Hangzhou West Lake One-Day Tour Guide｜Spring Scenery

West Lake in Hangzhou is one of the most famous tourist attractions in China, attracting countless tourists with its picturesque scenery and rich cultural heritage. Here's a detailed West Lake travel guide to help you make the most of your trip: --- ### **1. Basic Information** - **Address**: No. 1 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province - **Opening Hours**: Open all day (some attractions charge fees and have time restrictions) - **Tickets**: West Lake is free, some surrounding attractions charge fees (such as Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, etc.). - **Suggested Visiting Time**: 1-2 days --- ### **2. Must-See Attractions** **2.1 West Lake's Ten Scenic Spots (Classic Route)** - **Broken Bridge**: Legendary spot of the White Snake, stunning snow scene in winter. - **Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake**: A great place to enjoy the moon, charming night view. - **Spring Dawn at Su Causeway**: Willow trees line the causeway in spring, suitable for cycling or strolling. - **Three Pools Mirroring the Moon**: Iconic West Lake landmark, requires a boat trip to the island (boat ticket approx. 55 yuan). - **Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset Glow**: Leifeng Pagoda overlooks the entire West Lake, entrance fee 40 yuan. - **Flower Harbor Viewing Fish**: Enjoy fish and flowers, connects Su Causeway and Yanggong Causeway. - **Orioles Singing in the Willows**: Willow trees shade the area in spring, free entry. - **Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds** (distant view): North and South Peaks can be seen on a clear day. - **Evening Bell at Nanping Hill**: Bell of Jingci Temple, entrance fee 10 yuan. - **Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard**: Lotus flowers bloom in summer, free entry. **2.2 Other Recommended Attractions** - **Lingyin Temple**: Millennium-old temple, entrance fee 45 yuan + incense ticket 30 yuan. - **Longjing Village**: Taste Longjing tea and experience tea culture. - **Xixi Wetland** (about 5 km from West Lake): Ecological wetland, entrance fee 80 yuan. - **Hefang Street**: Ancient-style commercial street, free, suitable for snacks and souvenirs. --- ### **3. Transportation Guide** - **Airplane**: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, take subway line 1 or airport bus to the city center. - **High-speed Rail/Train**: Hangzhou East Railway Station or Hangzhou Railway Station, subway line 1 directly to West Lake. - **City Transportation**: - **Subway**: Lines 1 and 2 reach the West Lake area. - **Bus**: Routes 4, 7, West Lake Loop Line, etc. - **Shared Bikes**: Convenient for cycling around the lake (recommended for Su Causeway and Bai Causeway). - **Boat**: Boats available at Hubin Pier and Huagang Pier. --- ### **4. Suggested Tour Routes** **One-Day Highlights Route** 1. **Morning**: Hubin Road → Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake → Solitary Hill → Xiling Seal Society. 2. **Lunch**: Lou Wai Lou (Hangzhou cuisine) or nearby snacks. 3. **Afternoon**: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (boat trip) → Flower Harbor Viewing Fish → Leifeng Pagoda → Orioles Singing in the Willows. 4. **Evening**: Dinner at Hefang Street, West Lake Musical Fountain show (19:00, 20:00). **Two-Day In-depth Route** - **Day 1**: West Lake's Ten Scenic Spots classic route + Lingyin Temple. - **Day 2**: Tea tasting at Longjing Village → Xixi Wetland → Songcheng Park (optional "Romance of Song Dynasty" show). --- ### **5. Food Recommendations** - **Hangzhou Cuisine**: Dongpo Pork, West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, Beggar's Chicken. - **Recommended Restaurants**: - Lou Wai Lou (Gushan Road branch, time-honored brand) - Zhiweiguan (Hubin branch, famous for snacks) - Grandma's Home (cost-effective) - **Snacks**: Cong Bao Hui, Dingsheng Cake, Cat's Ear, Pian Er Chuan. --- ### **6. Accommodation Suggestions** - **Hubin Business District**: Convenient transportation, rich nightlife (e.g., Grand Hyatt Hangzhou). - **Within West Lake Scenic Area**: Quiet environment (e.g., West Lake State Guesthouse). - **Hostels/B&Bs**: Artistic B&Bs clustered around Siyanjing and Manjuelong. --- ### **7. Important Notes** 1. **Weather**: Spring, summer, and autumn are suitable, prevent heatstroke in summer, keep warm in winter. 2. **Avoid Scams**: Be cautious of "free tea" or expensive tea, refuse "unofficial guides." 3. **Reservations**: Book Leifeng Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, and other attractions in advance during holidays. 4. **Environmental Protection**: West Lake is a World Cultural Heritage site, do not litter. --- ### **8. Seasonal Features** - **Spring** (March-May): Peach blossoms and willows, best flower viewing season. - **Summer** (June-August): Lotus flowers in bloom, pay attention to sun protection. - **Autumn** (September-November): Sweet osmanthus fragrance, cool weather. - **Winter** (December-February): Broken Bridge snow scene, fewer crowds, serene scenery. --- Hope this guide helps you enjoy your trip to West Lake! If you have other needs, such as niche routes or family-friendly activities, feel free to ask! 🌸