A list of islets dot the artificially created Thousand-Island Lake in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, October 31, 2023. /CFP

A total of 1,078 islets shaped like dazzling gems dot the shimmering blue waters of the artificially formed "Qiandao Lake," which literally means "Thousand Island Lake" in Chinese. It is a wonderland for water enthusiasts in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province that offers an array of outdoor activities, from boating to fishing. Formed when the Xin'an River was dammed to create a reservoir, Qiandao Lake also stands as a testament to China's remarkable engineering prowess.