🌿 West Lake, Hangzhou: Where Legends Float and Lotus Bloom

Imagine standing by a shimmering lake, mist curling over distant hills, ancient willows leaning gently over stone bridges — this isn’t a dream or a scene from a Tang Dynasty poem. It’s real. It’s West Lake (Xī Hú), the soul of Hangzhou and one of the most romantic places in China. ✨ First Impressions: A Poem in Every Corner From the moment I arrived, West Lake felt less like a tourist attraction and more like a living painting. Locals were out for morning tai chi, couples strolled hand-in-hand under cherry blossoms, and tiny boats floated by like drifting clouds. It’s no wonder poets and emperors have been obsessed with this lake for centuries. 🌸 The “Ten Views” — But Even One Is Enough Yes, West Lake is famous for its Ten Scenic Spots, each with poetic names like “Autumn Moon Over Calm Lake” and “Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset”. But honestly, you don’t need a checklist. Just walk. Everywhere you turn, there’s something beautiful — a bridge, a reflection, a ripple. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be: • Su Causeway in Spring: A dreamy path flanked by weeping willows and peach blossoms. • Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: Best experienced at dusk by boat. The lake glows, the city lights twinkle, and the reflection of the little stone pagodas on the water creates a mesmerizing illusion. ☕ Chill Like a Local Stop by a lakeside teahouse (I loved Teahouse of the Broken Bridge) and sip on Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, grown nearby. It’s grassy, nutty, and pairs beautifully with views of the rippling lake. 🛶 How to Explore • By Foot or Bicycle: Perfect if you want to get lost (in a good way). Trails are scenic and peaceful. • By Boat: Hands-down the best way to see the lake. Try a traditional rowboat with a local guide — they often share tales of broken bridges, moonlit lovers, and ancient dynasties. • By Electric Cart: For those who want to relax while covering more ground. #chinatrip #seoulattractions