Hangzhou, a stroll around Xiang Lake!

In the bustling city of Hangzhou, there lies a hidden gem, Xiang Lake, like a beauty who has slumbered for thousands of years, waiting for people to unveil her mystique. Today, let's embark on a journey to this magical land and discover its charm. Xiang Lake possesses both the elegance of West Lake and the charm of Jiangnan, a perfect blend of the two. The ancient plank roads, hidden islands, and underwater ancient city make it a picture-perfect destination. Here are three different walking routes. First is the [Classic Route], which takes about 3 hours and guarantees countless likes on your social media posts. Starting from the Cross-Lake Bridge Museum, you'll be treated to stunning views all the way to Hehua Village, where you can take a relaxing ride on a traditional Chinese boat. Then, head to the Yue King City Ruins to explore the traces of history, followed by some leisurely fish-watching at Xiangdi. Finally, end your journey at Jinsha Play Water, a perfect spot for family fun. Next is the [Hidden Wonderland Route], perfect for escaping the crowds. Starting from Qingpu Asking for Chuncai, listen to the morning bells at Xianzhao Temple and embrace the tranquility. Then, experience the unique fishing village life at Laohudong Fishing Village. Afterward, lose yourself in the reed maze of Meishan Island and immerse yourself in nature's embrace. Finally, enjoy a picnic at Laizishan Mountain. Remember to wear your sneakers! Lastly, we have the [Family Fun Route], designed for you and your children to fully enjoy the beauty of Xiang Lake. Starting from Jinsha Play Water Beach, head to the Smart Flower Paradise for some fun-filled playtime. Then, enjoy a barbecue at the RV campsite. Afterward, take a scenic boat ride, passing by the Swan Island feeding spot, where children can get up close and personal with the adorable animals. Now, let's talk about transportation. If you're driving, navigate to [Xiang Lake Jinsha Play Water Parking Lot]. Parking spaces are usually available before 10:00 on weekends. If you prefer the subway, take Line 1 and exit at [Xiang Lake Station, Exit C]. Then, rent a shared bike and cycle for about 15 minutes to reach Hushang Square. If you're taking a taxi, tell the driver to go to "Jinrong Town". This will save you 8 yuan compared to saying "Xiang Lake"! Regarding parking, the fee is 6 yuan/hour, capped at 30 yuan. Charging stations for new energy vehicles are located at Xiang Lake Post House. For a better parking spot, try parking at the "Laohudong Visitor Center", where the parking spaces are shaded by trees. If you dine at "Kaiyuan Senbo Parking Lot", parking is free. However, be aware that the area near "Yuefeng Restaurant" is a one-way street, which can be tricky to navigate. Finally, some information about boat rides. Traditional Chinese boats cost 40 yuan per person, but you can try bargaining for 30 yuan for the last ride at 17:00. For a luxurious experience, rent an electric boat for 200 yuan/hour, which comes with a complimentary serving of the King Yue's secret lotus root starch. Of course, if you prefer free sightseeing, the Xiang Lake Phase III cycling path offers equally stunning views. That concludes our Xiang Lake travel guide. We hope you have a wonderful time here!