Hangzhou in Ancient Poetry: An Elegant Journey of Mountains and Waters

Memories of Jiangnan, the most memorable is Hangzhou. This city has long been soaked in ancient poetry, every step is a line of verse.

—Day 1: Classic Lake Circuit, experience the “subtle makeup suits all” West Lake.

—Day 2: Secluded Exploration Route, experience the Zen and wild charm of the “winding path leading to a secluded place.”

🗓️ Day 1: Classic West Lake Circuit

Morning: First Encounter with West Lake
“The shimmering water is best on a sunny day, the misty mountains are also wonderful in the rain. If I compare West Lake to Xi Shi, subtle makeup suits all.”
📍 Gushan / Pinghu Qiuyue (Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake)
Navigation search: “Pinghu Qiuyue”
Activity: Morning stroll, visit Xiling Seal Engravers’ Society, fewer people and beautiful scenery.
📍 Baidi / Broken Bridge Remnant Snow
Navigation search: “Broken Bridge Remnant Snow”
Activity: Walk from Gushan along Baidi, a great spot for panoramic views of West Lake.

Noon: Hangzhou Cuisine Lunch
🍽️ Lou Wai Lou (Gushan Road Branch)
Navigation search: “Lou Wai Lou (Gushan Road Branch)”
Recommended dishes: West Lake Vinegar Fish, Dongpo Pork, Song Sao Fish Soup.
Alternative: Zhiweiguan · Weizhuang

Afternoon: In-depth Tour
🚤 Boat Ride → Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
“One moon in the sky, three reflections in the lake.”
Boarding points: You can board from “Zhongshan Wharf” or “Broken Bridge Wharf.”
Tip: Boat tickets usually include island admission. After visiting the “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” island, you can choose to disembark near the south entrance of Su Causeway.
📍 Su Causeway Spring Dawn
“Willows long on Su Causeway in spring dawn, the whole lake is misty rain of Jiangnan.”
Navigation search: “Su Causeway Spring Dawn”
Activity: Walk or bike along Su Causeway, enjoy the scenery on both sides.

Evening: Local Life
📍 Hefang Street / Southern Song Imperial Street
“Listening to spring rain in a small building overnight, selling apricot flowers in the deep alley at dawn.”
Navigation search: “Hefang Street”
Activity: Experience the lively atmosphere of old Hangzhou, taste snacks like Ding Sheng Cake and Scallion Pancake.
🏨 Accommodation recommendation: Choose near West Lake or Nanshan Road.

🗓️ Day 2: Secluded Exploration Route

Morning: Ancient Temple Zen Mind
📍 Lingyin Temple / Feilai Peak
“Entering the ancient temple at dawn, the first sun shines on tall trees. The winding path leads to a secluded place, the Zen room is deep with flowers and trees.”
Navigation search: “Lingyin Temple”
Activity: Visit early morning, step into Lingyin Temple with towering ancient trees and lingering Buddhist chants, burn incense and pray, admire stone carvings. You can also find a teahouse at the foot of Feilai Peak, order a cup of Longjing tea, and enjoy a leisurely half-day.
📍 Yongfu Temple (less known recommendation)
Navigation search: “Yongfu Temple”
Activity: Walkable from Lingyin Temple, more tranquil, recommended to rest in the temple’s teahouse.

Noon: Vegetarian Meal Experience
🍽️ Lingyin Temple Dining Hall or Tianwaitian
Navigation search: “Lingyin Temple Dining Hall” or “Tianwaitian (Lingyin Branch)”
Activity: Taste light vegetarian meals, feel the Zen lifestyle.

Afternoon: Mountain and Water Wild Charm
📍 Jiuxi Yanshu (less known recommendation)
Navigation search: “Jiuxi Yanshu”
Activity: Hike along the creek, with babbling water and dense bamboo forest, full of wild charm.
📍 Longjing Village
“Spring picking in the mountains, fragrance suitable for brewing in bamboo.”
Navigation search: “Longjing Village”
Activity: The hiking endpoint is Longjing Village, visit tea gardens and taste a cup of Longjing tea.

Evening: Canal Night View
📍 Xiaohe Zhi Street / Gongchen Bridge (less known recommendation)
“Moon sets, crows cry, frost fills the sky, river maples and fishing lights face sorrowful sleep.”
Navigation search: “Xiaohe Zhi Street” or “Gongchen Bridge”
Activity: Experience the slow life by the canal, take a walk by the river after dinner.
🏨 Accommodation recommendation: Choose Gongshu District (by the canal) or city center.

🚗 Transportation and Tips

⭕️ City transportation: Within West Lake Scenic Area, it is recommended to rent public bicycles or take sightseeing buses.

⭕️ Tickets: Most natural attractions are free, some temples (like Lingyin Temple) and boat rides require tickets.

⭕️ Clothing: It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes for long walks.