[2025 Hangzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Guo's Villa (Updated Jul)

🔥 [Hangzhou Local's Secret Guide] The Ultimate Way to Experience West Lake! (Including Money-Saving Tips) 🌿 Transportation Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps: 1️⃣ Airport Express → Subway Line 1 to Longxiang Bridge Station (3-min walk from Exit C to Hubin) 2️⃣ Avoid scenic area taxis! Take the Lake Circuit Sightseeing Bus instead (40 yuan/day unlimited rides) 3️⃣ For shared bikes, choose "Little Red Bike" (free within 1 hour) 📸 Must-Visit Spots Timeline: ⏰ 06:30-08:00 Broken Bridge (Perfect for photos in morning light with fewer crowds) ⏰ 09:00-11:00 Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (Recommend 55 yuan boat combo ticket including Lesser Yingzhou Isle) ⏰ 16:30-18:30 Leifeng Pagoda (Perfect timing for amazing West Lake sunset!) 🍵 Local Food Map Only Hangzhou Natives Know: ✅ Breakfast: Grandma Sun's Scallion Pancakes on Hefang Street (10 yuan/serving) ✅ Lunch: Sizao'er Home Cooking (Must-try: Sweet Rice Wine Steamed Buns with Braised Pork) ✅ Souvenirs: Zhiweiguan Fresh-Baked Pickled Vegetable and Pork Moon Cakes (36 yuan/box) 💡 Tested Pro Tips: ❗️ Long elevator queue at Leifeng Pagoda? Take the stairs - only 8 minutes to the top! ❗️ Scenic area water 5 yuan? Bring your own bottle (32 drinking water stations around West Lake) ❗️ Want a rowing boat ride? Go to Guozhuang Dock (180 yuan/boat, fits 6 people) 👗 Outfit Suggestions: Spring: Hanfu + Oil Paper Umbrella (Many rental spots on Beishan Street) Summer: Modern Chinese-style Dress + Folding Fan (Perfect for Qu Yuan Feng He) Fall/Winter: Camel Coat + Beret (Perfect for photos with fallen phoenix trees) ⚠️ Important Reminders: West Lake Musical Fountain closed every Tuesday/Friday! Arrive before 9am on weekends (Gets extremely crowded later) Don't leave on rainy days! Misty West Lake is true Jiangnan charm! This guide is the essence of my experience leading 87 groups of friends and family. Save it for future use! Recommend using with AutoNavi Map's "West Lake Smart Tour" feature for a worry-free experience!

Hangzhou in spring is a breathing palette of colors 🎨 Last week, I took my kids on a three-day adventure, exploring all the hidden plum blossom spots around West Lake! From meandering streams to mountaintop flower seas, it's a springtime fairytale world that my kids would revisit even if it meant running their legs off 💐 🚇Transportation: Subway + bus is the most convenient, some spots can be connected on foot. 🏨Accommodation: Recommend the Hubin business district, super convenient for walking to West Lake. 🌈3 Days 2 Nights Blossom Chasing Itinerary: Day 1: Gushan Hill → Bai Causeway → Quyuanfenghe Day 2: Xixi Wetland → Du Jinsheng's Former Residence → Yang Family Archway Day 3: Botanical Garden → Guo Zhuang → Prince Bay Park (backup) 💡Must-Do Highlights for Families: 1. Gushan Plum Blossom Adventure Rent a family bike 🚲 by the Broken Bridge, ride along the Bai Causeway to Gushan Hill, where kids can discover "stars growing on plum trees" (winter sweet)! Admire the reflection of Baochu Pagoda in the lake and teach your kids about the "Ten Scenes of West Lake"～ 2. Xixi Wetland Sculling Magic Charter a sculling boat 🚣♀ and venture deep into the plum blossom villas. The boatwoman will share stories of Xixi, and kids can scatter flower petals into the water, suddenly discovering that "the boat is sailing in a rainbow" (light refraction)! Remember to bring bread to feed the ducks 🦆 3. Botanical Garden Magic Class Observe flower stamens with a magnifying glass in the Plum Blossom Appreciation Garden, and collect different colored plum blossoms to make specimens🌼. At the top of Lingfeng Tanmei Hill, there's a wild grassy area where kids can run and chase butterflies (almost tumbling into the sea of flowers)! 4. Guo Zhuang Time Travel Play hide-and-seek in the rockery caves, teach kids to draw plum blossoms in the sandpit with branches, and watch the "plum blossom waterfall" cascade onto the lake from the second-floor viewing platform, like a spilled can of pink paint🎨. 📌Tips for Kids: ✔Wear non-slip shoes! The stone paths are often mossy. ✔Bring a spray bottle + small shovel for playing in the sand at the Botanical Garden. ✔Must-eats: Dingsheng Cake, Cong Bao Gui, West Lake Vinegar Fish. ✔Quyuanfenghe requires advance booking; avoid weekend crowds with kids. Now the cherry blossoms 🌸 are starting to peek out! Save this guide for a seamless transition from plum blossoms to cherry blossoms, and unlock a Hangzhou-exclusive spring with your kids～

