Ultimate Guide to Cycling Around West Lake | 13km Highlight Route
by LAVELO GO全境骑旅
Jul 21, 2025
Located in the heart of Hangzhou, West Lake, a renowned tourist destination in China, boasts a quintessential Jiangnan waterside landscape, surrounded by Chinese-style pavilions, flowing bridges, and vast lotus ponds. In midsummer, the lake bursts with lotus blossoms, creating a captivating spectacle. The vast park boasts not only natural beauty but also a rich tapestry of history and culture, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll and immersion.
Recommended Itinerary
Start your visit at the Broken Bridge and Remaining Snow on West Lake, then cross the Bai Causeway and walk to the Flower Harbor to watch fish. Along the way, admire the shimmering waters and graceful willow trees. You'll pass several popular photo-ops along the way, including Leifeng Pagoda and Su Causeway Spring Dawn. Renting a bicycle or simply walking allows for more freedom in exploring the lakeside scenery. Along the route, you'll find numerous Chinese-style buildings and gardens, such as the Winding Courtyard and Winding Lotus, a popular spot for lotus photography and a popular spot for lotus viewing every summer. Finally, take a boat tour of the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, experiencing the blend of lakeside scenery and historical heritage.
Must-See Activities and Photo Spots
1. Broken Bridge and Remaining Snow: A signature scene of West Lake in Hangzhou, especially in the morning or on rainy days, the atmosphere is particularly captivating.
2. Leifeng Pagoda: A quaint Chinese-style building, overlooking the entire West Lake from the tower.
3. Su Causeway in Spring Dawn: The winding causeway is lined with trees and flowers, perfect for a morning run or a leisurely stroll.
4. Watching Fish at Flower Harbor: A pond of blooming lotus flowers, a must-see for summer photos.
5. Winding Courtyard Lotus: A natural setting for admiring lotus flowers.
6. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: Take a boat tour around the lake to admire the three small islands and their reflections.
Practical Tips
1. Due to the vast area of West Lake, it is recommended to reserve at least one day to visit some of the main attractions. For a more in-depth and leisurely tour, two to three days is ideal.
2. July and August are the Chinese student holidays, so crowds are very high, especially at popular photo spots. It's recommended to depart early or choose early morning or evening hours to avoid peak crowds.
3. Summer weather is hot and prone to thunderstorms, so remember to bring sunscreen, an umbrella, and plenty of water to avoid heatstroke.
4. The park areas are quite far apart, so it's recommended to take advantage of bicycle rentals around West Lake for a more relaxed and convenient tour.
5. Photo Tip: Cloudy days offer better reflections on the lake, while sunny days allow you to easily capture the vibrant colors of the lotus flowers.
6. There are many restaurants and food stalls near West Lake where you can enjoy authentic Hangzhou cuisine. It's recommended to make reservations in advance for lunch or avoid peak hours.
Notes
1. During holidays, crowd control measures may apply. Some attractions may require advance reservations or have limited entry, so it's important to plan your trip in advance.
2. Some sections of the lakeside path can be slippery, so please exercise caution when walking.
3. The lake area is less illuminated at night, so please be mindful of safety and transportation arrangements when visiting at night.
Related topics:
#HangzhouWestLake #LotusViewingStrategy #ChinaSummerTravel #WestLakeCheck-In #TravelTips
Post by Fan@Ny.Y | Oct 19, 2025























