AAnonymous UserQingming Festival Thousand Island Lake Trip | Zhi Ya Art Hotel: Lake View is Heavenly, but Hardware and Surcharges are a Reality Check
Qingming Festival mini-break · 2-day/1-night genuine experience · Combined with real feedback from Dianping over the past month
🌤️ Qingming Weather and First Impressions: Intermittent Sun and Rain on the Lake
My trip to Thousand Island Lake during Qingming was perfectly timed with the weather – warm and sunny during the day (12-25℃), slightly cool in the mornings and evenings, with occasional mist and light rain. The air was humid, the plants were green, and the lake was often shrouded in a light haze, giving it a distinct spring江南 (Jiangnan) charm.
The hotel is on Wenxin Island, an independent island in the middle of the lake, surrounded by water on all sides. You park your car at the pier and take a shuttle bus to the island. I was immediately struck by the scenery upon arrival: a 270° lake view, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a spacious balcony. The sunset in the evening painted the lake in shades of orange and pink. There's no need to jostle with crowds at scenic spots; you can capture stunning photos right from the hotel terrace. The art-style lobby, old movie theme, spiral staircase, and art installations create a strong ambiance and are very photogenic.
🛏️ Rooms and Hardware: Views are Top-Notch, Facilities are a Bit Old
• Pros: The room was spacious, the bedding was soft, and there was a large bathtub on the balcony. Opening the window revealed the lake, and on rainy days, snuggling in the room to watch the misty Thousand Island Lake was peaceful and therapeutic. The service attitude was good, the shuttle bus was available on call, and basic requests were quickly addressed.
• Cons:
1. Facilities are noticeably old: The decor, furniture, door locks, bathroom fixtures, and TV all show their age. There are clear signs of wear and tear, and some details look quite dated.
2. Heavy dampness: Being on an island and with frequent rain during Qingming, the room, hallway, and carpet all had a musty smell. Clothes didn't dry, and the duvet felt a bit damp to the touch.
3. Gym is practically useless: The space is small, the equipment is severely aged, chipped, and makes loud noises, making it virtually impossible to get a proper workout.
💰 Price Complaint: Severe Holiday Surcharge
The Qingming holiday surcharge was outrageously high, nearly 500 RMB more per night than on weekdays. The price doesn't match the hardware, and the value for money plummets. Recent reviews over the past month also frequently complain about the steep price hikes on weekends/holidays, suggesting that only off-peak prices are reasonable.
🍽️ Dining and Surroundings
Breakfast was decent and filling. The Thousand Island Lake fish head and river shrimp at the lakeside restaurant were fresh. There's a Neverland Cafe on the island, offering a great ambiance for lakeside afternoon tea, but the prices are on the higher side. Once on the island, it's inconvenient to go out, so activities are mostly confined to the hotel.
✅ Summary and Recommendations (Genuine and Objective)
Pros: Excellent lake views, stunning sunsets, quiet environment, strong artistic atmosphere, good service attitude.
Cons: Old facilities, noticeable dampness, aged gym, severe holiday surcharge.
Suitable for: Those who only want to take photos, enjoy the lake view, don't exercise, and prefer off-peak, lower-priced stays.
Not recommended for: Friends with high demands for facilities, who want to exercise, or have a limited budget during holidays.
📝 Travel Tips
1. Thousand Island Lake has a large temperature difference between day and night during Qingming (10-25℃), so bring a light jacket.
2. Spring is rainy, and the island is humid, so bring dehumidifier packets and quick-drying clothes.
3. Be sure to choose a lake view room when checking in; the scenery is vastly different.
4. Strongly recommend going off-peak; the value for money is much better on weekdays.
Show more