West Lake | A Dreamy Journey to Jiangnan

“West Lake rivals the beauty of Xi Shi, adorned in both light and heavy makeup.” Hangzhou's West Lake, like a pearl inlaid in the land of Jiangnan, has attracted countless admirers throughout history. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to West Lake, unveiling its boundless beauty! Best Time to Visit Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) offer pleasant weather, with average temperatures between 15-25°C, making them the ideal time to visit West Lake. From March to May, weeping willows sway by the lake, and peach blossoms bloom, creating a vibrant scene. From September to November, the fragrance of osmanthus flowers fills the air, and maple leaves turn red, immersing you in the charm of autumn🍁. Summer (June-August) is hot, with average temperatures between 28-33°C, and strong sunlight, but the lotus flowers are in full bloom, offering a breathtaking view of endless green lotus leaves. Winter (December-February) sees temperatures between 0-10°C. On snowy days, the Broken Bridge dusted with snow offers an unparalleled spectacle, although the weather is quite cold and damp. Transportation Guide ✈️ Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport: Airport buses go directly to the West Lake area. You can also take Metro Line 1 and transfer to other means of transportation. 🚄 Hangzhou Railway Station and Hangzhou East Railway Station: Both stations have convenient access to West Lake Scenic Area via subway and bus. 🚇 City Transportation: The subway reaches some areas around West Lake, such as Longxiangqiao Station, from where you can walk to the lake. The bus network is well-developed, with many routes reaching various West Lake attractions, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way. Shared bikes are also convenient, allowing you to stop and take photos at any time. Suggested Itineraries One-Day Classic Route Start your morning at the Broken Bridge, stroll along the Bai Causeway, and admire the picturesque scenery of West Lake, experiencing the poetic charm of "I never tire of walking along the east side of the lake, under the shade of green willows on the white sand causeway." Pass by the Jindaibridge and Gushan Island, where you can visit the Xiling Seal Society, a place steeped in cultural heritage and an important center for seal carving research. Next, arrive at Su Causeway. Stretching nearly three kilometers, Su Causeway is lined with peach and willow trees, offering different scenery in each season. Stroll along the causeway, admire the beauty of West Lake, and catch a glimpse of Leifeng Pagoda in the distance. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant by West Lake, savoring Hangzhou cuisine. Recommended dishes include West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, and Beggar's Chicken, treating your taste buds to a West Lake culinary journey😋. In the afternoon, visit Huagang Park, where schools of red fish swim in the Red Fish Pond, and the Peony Garden boasts a variety of precious peonies, creating a riot of color when in bloom. Afterward, take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. Three stone pagodas stand gracefully in the lake. On Mid-Autumn Festival night, candles are lit inside the pagodas, and the openings are covered with thin paper, creating the illusion of numerous moons reflected on the lake's surface, a truly magical sight🌙. In the evening, head to Leifeng Pagoda at sunset, and admire its magnificent silhouette against the setting sun, experiencing the unique charm of "Leifeng Pagoda like an old monk, Baochu Pagoda like a beauty." Finally, take a walk along the Lakeside Pedestrian Street, enjoy the night view of West Lake, and conclude your wonderful day. Nearby Food and Attractions Food ● West Lake Vinegar Fish: Made with grass carp from West Lake, the fish is tender and has a sweet and sour flavor with a rich crab taste, a signature dish of Hangzhou cuisine. ● Longjing Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are cooked with Longjing tea, resulting in jade-white shrimp with a fragrant tea aroma and a tender, smooth texture. ● Dingsheng Cake: Shaped like a small pillow, this cake has a glutinous rice flour exterior and a red bean paste filling. It is soft, glutinous, and sweet but not greasy. Legend has it that it was created during the Southern Song Dynasty to boost the morale of soldiers. Attractions ● Lingyin Temple: A renowned Buddhist temple in China with a long history and a serene environment. The temple boasts towering ancient trees, magnificent architecture, and attracts many worshippers. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist culture, listen to the echoing bells, and find inner peace. ● Nine Creeks Meandering Through a Misty Forest: Commonly known as "Nine Creeks and Eighteen Ditches," this area features rolling hills, dense forests, and murmuring streams. After rain, the mountains are shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland, making it an ideal place to connect with nature. Hiking through the area, listening to birdsong and smelling the fragrance of tea, is a truly relaxing experience. Things to Note ● Book in advance: If you plan to visit Lingyin Temple, book tickets and incense vouchers in advance on the official WeChat account. During holidays, West Lake Scenic Area is crowded, and some attractions may require advance booking. Plan your trip accordingly. ● Sun and rain protection: Take sun protection measures during summer, such as applying sunscreen and wearing a hat. Hangzhou experiences frequent rainfall, so always carry an umbrella, which can be used for both rain protection and capturing unique photos of West Lake in the rain. ● Boat safety: When taking a boat tour on West Lake, follow the instructions of the staff, wear a life jacket, and ensure your safety. ● Environmental protection: West Lake Scenic Area is beautiful. Please do not litter, and protect the flowers, plants, and trees to maintain this beautiful environment. ● Anti-fraud and anti-theft: The scenic area is crowded. Take care of your belongings and be wary of illegal soliciting to avoid being scammed.