translation apps or book local guides through GetyourGuide who’re fluent in English or your preferred languages.
4. Private Tour
Are you ready to pay $108 per person, then you’re eligible to enjoy full day private tours. My favourite is Butler Travels and GowithGuides. Both are offering 1 day private tour packages, operators sell door to door day trips from about $73 per person for shared car format.
How to Get from Shanghai
Reaching Matcha Lake could be possible from the Capital city of China, Shanghai. Take bullet train or high speed train to Hangzhou, then continue by metro. Hangzhou’s main station is large, approximately contains 56 platforms and you can expect airport style security. Better to arrive early and better to carry your passports, sometimes they ask for your passport, visa and resident documents.
What are the Things You Can Expect at Park’s Water Forest?
There’re a lot of things you can enjoy while you visit Matcha Lake. But right now I’m sorting out a few popular things to do in Matcha Lake which are all time favourites by the major previous backpackers.
1. Walk the Boardwalks
Walking on Matcha Lakes boardwalks is more tranquil, leisure experience, luckily it would be possible for all age travelers. Firstly, walking helps you to see vast areas of lakes that look exactly like Matcha.
If you’re too concerned to walk along with the towering bald cypresses and dawn redwoods, these boardwalks help you get a close touch and it creates friendly ambiance to click enough photos, especially during the evening period.
Be careful while walking its wooden paths, sometimes damp, so wear non-slip shoes. Some visitors recommended that handrails cover most sections, though at least one open stretch is popular for photography.
2. Kayaking Between Cypresses Trees
Kayaking is the most popular activity even today thousands of visitors simply come to Matcha Lake just to kayak. Kayaking is the experience that separates your pretty walking experience from something memorable.
Amidst cypress trees, you can kayak/paddle through lakes’ most intense green layer of floating duckweed. The interesting part is “While sitting at water level, the duckweed parts around your boat and closes again behind you”.
Another curious part here in Matcha Lake kayaking is that thousands of cypress and redwoods stand at every part of the lake. These trees look unreal and turn into neon green shape during summer and autumn. So, kayaking during this season has 2 more advantages: not just to see the green layer of the lake, but to see unique shapes of trees.
You don’t stress too much for prior bookings, kayaks are available at spot and directly rented from there. To do kayaking in Matcha Lake you don’t need any prior experience, but wearing life jackets is crucial. Ask your staff which areas are open that day, some periods paddling zones may change due to weather conditions.
3. Boating and Greenway Cycling
If you like calm and steady activity, both are possible here. But the boat tour demands ¥80 from you to do it. I think it is worth more than your money. Boat rides allow you to get mesmerising views of the green water, duckweed parts and cypress trees without much effort like paddling/kayaking.
Greenway Cycling is a slightly different travel thing. If you are too budget conscious and spend more time at the lake without paying a single penny, maybe this will be a good option for you. It is less dramatic than the forest, but good for a break from crowds and for seeing the lake’s real scale.
Prices Lists You Know in Matcha Lak
Prices are versatile and it heavily depends on activities. Here I list out some of the best price lists of items and who can be eligible to enjoy
| Items | To Who | Price at $ |
| Greenway (Lakeside Path) | Open to General Public and Budget Conscious Visitors | Free |
| Water Forest Ticket (Entry Ticket to Matcha Lake) | One Operators (takes about 2 hours, available online, visitors either buy online or on site) | $6 |
| Single Kayak | Single Traveler/Solo | $18/hour |
| Double Kayaking | Good for Couples | $33/hour |
| Scenic Boat Tour | Those Who don’t like Kayaking/paddle | $12 per person |
| Lake Tour Bus | Full Loop | $3- $5 per person |
| Bike Rental | Includes E-Bike Lovers | $3-$6/hour or $5-$8 per day |
| For Children’s Playground | Inside Activities | $3 |
| Parking | Both 2 and 4 Wheelers | $1.5 – $3 per day |
If you’re an economical backpacker you can also successfully accomplish your Matcha Lake trip. Try to walk near the metro station and buy a ticket to the lake. Then making a simple lunch comes roughly under ¥100 ($15)-130 ($20).
