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!