Hangzhou Spring🌷Eight flower viewing city walk routes recommended by locals😎 Hangzhou in March is simply the embodiment of spring's vitality🌷. When traveling to Hangzhou in spring🧳, don't miss these eight flower viewing and spring outing city walk routes👍🏻. They are all recommended by locals, and you absolutely won't be disappointed😏. 🎈1️⃣ 🗺️Route: Xizi Hotel → Jingci Temple → Taiziwan Park → Jiuyao Mountain 🌸Flowers to see: Tulips🌷, daffodils, cherry blossoms🌸, magnolias 📅Best viewing time: Mid-March - early April 🌟Highlights: Taiziwan Park, resembling a Monet garden, the stunning lakeshore of Xizi Hotel seems to encompass the entire West Lake, and finally, climbing Jiuyao Mountain offers a panoramic view of Yuhu Bay, the scenery is incredibly beautiful😍. 🎈2️⃣ 🗺️Route: China National Tea Museum, Shuangfeng Branch → Maojiabu → Yunsong Bookshop → Mulan Mountain Tea Garden 🌸Flowers to see: Cherry blossoms🌸, Thunberg spirea, Orychophragmus violaceus, crabapple blossoms, magnolias, camellias 📅Best viewing time: Mid-March - early April 🌟Highlights: This is a niche and tranquil flower viewing route, with gurgling streams along the way💧, and various flowers blooming in competition, as if you are immersed in a sea of flowers🌼. 🎈3️⃣ 🗺️Route: Children's Park → Hupao Spring → Qiantang River Bridge → White Pagoda Park 🌸Flowers to see: Cherry blossoms🌸, Paulownia flowers, crabapple blossoms, peach blossoms 📅Best viewing time: Mid-March - end of March 🌟Highlights: There are steps covered with cherry blossoms, and a small train🚂 under the cherry trees, just like stepping into a comic world, super romantic💕. 🎈4️⃣ 🗺️Route: Wugui Tan → West Lake State Guesthouse → Guo Zhuang → Quyuan Fenghe 🌸Flowers to see: Orychophragmus violaceus, cherry blossoms🌸, magnolias, crabapple blossoms, late cherry blossoms 📅Best viewing time: Mid-March - early April 🌟Highlights: This is the West Lake's back garden with very few tourists, a true sanctuary for introverts😌, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty. 🎈5️⃣ 🗺️Route: China Courtyard·Mengxi Garden → Yuniaoji → Big Roof 🌸Flowers to see: Cherry blossoms🌸 📅Best viewing time: Late March - early April 🌟Highlights: The perfect fusion of architecture and cherry blossoms, especially during the blue hour, is as beautiful as a movie scene🎬, super photogenic📸. 🎈6️⃣ 🗺️Route: Xixi Wetland Zhoujiacun Village 🌸Flowers to see: Purpleleaf Sandcherry, rapeseed flowers, Viburnum macrocephalum 📅Best viewing time: Mid-March - mid-April 🌟Highlights: The Purpleleaf Sandcherry here is no less beautiful than cherry blossoms🌸, and the Viburnum macrocephalum by the water has a unique charm😃. 🎈7️⃣ 🗺️Route: Maya Island → Big Yellow Duck Paradise → Xianghu Fishing Village 🌸Flowers to see: Viburnum macrocephalum, late cherry blossoms 📅Best viewing time: End of March - mid-April 🌟Highlights: Steps covered with Viburnum macrocephalum and cherry blossoms, walking on them is truly romantic🌹, as if entering a dream world. 🎈8️⃣ 🗺️Route: Xinyi Square → Dadou Road → Xiaohe Straight Street → Gongchen Bridge 🌸Flowers to see: Cherry blossoms🌸, roses

Hangzhou is not just about the lake. Here's a less crowded and beautiful route. Here you can enjoy the quiet and elegant Jiangnan gardens. There are also red maples and metasequoias in late autumn. ～ 🚶 Itinerary: Quyuanfenghe Park → Guozhuang → Maojiabu → Wuguitan → Huinyin Gaolishi Temple → Huagang Guanyu → Yuhu Bay → Taizi Bay Park 1️⃣ Quyuanfenghe Park: A great place to enjoy the maple leaves, with Jiangnan gardens and red maples as the backdrop; 2️⃣ Guozhuang: The lakeside and long corridors in the garden are perfect for taking photos in ancient style. 🎫 Tickets: 10 yuan, free with park card; 3️⃣ Maojiabu: With a trestle and arch bridge, it's a green wonderland by the West Lake; 4️⃣ Wuguitan: Clear water and a quiet environment; 5️⃣ Huinyin Gaolishi Temple: Low-key and secluded, even more charming in autumn; 6️⃣ Huagang Guanyu: Rowing a boat through the bridge hole; 7️⃣ Yuhu Bay: The Jihong Bridge is very distinctive, with a winding coastline and picturesque scenery; 8️⃣ Taizi Bay Park: Red maples, metasequoia forests and autumn water are like movie scenes; The whole journey takes about 4-5 hours, and you can adjust the itinerary according to your own situation;

#Chinese architecture Guo’s Villa (Guozhuang Garden) In the past, this was a luxurious garden villa built as a private retreat for a wealthy silk merchant in the Qing Dynasty. The shui is very good, with mountains behind and West Lake in front. The entrance fee is 10 yuan per person. For those who go to walk around the West Lake and there are many people, I recommend you to come here. Pay a little but you can take pictures without people. This garden is therefore known as the number one beautiful garden in the West Lake because of its quiet environment. The well-preserved buildings, tasteful landscaping, especially the arched door corner facing the West Lake, has a lotus garden mixed with traditional Chinese architecture. Chinese people like to rent Chinese clothes to take pictures. 📌 Guo’s Villa (Guozhuang Garden) The entrance fee is 10 yuan per person. ⏰ Opening and closing hours: Open daily from 8:00 to 17:00. #Review China #Hangzhou attractions #Review Hangzhou #Hangzhou

This route is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Hangzhou in autumn. From Lushui Fuqu to Jiuyao Mountain, each scenic spot has its own unique autumn landscape. It is recommended to start at 7:20 in the morning, go to the Green Water Lotus Canal first, and take a wide-angle photo, taking less photos of the ground and more of the leaves. Then we went to Sui Lu, brought a telephoto lens, took pictures of the distant view of Yudai Bridge and Leifeng Pagoda, and then took a picture of the terrace. We arrived at Quyuan Fenghe at 8 o'clock, mainly taking pictures of the Tingliu, the bridge hole next to it, and the big maple tree. We arrived at Guozhuang at 8:30. The maple leaf king here looks beautiful no matter how you take pictures of it. We arrived at Huagang to watch fish at 9 o'clock. The maple leaves at Haoshangle and Binhu Promenade were in full bloom, but it is best to go to the bridge arch to take pictures after 3 pm because there will be too many people and it is not recommended. Arrive at Taizi Bay at 10 o'clock, and the classic big tree chair is right at Fanghuai Pavilion. Finally, we arrived at Jiuyao Mountain at 10:30, where we could take pictures of the beautiful scenery of Yuhe Bay and Leifeng Pagoda. If you want to appreciate each attraction, you can slow down appropriately. The best time to enjoy the maple leaves is this week!