Book a single kayak for 1.5 hours and they won’t charge more than ¥280 ($42) to 310 ($47). Visit between 8:00 or 8:30 to 17:30 and try to visit during the winter season. Winter witnesses less hotel, food and entry fees than summer or autumn.
Two Plans That Actually Works at Matcha Lake
Actually speaking, here in Matcha Lake 2 plans perfectly work to you if you’ve limited travel time left. I am bifurcating here how exactly you can do a half day and 1 full day tour.
1. Half Day- 4 Hours at the Lake
- Do kayaking during the 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM morning period when water is calm, less noise and crowds.
- From 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM choose to walk at its boardwalks or choose to go deep past the entrance area.
- At 11:30 make your lunch and return.
2. Full Day Tour
- Visit early morning to Matcha Lake and try Kayaking and Boardwalk.
- Try your lunch at its local restaurants. They offer local Lin’an food like bamboo shoot dishes, farm vegetable dishes and rice noodles.
- Once your lunch is over try a bike ride along the greenway.
- Lakeside coffee is the best option to do late afternoon. Along with visiting Lin’an Old Street is an alternative option for your afternoon, about 15 minutes by car or quiet walk
Make sure that these’re the rough ideas you can do within a day. You can alter it or change according to your preference and budgets.
When to Visit
Here I list out some of the best season (month by month) you can head on;
| Month | Season | What to Expect | Best For | What to Know |
| March to April | Spring | Duckweed color likely patchy and regrowing temperatures | If you like quiet and less reliable ambiances | Less Reliable |
| May to September | Summer and Early Autumn | Lake look more green and filled with more numbers of photographers | If you spend more time green duckweed or matcha look | Hot and Humid |
| October to November | Autumn | Green water plus trees turning range red | If you like photography | Busy |
| Late November to December | Early Winter | Foliage turning red especially early December | If you like to kayak or paddle | Water color transformation |
| January to February | Full Winter | Cold and Bare trees | If you like tranquil experience | Solitude |
Note; Go early. Early morning gives you less travel crowds and calm ambiances that give better reflections, softer light and easy experiences.
Try to skip midday and late afternoon, both are sunny and busy periods. If you’re planning to go on weekdays rather than weekends, it would be lovely.
Simple Tips Those Who’se Looking to Save Time
- Try to pay your bills and fees digitally. Install Alipay or WeChat pay with foreign card and get eSIM before arriving. Avoid transacting your bills through cash or card, instead use QR codes, most vendors have.
- Choose to reach dense areas. Visiting a park’s remote area allows you to enjoy a more tranquil experience, less travel crowds, and offer better photographic opportunities.
- Parks’ beauty is not limited to one thing or place. While you move forward at every step it builds more wow moments.
- Check proper wind and cloud/ weather conditions. Weather or clouds are uncertain here, choose morning to cover your maximum things and avoid afternoon or late afternoon.
What Not to Expect in Matcha Lake
Matcha Lake is surely a worth visiting place in China. But at the same time it may disappoint you if you expect it to look like what you see in viral photos or visiting the wrong season.
1. Its Varying Color
Most of the time Matcha Lake color is heavily depend on season and weather. Recently my fellow visitor who visited this year found the lake vividly green but reported that smog limited the views across the water.
Sometimes the season’s wind breaks the reflections of the surface of the water to make it look smooth.
2. Inappropriate Guides
Sometimes you may experience too much walking while walking with tour guides. Operators often advise you to walk the next 10 to 15 minutes to reach the first boardwalk. Once you reach there, a huge number of trees welcome you without any crowds.
My Final Words
If you truly are a big fan of nature and wish to spend some time with nature’s unique gift, maybe this Matcha Lake is for you. So, finally my simple advice to my readers is to plan your trip perfectly (I mentioned above) and I’ll bet you’ll see the version that went viral.
Read My Other Chine’s Travel Contents;
1. 10 Hidden Truths of “Great Wall of China”
2. The Temple of Heaven, China.
