West Lake Hangzhou Travel Guide for May Day Holiday

I. Transportation Strategy** 1. **Prioritize Public Transportation** - **Subway+Bus Connections**: 12 subway stations around West Lake (such as Fengqi Road, Longxiang Bridge, Huanglong Cave, etc.) have bus connection lines that go directly to scenic spots. For example: - To Lingyin Temple: Take Route 7 express bus or West Lake subway connection line 3. - To Leifeng Pagoda: Take Route 4, 1314 express bus or subway connection line 4. - **Big Red Bean Digital Tourism Line**: Covers popular routes from East Railway Station to Lingyin, ideal for tourists from other cities. 2. **Driving Tips** - **Odd-Even License Plate Restriction**: During May Day holiday from 8:00-17:00 daily, vehicles (including new energy vehicles) can only enter West Lake area based on odd/even last digit of license plate. - **Reservation Required for Popular Areas**: Lingyin and Nanshan Road (from Yanggong Embankment to Yuhuang Mountain Road) require advance booking through "Police Uncle" or "Zheliban" APP for "West Lake Pass" one day ahead. Limited to once per month per vehicle. - **Park and Ride**: Recommended parking at peripheral lots such as Chengxi Leisure Park and Huanglong Sports Center, then take public transit to scenic areas. 3. **Taxi/Ride-hailing Tips** - Ride-hailing services are prohibited in Lingyin, Nanshan Road and other areas. Transfer to public transit at designated points such as 608 Xixi Road and 157 Li Taizu Bay. --- ### **II. Must-Visit Attractions and Itinerary Recommendations** **Day 1: Classic West Lake Tour** - **Morning** - **Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Solitary Hill**: Visit early morning to avoid crowds, enjoy the poetic morning light, and climb Solitary Hill for panoramic views. - **Xiling Seal Society**: Learn about seal carving culture and visit this pilgrimage site for "The Grave Robbers' Chronicles" fans. - **Noon** - **Louwailou Restaurant**: Taste West Lake vinegar fish and Dongpo pork while enjoying lake views. - **Afternoon** - **Qu Yuan Garden → Su Causeway → Leifeng Pagoda**: Stroll along Su Causeway before climbing Leifeng Pagoda to enjoy the "Sunset Glow over Leifeng Pagoda" in the evening. - **Evening** - **Night Tour of West Lake**: Take a boat ride to see the light show or enjoy Dragon Well tea at a lakeside teahouse. **Day 2: Tea Culture and Nature Exploration** - **Morning** - **Longjing Village**: Experience tea picking and roasting (about 100 yuan/person), visit the eighteen tea trees honored by Emperor Qianlong. - **Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies Hike**: Walk along the streams and take forest-themed photos. - **Afternoon** - **Yunqi Bamboo Path**: 8 yuan entrance fee, quiet bamboo forest perfect for traditional-style photography. **Day 3: In-Depth Surrounding Tour (Optional)** - **Wuzhen Day Trip**: Take high-speed train from Hangzhou East Station to Tongxiang (about 20 minutes), then transfer to Xizha Scenic Area. Experience night boat tours and visit Muxin Art Museum. - **Xixi Wetland**: Use "West Lake Cultural Tourism Card" for ticket discounts and explore the wetland ecosystem. --- ### **III. Food and Accommodation Recommendations** 1. **Special Cuisine** - **Must-try Dishes**: West Lake vinegar fish, Longjing shrimp, Pian'er Chuan noodles, Dingsheng cake. - **Recommended Restaurants**: Lvcha Longjing Restaurant (tea mountain views), Hefang Street food stalls (local favorites). 2. **Accommodation Suggestions** - **Hotels around West Lake**: Such as Xixi Hotel and Kaiyuan Yiju Hotel, convenient for sightseeing and some can help with vehicle entry permits. - **Subway Line Guesthouses**: Recommended near Longxiang Bridge and Fengqi Road stations for convenient transportation. --- ### **IV. Practical Tips** 1. **Luggage Storage**: 24-hour paid storage available at high-traffic points like Lingyin and Longxiang Bridge. 2. **Avoid Peak Hours**: Visit popular attractions (like Leifeng Pagoda, Lingyin Temple) before 8 AM or in the evening. 3. **Smart Services**: Use "Hangzhou Public Transportation" APP for real-time bus information or "West Lake Cultural Tourism" WeChat account for discount cards. --- ### **V. Cost Reference** - **Transportation**: Bus connection lines 2-5 yuan/trip, taxi transfers about 20-30 yuan. - **Admission**: Leifeng Pagoda 40 yuan, Lingyin Temple 30 yuan (including Feilai Peak), Yunqi Bamboo Path 8 yuan. - **Dining**: 50-150 yuan per person per meal, Louwailou about 150 yuan per person. --- With this plan, you can avoid peak crowds while deeply experiencing West Lake's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Remember to book entry permits in advance and check weather conditions. Enjoy your May Day holiday at West Lake!