Have you been enchanted by the maple leaves here in Prince Bay in autumn? I just came back from there, and I was really shocked by the beautiful scenery! About the maple leaf season, the time when the maple leaves are red to the extreme has not yet arrived, only a very few trees on the shady side are completely red. But there is no light under the tree, the color tone is too dark. I personally prefer the current maple leaves of green, yellow and orange, which are colorful under the sun. Plus, the water quality in Prince Bay is very good, it is blue-green, and there is a cool color in the warm color of the maple leaves, which is too great. Maple leaf viewing date prediction: In the recent week, the green is gradually less, and most of the maple leaves turn from yellow to orange. In the next week, the maple leaves are almost yellow, and the orange tone is enhanced. In mid-December, the maple leaves enter the orange-red stage, and they are about to be completely red. Maple leaf viewing time: 7-9 am, there will be morning mist in Prince Bay. 14-16 in the afternoon, the afternoon sun is very gentle. My pictures were taken around 3 pm. It's best to come on non-weekends. My highly recommended West Lake maple leaf viewing route: Quyuan Fenghe-Sudi (there is a colorful maple tree) or Guozhuang (park card is free)-Huagang Guanyu-Prince Bay-Hupao Park. In addition, there are Jiuxi and Meiling South Road, which are a bit far apart and not very convenient. You can go there when you have time.

The Jiangnan garden by the West Lake: Guozhuang, known as the 'Little West Lake', has different beautiful sceneries all year round. Currently, the Red Maple King in the garden is in full color. Hurry up and enjoy the maple leaves, or they will all fall off soon. 1️⃣The best light is around two in the afternoon 2️⃣The maple leaves look better when photographed against the light 3️⃣Combining garden architecture in the photo creates a better atmosphere 4️⃣There is only one red maple tree in Guozhuang, but its lush branches and leaves are not to be missed 🎫The entrance fee for Guozhuang is 10 yuan, and the Hangzhou Park Card can be used for free entry ⏱️Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 📍Address: No. 28 Yanggongdi, West Lake District, Hangzhou (next to Wolong Bridge)

1 Taiziwan One of the mainstream West Lake scenic spots in Hangzhou, undoubtedly beautiful, but there are indeed many people, especially those taking pictures! It is recommended to arrive at 7 o'clock to appreciate the morning mist 🎫: Free P: Taiziwan West Gate Parking Lot (there are more parking spaces there) 2 Huagang Guanyu Because many scenic spots in Hangzhou can feed fish, so I didn't specifically go to the red fish pond. I quickly ate this glowing pancake when the traffic light was red. I personally love the Binhu Corridor, looking at the small South Lake and the distant mountains, each frame is like a scene in a painting 🎫: Free P: Huagang Park Parking Lot (at the entrance of Zhiweiguan Weizhuang) 3 Yu Hu Bay Compared with other scenic spots in West Lake, there are not many people here, but it is this low-key hidden in the city, if you have more time, you can go to Turtle Pond, or take a hand-rowed boat on the Turtle Pond route, which is incredibly beautiful 🎫: Free P: Chishanbu Parking Lot 4 Maojiabu There are few people here like the West Lake scenic spot, basically all are locals in Hangzhou, there are no particularly eye-catching check-in points, and no golden positions, but there is more aimless comfort 🎫: Free P: Xia Maojiabu Parking Lot 5 Guozhuang You can walk all the way from Maojiabu to Guozhuang, a small and beautiful private garden of the Qing Dynasty, to appreciate the popular Red Maple King 🎫: 10 yuan (free for park annual card) 6 Quyuan Fenghe Go for a battery boat (you have to drive it yourself) The battery boat ticket price is very conscientious, 30 yuan for half an hour, can sit 4 people, it is a different feeling to appreciate the beautiful scenery on the lake 🎫: Free P: You can walk directly from Guozhuang (Gate 4), if you enter from the north, you can park in the Yue Temple Parking Lot

Hi~ I’m Xiao Xiaotian, I quit my job as a TV host after 10 years Love traveling, want to share the free and simple life with your friends - Hangzhou's autumn is like an overturned palette The fiery red maple leaves add a touch of color to autumn. After a year of waiting, the maple king by the West Lake finally came to repay his gratitude Let its beauty and passion bloom in the warm autumn sun🍁 - ‼ ️Photo taken at 3 pm on November 27, 2023 There aren't many people, you can test it yourself, just take your phone... It is recommended to make an appointment with friends as soon as possible, don’t miss this wonderful thing👇 - 📍｜Guozhuang, Little West Lake, Hangzhou ⏰｜8:00-17:00 🚘｜Take Metro Line 3 to Huanglongdong and transfer to Line 318 to get off at Guozhuang 🎫｜10💰/person, free with West Lake Park Card 🍁｜Maple leaves: all red, perfect time to enjoy the maple leaves - 📷｜【Some of my photography experiences and suggestions】 ▪️It is recommended to visit between 2pm and 4pm, when the light hits the maple trees, shining the red through and leaving a jewel color on the lake. · ▪️All cameras and mobile phones can produce good photos. There is no need for color adjustment. Just take a photo and it will be a good photo. I recommend a wide-angle camera. I use a 24-105 · ▪️Guozhuang is not big, and there are not many people for the time being. Whether you are taking pictures of the garden scenery or taking pictures under the maple tree king, there is not much pressure · ▪️It's almost done after half an hour of stopping and starting You can also go to Quyuan Fenghe Park, Hangzhou Flower Garden opposite, Huagang Fish Viewing Park, and Taiziwan Park to enjoy the maple leaves around. -

🍃Today's recommendation: Guozhuang🍃 Guozhuang, also known as "Fenyang Villa", was built in 1907, the 33rd year of Emperor Guangxu's reign in the Qing Dynasty. It is known as the first garden in West Lake. 🕙Visiting time: about 1-2 hours, and there are many young ladies wearing Hanfu taking pictures here After visiting Guozhuang, you can also visit the nearby Hangzhou Flower Garden. Going south, you will find Prince Bay and Huagang Fish Viewing Park. ‍📌Address: No. 28 Yanggongdi, take bus 318 / 318b from Wulin Square, it takes more than 10 minutes to get there

