Hangzhou Travel Guide

The lotus season in Hangzhou coincides with the heatwave, resulting in fewer tourists by West Lake. At noon yesterday, I headed to the Shangri-La Hotel to enjoy their highly cost-effective buffet. Two hours later, feeling thoroughly cooled, I crossed the street to Xiling Bridge at the foot of Gushan Mountain for a 15-minute glimpse of the lotus fields before returning with a light sweat. This combination of gourmet dining and lotus viewing felt incredibly satisfying. Regarding Hangzhou's lotuses, my earlier conclusion still stands: Gushan currently has the best blooms, but only about 30-40% have opened. There's no need to rush for the perfect view. The Shangri-La remains a personal favorite—great ambiance and proximity to West Lake. Hangzhou has many such spots; while admiring lotuses, don’t forget to indulge a little—it’s also good for your health in this scorching weather. Summer in Hangzhou shouldn’t be overshadowed by the heat. Life is beautiful—take it slow.