Stunning! Hangzhou West Lake Broken Bridge, encounter the same romance as Bai Suzhen in the misty rain
Stunning! Hangzhou West Lake Broken Bridge, encounter the same romance as Bai Suzhen in the misty rain
📍 Attraction address: Inside West Lake Scenic Area, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province (at the junction of Beishan Road and Baidi, adjacent to Baoshi Mountain)
🚗 Transportation guide:
- Metro: Line 1, exit C at "Longxiangqiao Station," walk 1.2 km (15-20 minutes), enjoy lakeside scenery along the way;
- Bus: Routes 7, 277, 1314 (Romantic Line) to "Broken Bridge Remnant Snow Station," get off and you are right by the bridge;
- Self-driving/taxi: The scenic area is prone to congestion during peak season, taxi to "Broken Bridge Entrance" is recommended, parking spaces nearby are limited, choose self-driving carefully.
👍 Core check-in spots:
1. Broken Bridge itself · Romantic center stage
- Highlights: The bridge has a slight arch in the middle, connecting Baidi and the lakeside on both sides. In misty rain, the bridge body hides in the thin fog, the vermilion railings faintly visible, reflections on the lake blend with the real scene, vividly recreating the classic scene from "Legend of the White Snake"; after winter snow, the "Broken Bridge Remnant Snow" is even more spectacular, with snow melting on the sunny side and remaining on the shady side. Viewed from Baoshi Mountain, it looks broken yet intact, a visual feast.
- Activities: Stroll along the bridge early in the morning to see the morning mist drifting over the lake; lean on the railing at dusk to watch boats pass by, with sunset glow on the bridge, every photo looks like a "classical Chinese style masterpiece."
2. Surrounding linkage · Double the scenery
- Baoshi Mountain: Climb from the northwest side of Broken Bridge (10 minutes to the mountainside), overlook the full view of Broken Bridge, Baoshu Pagoda faces Broken Bridge across the lake, the pagoda tip piercing the clouds in the mist looks like the finishing touch in an ink painting;
- Baidi: Walk southwest from Broken Bridge, in spring peach blossoms line the banks, willows hang down, forming the classic scene of "peach pink and willow green reflecting Broken Bridge." When tired, sit on the lakeside stone bench to enjoy the lake view.
🍜 Must-try food:
- Scallion pancake wrapped fried dough sticks: freshly made at small stalls near Broken Bridge, spring pancake wrapped around fried dough sticks, brushed with sweet sauce, crispy and fragrant with each bite, a street flavor in Hangzhou memories (5 RMB/portion);
- West Lake Vinegar Fish: Recommended "Lou Wai Lou" (10 minutes walk from Broken Bridge), fish meat tender but not dry, sour and sweet sauce coats the fish skin, perfect with rice (average 80+ RMB per person);
- Longjing milk tea: Sold at street shops, Longjing tea base mixed with fresh milk, refreshing and cleansing, holding it while strolling Broken Bridge is very fitting (15 RMB/cup).
📸 Photo tips:
- Best spots:
- North lakeside of Broken Bridge (capture full bridge and lake reflection, mist as foreground during rainy weather, atmosphere maximized);
- Baoshi Mountain viewing platform (overlooking Broken Bridge and Baidi, especially after snow or at sunset, colors are richly layered);
- Best time: 6-8 AM (few people, morning mist not dispersed), rainy days in plum rain season (drizzle creates natural filter);
- Outfit suggestion: wear plain-colored qipao, hanfu, or cotton-linen long dress, hold an oil-paper umbrella, instantly transform into "Bai Suzhen style."
💡 Practical tips:
- Tickets: Broken Bridge and West Lake core area are free! Baoshi Mountain and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon require separate fees (Baoshi Mountain free, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon 45 RMB including boat ticket);
- Best seasons: March-April (peach blossoms), June-July (plum rain season misty rain), December-January (snow to see remnant snow);
- Avoid pitfalls: Don’t buy overpriced West Lake Longjing tea from roadside vendors, buy tea at official shops; bridge surface slippery when wet, wear non-slip shoes;
- Linked itinerary: From Broken Bridge, walk along Baidi to Pinghu Qiuyue, then take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, explore "half circle of West Lake" in one day.
✨ In a nutshell: The romance of Broken Bridge is hidden in the misty rain, in the lingering legend. Standing here, the wind is gentle, the water affectionate, as if the next moment you will meet Bai Suzhen walking by with an umbrella.