"After all, it's mid-June at West Lake, where the scenery outshines all other seasons." But here's the thing〰️ Right now, Hangzhou is insanely hot! Sisters visiting Hangzhou's 🌊 West Lake: You must! Must! MUST prioritize sun protection and heat avoidance❗ West Lake Lotus Viewing Tips: ✔️ Broken Bridge → Beishan Street → Xiling Bridge ✔️ Breeze-Ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden → Guo's Villa → Maojiabu ✔️ Jixian Pavilion → Orioles Singing in the Willows → Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor In this weather, just pick one short route to enjoy the 🌸 blooms! Take the sightseeing bus instead of walking if you can! Choose the large boats (with AC) over small boats~ Plus, it's summer vacation—accommodations near West Lake are quite tight~ The place I got my makeup done—Xizi Makeup Hanfu Hotel They not only offer Hanfu styling 💄 But also lodging, averaging just 100+💰 Perfect for young travelers visiting Hangzhou! Beyond West Lake, you can explore museums like: Zhejiang Museum (Gushan Branch), Hangzhou Museum, Zhejiang Art Museum… Best part? They're all indoors with AC! When visiting 🌊 West Lake, skip the tourist vibe—try being a cultural explorer instead!

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Hangzhou's Guozhuang Garden is a typical Jiangnan garden located on the shores of West Lake, and is known as one of the "Ten Scenes of West Lake." It retains the traditional architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and is a beautiful space with a lotus pond, corridors, and pavilions skillfully arranged. Highlights - The lotus pond, also known as "One Mirror Opens the Sky," is a spectacular sight combined with flowers of all seasons. Lotus flowers are especially beautiful in summer. - The ancient building "Liyixuan" offers a panoramic view of West Lake, and is sure to be a hit in photos! - The corridors in the garden use the "shifting scenery" technique, so new scenery unfolds every time you walk through them. Access & Recommended Information ・Address: No. 10 Yanggongdi, Xihu District, Hangzhou City ・Nearest station: About 15 minutes by bus from Longxiangqiao Station on Hangzhou Subway Line 1 ・Opening hours: 7:30-17:30 (entry until 17:00) ・Admission fee: 10 RMB (West Lake sightseeing shot card can be used) Recommended for the autumn leaves season (late November to early December) and the cherry blossom season in spring! A great place to spend some quiet time.

Guozhuang, quietly located on the shores of West Lake, is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Hangzhou and is also known as the "jewel floating on the West Lake." Built as a villa for the wealthy Qing Dynasty merchant Guo Shili, the garden is a traditional Jiangnan garden with an exquisite harmony between the lake and the garden, spread across an area of ​​approximately 4,000 square meters. **Points of Interest** - "Mirror Sky Opening" Pond: A spacious pond that reflects the scenery of West Lake like a mirror - Exquisite corridors and pavilions: You can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons at the Nine-Bend Bridge and the fan-shaped pavilion "Liang Yixuan" - Red maples and green bamboo: The garden is decorated with vibrant red leaves in autumn and fresh green leaves in spring **Access** Located along Yanggongdi of West Lake, it is a 15-minute walk from Longxiangqiao Station on the Hangzhou subway. **Recommended Experiences** There are fewer tourists when the gardens open in the morning (from 7:30 am), allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the gardens in silence. We also recommend enjoying Hangzhou's specialty Longjing tea at the teahouse "Jingsu Pavilion." Why not forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a relaxing moment in an elegant space beloved by Chinese literati of the past?

Early summer in Hangzhou is truly comfortable. This route is easy and relaxing. Stroll around and take pictures at your leisure. 🗺️Route: Hangzhou Flower Nursery → Guo Zhuang → Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard → Maojiabu ⏰Duration: The entire journey involves walking and stopping. The attractions are very close to each other. You can walk or take a boat. The road is shaded by green trees, so you don't have to worry about sun exposure. 🌟Must-See Spots: 📍Hangzhou Flower Nursery 🌺The 3rd Hangzhou Rose Flower Exhibition Exhibition Time: April 25–May 12 🎫Tickets: Free 24/7 🆓 🚌Public Transportation: Take bus routes 194, 318, West Lake Inner Ring Line, or West Lake Outer Ring Line and get off at the "Hangzhou Flower Nursery" station. - Flower Viewing Route: Hangzhou Flower Nursery East Entrance → Shihua Square → Rose Exhibition → Fountain Area → Liuhuaxie → Viewing Platform → Exit the Garden → Guo Zhuang Entrance → Flower Exhibition → Exit the Garden 📍Guo Zhuang (West Lake West Scenic Spot, next to Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard) 🌺Exhibition Time: April 25 to May 12 🎫 Tickets: CNY 10, free with Hangzhou Park Annual Pass 🆓 ⏰Opening Hours: 8:00–17:00 Guo Zhuang offers a unique charm with its combination of roses and ancient architecture at every turn. In addition to roses, there is also a pond of water lilies🪷. It's not crowded and well worth a visit! 📍Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard 1⃣️Check out the internet-famous fish tank 🧭Navigate to "Lianyu Garden Restaurant" The fish tank in the woods is really great for taking pictures 📷. With the reflection of the water and glass, the goldfish seem to be swimming freely in an "underwater forest" 🌲. 2⃣️Take an electric self-driving boat 🛥️ 🧭Navigate to "Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard Electric Self-Driving Boat Station" CNY 30 for half an hour, each boat can carry 2–4 people. Deposit of CNY 100, refundable upon return. 👉There are four docks for West Lake electric self-driving boats: Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard, Baidi Pier, Fish Viewing at Flower Harbor Pier, and Changqiao Electric Self-Driving Boat Pier. 3⃣️Take the West Lake Circular Bus Boat 🧭Navigate to "Sino-American Friendship Well" A boat every 30 minutes 🚢. It is recommended to take a one-stop ride to Maojiabu Pier for CNY 6, and then walk to "Zhejiang Hotel Bus Station" to take pictures of water lilies 🪷. 📍Maojiabu Water Lilies 🪷 🧭Navigate to "Zhejiang Hotel Bus Station"

