Back from Hangzhou, and here's the honest truth! I came to this city because of a song.

“West Lake's beauty in March's sky, spring rain as soft as willow smoke, destined to meet across thousands of miles, otherwise, faces close but hands can't hold…” Whenever I hear this song, *Du Qing* (Ferry of Love), the poetic scenery of Hangzhou's West Lake and its romantic legends come to mind, making me yearn to visit😃. In February, accompanied by this melodious tune, embark on a journey to Hangzhou. 🚩Day 1: First Impressions of West Lake, an Encounter with Tenderness ▫️Morning: West Lake (partially free, some attractions require tickets) Stepping onto the shores of West Lake is like entering a fairyland. Even in February, the willows by the lake are tinged with green, and the lake shimmers. Stroll along Su Causeway, appreciating the hazy beauty of "Su Causeway Spring Dawn," and experience the charm described by Su Dongpo: "West Lake, whether light or heavy makeup, is always appropriate." Pause at Broken Bridge, imagining the romantic scene where Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen met. 📸Choose the "Pinghu Qiuyue" (Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake) scenic spot on Bai Causeway, with the West Lake and distant mountains as your backdrop, and take a poetic photo to capture this beautiful moment. ▫️Lunch: Lou Wai Lou (Gushan Road Branch) Come and savor authentic Hangzhou cuisine. West Lake Vinegar Fish is a must-try; the fish is tender, drizzled with sweet and sour vinegar sauce, and melts in your mouth. Pair it with a serving of Dongpo Pork, reddish-brown in color, fatty but not greasy, slow-cooked until tender. With a gentle touch of your tongue, the aroma of the meat fills your senses, starting a feast for your taste buds. ▫️Afternoon: Yue Fei Temple (ticket required) Entering Yue Fei Temple, a sense of solemnity washes over you. Pay respects to the statue of Yue Fei, commemorating this patriotic hero. Read the *Man Jiang Hong* inscribed on the wall, feeling his passion and patriotism, drawing strength from the long river of history. ▫️Evening: Hubin Yintai As night falls, Hubin Yintai bustles with activity. Here, various fashion brands and restaurants gather. When you're tired of shopping, find a coffee shop, order a fragrant latte, gaze at the West Lake night view outside the window, and experience Hangzhou's modern vibrancy and romantic atmosphere. 🚩Day 2: Exploring Ancient Charm, Savoring History ▫️Morning: Lingyin Temple (ticket includes incense voucher) Head to Lingyin Temple, a thousand-year-old temple hidden among the mountains, with red walls, yellow tiles, and lingering incense smoke. Walk along the stone path, listening to the faint chanting of Buddhist scriptures, admiring the exquisite Buddha statues and ancient architecture, experiencing the profoundness of Buddhist culture, purifying your soul, and finding inner peace. 📸Outside the Grand Hall of Lingyin Temple, with the solemn architecture and towering ancient trees as your backdrop, take a Zen-inspired photo to showcase its unique charm. ▫️Lunch: Vegetarian Cuisine at Lingyin Temple (inside the temple) Experience a vegetarian meal. The dishes are exquisite, the ingredients diverse. Although vegetarian, they offer a unique deliciousness. Savor the philosophy of life and cultivate your body and mind through this light and healthy meal. ▫️Afternoon: Xixi Wetlands (some areas are free, some attractions require tickets) Come to Xixi Wetlands and take a boat trip through the waterways. Reeds grow on both banks, water birds fly, and it's like stepping into a paradise. Explore the ancient villages deep within the wetlands, learn about the lives of the indigenous people, and experience the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. ▫️Evening: Hefang Street (free) As the lights come on, Hefang Street exudes an ancient charm. Here, you'll find Hangzhou's characteristic handicrafts, snacks, and more. Try a *dingsheng* cake, soft, glutinous, and sweet; then savor *congbao hui*, with its crispy exterior and rich filling, experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere. 🚩Day 3: Culture and Leisure, a Joyful Conclusion ▫️Morning: China National Silk Museum (free) Enter the Silk Museum and delve into the glorious history of Hangzhou, the "City of Silk." Admire exquisite silk products, from ancient silks and satins to modern creative silk designs. Watch demonstrations of silk production techniques, experience the charm of silk culture, and marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship. 📸In the museum's silk clothing exhibition hall, with the gorgeous garments as your backdrop, take a photo full of texture to record this unique experience. ▫️Lunch: Grandma's Home (Hubin Branch) Order a few home-style dishes. The tea-smoked chicken is fragrant, and the chicken is tender. There's also Grandma's Braised Pork, with a perfect balance of fat and lean meat, sweet but not greasy. Enjoy a warm moment with familiar home-style flavors. ▫️Afternoon: Hangzhou Urban Balcony (free) Come to the Urban Balcony and overlook the entire Qiantang River. Boats come and go on the river, and skyscrapers line the opposite bank. Stroll in the sunshine, feel the dynamism of Hangzhou as a modern metropolis, and choose some souvenirs with Hangzhou characteristics, such as West Lake Longjing tea, Wangxingji fans, and Hangzhou silk products. ▫️Souvenirs: West Lake Longjing tea, Wangxingji fans, Hangzhou silk products. 🏡Accommodation Recommendations: ▪ Hangzhou Westlake Four Seasons Hotel (high-end, excellent location, complete facilities, convenient transportation) ▪ B&Bs around West Lake (cost-effective, immersive West Lake experience, close to attractions) 💡Tips: 1️⃣ Hangzhou's weather in February is relatively cold and damp. Remember to bring warm clothing, such as down jackets and sweaters. You can also dress lighter during the day. 2️⃣ When visiting religious sites such as Lingyin Temple, please observe the relevant regulations and maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. 3️⃣ When purchasing specialties such as silk products and tea, pay attention to quality and choose reputable merchants. This February, accompanied by the melody of *Du Qing*, come to Hangzhou and experience a wonderful journey interwoven with West Lake, history, nature, and culture💕, and let Hangzhou's charm be deeply etched in your heart.