West Lake

🇨🇳 Hangzhou West Lake | One-Day Hiking Guide Around the Lake with Red Walls and Green Willows 🚶 Includes Live Photos + Camera Spots The top attraction in Jiangnan! Packing in one lake, two pagodas, and three causeways! 🌸 🚇 Transportation Guide 📍 Starting Point: Exit C of Longxiangqiao Station on Metro Line 1 🚌 Transportation Within the Scenic Area: - Boat Tour: Recommended route "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon" (includes island landing for 70 yuan). Take the last boat to catch the sunset! - Shared Bikes: Cycling along Su Causeway is incredibly soothing (note: you’ll need to walk your bike uphill). 🎯 Highlights Route (50% Fewer Crowds by Walking Backwards) 1️⃣ Broken Bridge Remnant Snow ➡️ Autumn Moon on the Calm Lake Broken Bridge Camera Spot: Walk 50 meters toward Baochu Pagoda for a telephoto shot compressing the lake and boats. Autumn Moon on the Calm Lake: Capture the silhouette of Leifeng Pagoda by the stone railings near Emperor Qianlong’s stele. 2️⃣ Xiling Seal Art Society ➡️ Yuewang Temple (Yue Fei Temple) Hidden Gem: Touch the thousand-year-old inscriptions at the "Han Sanlao Stone Chamber" behind the society for academic blessings. Yuewang Temple: Toss coins in front of the kneeling statues for wishes (bring small change!). 3️⃣ Breeze-Ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden ➡️ Guo’s Villa 📸 Lotus Season: Arrive before 7:00 AM! Bring smoke pellets for dreamy "Lotus Pond Mist" shots. Guo’s Villa: Claim the best West Lake view from the 2-yuan tea seat by the window. 4️⃣ Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor ➡️ Leifeng Pagoda Red Fish Pond: Bring toast! Capture live photos when the koi swarm. Leifeng Pagoda Elevator Tip: Head straight to the 4th-floor west window for the best framing. 🍵 Must-Try List ✔️ Lotus Root Starch Master (Beishan Street): Freshly brewed lotus root starch with osmanthus sauce. ✔️ Louwailou’s Beggar’s Chicken: A dramatic clay-shell-breaking ritual. ✔️ Lakeside Teahouse: Rooftop seats after 16:30 for 30 yuan per person to enjoy the sunset. ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Scams - Bargain hand-rowed boat prices from 150 yuan/hour down to 80 yuan (look for blue-canopied boats). - Leifeng Pagoda elevator queues can exceed 1 hour—consider climbing the stairs (only 5 floors). - West Lake Music Fountain is temporarily closed—don’t make a wasted trip!