Hey everyone! I've discovered a hidden way to experience West Lake! It turns out there are 10 hidden "magic picture frames" here. Any shot you take will look like a traditional Chinese painting 📸. Don't miss out! Follow my guide and dominate your social media in minutes! ✨Quyuan Garden: Free happiness, who understands! Not only can you encounter "golden light piercing through the cave" (every year in May, 5:30–6:00 am, early risers get the best views!), but also, enter from Gate 3, turn right, then turn left, and go straight for 20m to reach a hidden spot. This is a great deal! 💞Love Each Other Pavilion: Take a boat for CNY 55/70, get off at Xiaoying Island, and head south! Finding this pavilion means you've captured both romance and beautiful scenery. It's definitely a great place for dates. 🏡Guo Zhuang: A CNY 10 ticket is a bargain, and annual park pass holders get in for free! Go straight through the entrance to the long corridor, head east to Pillow Lake. Use both spots to take atmospheric photos! 🐟Flower Harbor Park: Free admission + golden light piercing through the cave (every year in December, 4:00–4:30 pm) provide double the value! Turn left at the south gate and go to the end, then go north 100m from the Luyi Pavilion. Just go for it! There's also Zhanbi Tower, Xiling Seal Art Society, and Orioles Singing in the Willows... all free attractions! Silk Road Hall on the first floor outside the Silk Museum is also a great place for photos. Photo-loving friends, go for it! Speaking of accommodations, the Fairfield by Marriott Hangzhou Xintiandi is simply my "dream hotel"! It's located above a subway station, making travel super convenient. Xintiandi Plaza is downstairs, offering a one-stop service for eating, drinking, and having fun! What's even better is that it can be redeemed for 5,000 points in the off-season. With this value, I'm completely smitten💓. As a 9-year Platinum Elite member, Marriott Bonvoy is my "safe bet" for travel! Breakfast, lounges, 50% extra points, suite upgrades... the benefits are endless. With 30+ brands covering everything from affordable to luxurious, in Hangzhou, whether it's the Qianjiang New City Marriott with its first-class river views, the JW Marriott in the bustling Wulin area, or the Xixi Sheraton, which is a stone's throw from Xixi Wetland... there's always one that will capture your heart! ～ What are you waiting for? Save this guide and start your "painting tour" of West Lake! 📸

Route: Su Dongpo Memorial Hall - Boat Ride on West Lake - Guo Zhuang Garden - Living Crafts Museum Su Dongpo Memorial Hall A spot that most visitors to West Lake miss, located on the south side of Su Causeway. Today's activities begin here. Get your itinerary handbook to start your in-depth Hangzhou tour. Boat Ride on West Lake Cruise around West Lake with a tour guide providing fascinating commentary. My son was completely captivated by the stories. Guo Zhuang Garden You haven't truly experienced Chinese gardens until you've visited Guo Zhuang. This is a rare, well-preserved Suzhou-style garden in Hangzhou. The delicate pavilions and buildings complement the rockeries, ponds, flowers, and trees perfectly. The lotus flowers 🪷 are in full bloom now, making it especially photogenic. Living Crafts Museum After leaving Guo Zhuang Garden, we went to the Living Crafts Museum where we made intangible cultural heritage lanterns. It was an absolutely wonderful cultural experience.

📍Detailed Addresses: • Qiantang River Viewing Point: Next to Tianyi Pool at the top of Yuhuang Mountain, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. • Longmen Ancient Town: Zhonglong Line, Longmen Town, Fuyang District, Hangzhou. • Guozhuang Scenic Area: No. 28 Yangong Dike, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. 🚗Transportation Guide: • By Air: From Xiaoshan Airport, take subway Line 1 or Line 7 to reach downtown. • By Train: Hangzhou Station is only a 10-minute drive from West Lake, with 9 subway lines covering major attractions. • By Bus: Tourist bus lines are available for convenient access to various attractions. • By Taxi: Starting fare is 13 yuan for the first 3 kilometers. • Shared Bikes: Available around scenic areas. 🕙Opening Hours: • Qiantang River Viewing Point: Open all day. • Longmen Ancient Town: 08:30-16:30. • Guozhuang Scenic Area: 08:00-17:00. 💰Admission Fees: • Qiantang River Viewing Point: Free admission. • Longmen Ancient Town: Specific ticket prices not provided, please inquire on-site. • Guozhuang Scenic Area: Free admission. 🌟Highlights: • Qiantang River Viewing Point: Located at the top of Yuhuang Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Qiantang River and an excellent spot to watch the Qiantang River tidal bore. • Longmen Ancient Town: A AAAA-level scenic area featuring well-preserved ancestral halls and ancient town architecture, perfect for experiencing Jiangnan water town culture and history. • Guozhuang Scenic Area: A historic garden known as the filming location for "Three Variations on the Plum Blossom," famous for flower viewing, unique architectural style, beautiful scenery, and ideal for photography and romantic dates. 📌Tips: • Best Time to Visit: Spring, summer, and autumn are the best seasons for travel, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. • Accommodation Recommendations: Areas around West Lake near Su Causeway and Bai Causeway for convenient sightseeing; Hubin commercial district for shopping and dining; Wulin Square in the bustling city center; Xixi Wetland for enjoying natural scenery. • Food Recommendations: Su Xiaoxie crab roe noodles, Jiangnan Style Noodle House, Crab Roe Manman, Longxiang stinky tofu, Kaiyuan shaomai, Jiecang beef cakes, and other authentic Hangzhou delicacies not to be missed. • Transportation Options: Choose suitable transportation based on your starting point. City transportation is convenient with options including subway, bus, taxi, and shared bikes.

