The West Lake truly never gets old, even after a hundred visits.

West Lake in spring is absolutely dreamy!! Even if you miss the cherry blossoms, it's still stunning! If you unfortunately become one of Hangzhou's cherry blossom refugees this year, I recommend copying this half-day itinerary for a crowd-free weekend. You can capture photos of late-blooming cherry blossoms and fields of February orchids. (Don't ask me how I know, I was a cherry blossom refugee myself last year. Visiting Hangzhou around the 20th is a safer bet.) Citywalk Route: Wugui Lake → Yanggong Causeway → Maojiabu (Wugui Lake and Maojiabu are both loops around the lake, you can choose the best sections to walk.) Must-sees: Wugui Lake: Near He Zesanchun, there are late-blooming cherry blossoms, thatched cottages, and a small waterfall. Yanggong Causeway February Orchid Path Maojiabu: Daise Cantian - Fanggui Pavilion, the February orchids are mainly in this section. There are some restaurants near Maojiabu. Estimated time: 2–3 hrs