#discoverchina Regarded as "West Lake’s most elegant private garden,"Guozhuang is a Qing Dynasty masterpiece blending Jiangnan water-town charm with scholar’s aesthetics. Built in 1851 as a merchant’s retreat, it’s celebrated for its "garden within a garden" design, where pavilions, moon gates, and lotus ponds frame living paintings of the lake. 🕰️Business Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM(last entry 4:30 PM). - Ticket: ¥10

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 📍Location: Building 34, Shuguang Lane 3, Beishan Street, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, it is definitely the "golden location" on the north line of the West Lake Scenic Area! 🛏️Facilities: The homestay is a five-story villa (there is no elevator, so be careful if you mind). Each room has independent access control and bathroom, giving you a full sense of security. The small courtyard at the entrance, the kitchen on the first floor and the balcony on the top floor are all public areas. You can also overlook the North Peak on the top floor, which is very atmospheric for taking photos📸 🧹Environmental sanitation: The room is spotlessly clean, the bedding is clean and soft, and there is no odor in the bathroom. The green plants in the public areas are well maintained and vibrant, and you can tell the owner is very attentive. 🌟Recommendation reason: 1. Excellent location: It is within walking distance to scenic spots such as the Broken Bridge of West Lake, Quyuan Fenghe, Yanggong Dike, and Guozhuang. The beautiful scenery of West Lake is just outside the door, which is really good news for "West Lake lovers". 2. Great value for money: You can stay in a B&B with such a great environment at this price near the West Lake, so why would you need a bicycle! 3. The atmosphere is super warm: the boss and the staff are super enthusiastic, and the check-in experience is maximized, just like returning to your own home. 🎈Nearby attractions: 1. Quyuan Fenghe (822 meters): A holy place for lotus viewing in summer, with endless green lotus leaves reaching to the sky and red lotus flowers reflecting the sun, it is as beautiful as a painting. 2. Yuewang Temple Scenic Area (542 meters): A good place to remember Yue Fei and feel the weight of history and heroic spirit. 3. Hangzhou Botanical Garden (1.41 km): A paradise for plant lovers, with different flowers blooming in all four seasons. 🤩 4. Lingyin Temple (3.48 km): This ancient temple is quiet and peaceful. Come here to pray and feel the peace of mind. 💕 💖Personal experience: This stay at Cuncuiju really added a lot of points to my trip to West Lake. I wake up to the sound of birds singing every morning, and when I open the window, I see green everywhere. It takes only a few minutes to walk to the West Lake. I feel the lake breeze and look at the sparkling lake surface, and all my worries disappear☺️. It feels so wonderful to return to the B&B at night, chat with the owner and other guests in the courtyard and share interesting things about the trip. If you also want to take a spontaneous trip to West Lake, Cuncui Ju is definitely your best choice! 😘

| Hidden Gems Known Only to Locals, Away From the Crowds. Want to avoid the crowds and experience the real charm of Jiangnan? Locals in Hangzhou recommend a few niche attractions that will allow you to enjoy a different side of Hangzhou, away from 99% of the tourists. Turtle Pool: Known as the "most secret water route in West Lake," this is the back garden of West Lake. Take a gondola from Fish Viewing at Flower Harbor to Yuhubo Bay, and then to Turtle Pool. The whole journey takes 1.5 hours and feels like you are in a fairy tale. The late cherry blossoms in March and the Chinese violet cress in April are breathtaking. The price for a chartered boat is CNY 300 per boat, which can carry up to 6 people. Yunqi Bamboo Trail: This is the bamboo forest from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. On rainy days, the clouds and mist swirl around, making it feel like a fairyland. Must-see attractions include the tea garden opposite the entrance, the solitary tree, the Xixin Pavilion, and the wooden boardwalk. Tickets are only CNY 8. Taking photos in Hanfu or new Chinese-style clothing will give you better results. Maojiabu: This is a secret base for locals to walk their kids and dogs. With its dark gray towering pavilion, thatched cottages, and wild ducks playing in the water, the reed marshes in autumn are even more beautiful. Recommended hiking route: Guo Zhuang → Maojiabu → Turtle Pool. Faxi Temple: Compared to Lingyin Temple, this place is less crowded and quieter. The yellow walls of the 500-year-old temple are super healing. You can touch the characters and make a wish, which is very effective (remember to bring coins). However, you may have to wait in line for the popular photo spots. These attractions are all hidden gems known only to locals in Hangzhou. Avoid the crowds and experience the real charm of Jiangnan. Come and take a trip!

Looking for a fine example of Chinese aesthetics in which the handmade and natural blend in harmonious balance? Guo's Villa is the place for you❗️It faces Spring Dawn by the Sudi Caseway, which crosses the West Lake and also has a distant view of the serene Southern Screen Hill and Baochu Pagoda. 🕰️Business Hours:8:00-17:00 💰Average Price per Person:10¥ #hangzhoutravel

--Recommended Spots-- 🌷Prince Bay Park Hangzhou's top spring destination! Over 80 varieties of tulips create a rainbow carpet of flowers. Dutch windmills + chapel make perfect photo spots! Arrive before 8am to have the flower fields to yourself (Blooming season: mid-March to April) 🌷Flower Harbor (Huagang Guanyu) Classical gardens meet tulips! Colorful flower beds along the Red Fish Pond complement traditional pavilions - perfect for photos in Hanfu clothing (Hidden photo spot: Nine-Curve Bridge corner) 🌷Yangong Causeway Enjoy cycling and flower viewing! Beautiful tulip gardens along West Inner Lake are less crowded. Watch lovely mandarin ducks playing in the water (Recommended route: Guozhuang to Hangzhou Nursery) --Transportation Guide-- 🚇Subway: Line 1 to Longxiang Bridge Station → transfer to Bus 4/31 🚌Bus: Take Bus 4/31/315 to "Su Causeway" stop 🚗Driving: Navigate to "Chishan Port parking lot" (limited parking) 🚲Recommended: Use shared bikes to cycle around the lake, stop anytime for photos --Dining Recommendations-- 🍵Hangzhou Cuisine: Lou Wai Lou (famous West Lake Vinegar Fish), Zhiweiguan Weizhuang (must-try lotus pastry) ☕Trendy Spots: Lakeside Residence (lake view through floor-to-ceiling windows), %Arabica (cherry blossom special latte) 🍡Snacks: Tulip ice cream at Prince Bay Park exit (CNY 15/piece, Instagram-worthy) --Photography Tips-- 📸Photos: Wear light colors + straw bag, shoot against the light for translucent petals ⏰Timing: First hour after sunrise/2 hours before sunset 🎞Filter: Xingtu "Green Yan" +20 brightness for an oil painting effect 🚫Note: Please be respectful! No crossing barriers/picking flowers ✨Summary: Prince Bay's splendor, Flower Harbor's elegance, and Yangong Causeway's serenity - three routes offering different styles of tulip aesthetics. Save this guide and capture West Lake's spring love letter!✨

#discoverchina Guo’s Villa (郭庄) in Hangzhou is one of the most well-preserved and elegant private gardens in the city, located near the famous West Lake. It was originally built during the late Qing Dynasty by a wealthy silk merchant, Guo Shilin. Highlights of Guo’s Villa 1. Classic Jiangnan-Style Garden – Beautifully designed with traditional pavilions, rockeries, and water features. 2. West Lake Views – The villa is located by the lake, offering a peaceful atmosphere and scenic views. 3. Seasonal Beauty – Particularly famous for its lotus pond in summer and maple trees in autumn. 4. Tranquil Atmosphere – Less crowded than other West Lake attractions, making it a great place for relaxation. Visiting Information • Location: 28 Yanggongdi, Xihu District, Hangzhou • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM • Entrance Fee: Around CNY 10-20

| A hidden gem near Quyuanfenghe. Don't just visit Quyuanfenghe for lotus appreciation in Hangzhou! After visiting this renowned spot, one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, don't rush off. Nearby, the less-known lotus viewing spot—Guo Zhuang—will definitely give you a surprisingly delightful lotus appreciation experience! 🌸[Best Time for Lotus Appreciation] From June to September, Guo Zhuang transforms into a stage for lotuses. Starting mid-June, the lotus flowers shyly peek out. From early July to late August, the lotuses reach their peak, blooming freely throughout the pond. The layered lotus leaves create a scene reminiscent of Monet's garden, leaving you speechless with its beauty! 🚗[Transportation Guide] 🚌Bus: Take the convenient No. 52 circular line and get off directly at the "Guo Zhuang" stop for easy access. 🚇Subway: Take the subway to Longxiangqiao Station, then transfer to a bus or take a taxi. ❌Traffic around West Lake is heavy, and parking 🅿️ is extremely difficult to find. Driving is not recommended. 🏞[Exploring the History of Guo Zhuang] Guo Zhuang, originally named "Duan You Villa" and also known as "Song Zhuang," is hidden at No. 28 Yanggongdi, near Wolong Bridge in Hangzhou. It was meticulously built in 1907 by silk merchant Song Duanfu. During the Republican era, it changed hands several times, first mortgaged to Kong Fengchun Cosmetics Shop and later acquired by the Guo family of Fenyang, who renamed it "Fenyang Villa." After 1950, its purpose changed. Renovations began in 1989, and it was only in 1991 that it regained its stunning appearance. It is praised as the "Crown of Classical Gardens in West Lake" and is the only completely preserved private garden in Hangzhou, filled with the charm of time. 🌟[Must-See Spots for Lotus Appreciation in Guo Zhuang] 💦Inner Pond: The centerpiece of the entire garden! With the pond as its heart, the flowing water dynamically connects with West Lake. Lotus flowers intertwine with rockeries, pavilions, and towers, creating picturesque scenes at every turn. Every photo taken here captures the essence of Chinese aesthetics. 🏞Jing Su Pavilion: Directly facing Su Causeway, this pavilion offers an unparalleled viewing spot. Standing here, the scenery of the outer lake and vast expanse of lotus flowers unfold before your eyes, providing a breathtaking panorama. 🌊Outer Pond: Adjacent to West Lake, the lakeside pavilions are picturesque. Stroll along the winding paths, where West Lake's lotus flowers blend seamlessly with the lake water. The gentle breeze will carry away all your worries. 🎐Corridors and Pavilions: Guo Zhuang's corridors wind and turn, while the pavilions are scattered throughout the garden. Take a leisurely walk along the corridors or rest in the pavilions. Each angle reveals a different kind of lotus beauty. As you wander through the garden, you'll feel like you've stepped into a painting.

West Lake is free, but Guo Zhuang by West Lake charges a fee. This Guo Zhuang, which only costs 10 yuan, is beautiful all year round and offers excellent value for money. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. There are flowers in spring and red leaves in autumn. It is recommended to visit before 9am or after 4pm, as the lighting is suitable for taking photos and there are fewer people. 🚌Transportation Guo Zhuang is located on the west side of West Lake, near Yanggong Causeway. You can take a taxi or bus to "Hangzhou Flower Nursery Station," which is about a 5-minute walk away. There is a parking lot nearby for those driving. 🎫Ticket Information Tickets cost 10 yuan, offering great value. You can buy tickets on-site; no advance booking is required. 🔭Tour Guo Zhuang is not large, but its layout is exquisite. Enter through the main gate, first see the pool and rockery in the front yard, then walk through the long corridor to the backyard. The backyard faces West Lake, offering a wide view where you can enjoy the distant lake scenery. The small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and towers in the garden are all perfect for taking photos. 📷Photography Tips - The reflections in the pool are beautiful and suitable for symmetrical compositions. - The long corridor and flower windows are classic photo spots, which can create a classical Chinese aesthetic. - The lakeside area in the backyard offers views of West Lake and the distant mountains, suitable for capturing large scenes. ♻️Nearby Recommendations Guo Zhuang is very close to Quyuan Fenghe (Curved Yard and Wind Lotus) and Hangzhou Flower Nursery, which you can visit along the way.

Guo Zhuang: The Crown Jewel of Classical Gardens in West Lake Known as the "Crown Jewel of Classical Gardens in West Lake," Guo Zhuang Garden is located on the west bank of West Lake in Hangzhou, along Yanggong Causeway. It stands as a prime example of Jiangnan gardens. Originally built in 1907 as a private garden, it features the "Sky-Opening Mirror" waterscape as its centerpiece, cleverly channeling the living waters of West Lake into the garden. Surrounded by winding corridors and dotted with pavilions, it boasts both the simplicity of the "Quiet Heart Residence" and the seamless integration of structures like the "Jing Su Pavilion" with the surrounding lake and mountains, showcasing the art of "borrowed scenery." Guo Zhuang Garden's beauty shifts with the seasons: spring blossoms adorn the branches, summer lotuses grace the ponds, autumn hues fill the corridors with chrysanthemums, and winter snow dusts the eaves. Each framed view is a painting, and every step reveals a new scene. Its elegant charm, intertwined with the shimmering waters of West Lake, creates a poetic dwelling where "there's a lake beyond the garden, and mountains beyond the lake." It truly deserves its reputation as the most beautiful park in Hangzhou.

Guozhuang is so beautiful in spring! Guozhuang is not big, but it is especially suitable for slow strolling. When you are tired, you can sit by the promenade, look at the flowers, be stunned, and feel that your whole person has been healed

In March 2025, escape the crowds and unlock Hangzhou's hidden gems and local life in just two days. Experience the city's authentic rhythm! Day 1: Secluded West Lake and Mountainside Relaxation 🌅 Morning｜Cycle West Lake: A crowd-free, artistic route Route Recommendation: Start from Yanggong Causeway, cycling along Maojiabu → Yuhu Bay → Wugui Pond. This serene route offers stunning lake and mountain views, with occasional encounters of egrets and wild ducks, as if stepping into a traditional Chinese painting. Local Tip: Rent a shared bike (Hangzhou Public Bicycle is free for the first hour) or stroll leisurely, embracing the Zen-like atmosphere of West Lake in the morning mist. 🍵 Late Morning｜Sip Tea at Zi Lai Dong on Yuhuang Mountain, Overlooking the Qiantang River - Ascend Yuhuang Mountain to the Zi Lai Dong Tea House, order authentic West Lake Longjing tea, and enjoy panoramic views of the Qiantang River and West Lake. This is a local's secret viewing spot, where mountain breezes and tea aromas mingle, offering a moment of tranquility. 🍜 Lunch｜Zhejiang University Yuquan Campus Canteen: A Foodie Paradise for Students - Visit the international student canteen at Zhejiang University's Yuquan Campus. For around 20 RMB per person, savor classic Hangzhou dishes: Dongpo Pork, Longjing Shrimp, and Pian Er Chuan noodles. Enjoy authentic local flavors at down-to-earth prices. 🌿 Afternoon｜Jiangyang Fan Ecological Park: Hangzhou's "Mini Xixi" - Explore this secondary wetland formed by accumulated silt from West Lake. Wooden walkways wind through reed marshes, where you might spot birds and wildflowers. Visit the Hangzhou Cuisine Museum to discover the history of local cuisine, from Southern Song Dynasty imperial dishes to street food. 🌃 Evening｜Shengli River Food Street: Where Local Life Meets Culinary Heritage - A favorite night market among locals! Try the Jiande Tofu Bao at "Zhangshu Di" and the Qiandao Lake Fish Head at "Xiang Li Xiang Qin." After dinner, stroll to Xiangji Temple, a Tang and Song Dynasty-style temple, serene and awe-inspiring under the evening lights. Day 2: Canal Sunrise and Hidden Ancient Temples 🚤 Morning｜Canal Water Bus Tour: Experience Old Hangzhou's Slow Pace - Arrive at Wulinmen Wharf before 6:30 am and take Water Bus Line 1 for 3 RMB. Witness locals washing clothes along the canal banks in the morning mist, the steam rising from breakfast stalls, and experience "living history." ⛩️ Late Morning｜Yongfu Temple: Zen and Tea in Harmony, a Tranquil Oasis near Lingyin Temple - Escape the crowds at Lingyin Temple and hike to Yongfu Temple. This thousand-year-old temple nestles against the mountain, surrounded by tea gardens. Savor a cup of Longjing tea, hand-picked by monks, at the temple's Fuquan Tea House, and listen to the dialogue between the bell and the mountain breeze. 🍲 Lunch｜Maojiabu Farmhouse Cuisine: Hidden Delights by the Lake - Try "Cha Ren Cun" or "Nong Tang Li" for a taste of local chicken soup or drunken shrimp. After lunch, stroll along Shangxiang Ancient Road, watching the swaying reeds, as if retracing the pilgrimage route of Southern Song Dynasty devotees. 🎨 Afternoon｜Niche Museum City Walk: A Haven for Art Enthusiasts China Umbrella Museum: Discover the poetic combination of oil-paper umbrella craftsmanship and the misty rain of Jiangnan. China Fan Museum: Explore the artistry of fans, from imperial round fans to West Lake silk fans. Nanshan Road Art District: Visit the Zhejiang Art Museum, enjoy a coffee at "Bie Zhi Coffee," and perhaps encounter an art exhibition. 🌙 Evening｜Nanshan Road Bars or Hefang Street Tea Houses: A Tipsy Hangzhou Night - Art enthusiasts can head to the jazz bars on Nanshan Road for a "West Lake IPA." - For a traditional experience, choose a tea house on Hefang Street, enjoy Pingtan storytelling, savor Dingsheng Cake, and immerse yourself in the soft Wu dialect. 📌 Local Insider Tips 1. Transportation: Subway + shared bikes + walking is the most convenient. Use Alipay's "Hangzhou Tong" for buses. 2. Accommodation: Consider guesthouses near Lingyin Temple (e.g., near Amanfayun), waking up to the sound of temple bells. 3. Avoid Tourist Traps: Opt for a "sculling boat" on West Lake instead of electric boats for a more serene experience (recommended route: Guozhuang → Maojiabu). 4. Seasonal Highlights: Encounter cherry blossoms by West Lake in March and fragrant osmanthus flowers in Manjuelong during autumn! "When I dream of the south, the place that comes to mind most vividly is Hangzhou." Spend 48 hours living like a local, and you'll discover that Hangzhou is much more than just West Lake and Longjing tea. It's the poetry hidden in the alleys, mountains, and local flavors. Save this guide and embark on your journey! ✨