Hangzhou State Guesthouse is Fully Open! Dine and Stroll the Gardens Even Without Staying!

The Hangzhou State Guesthouse is now fully open to the public. Even if you're not staying there, you can still dine in its restaurants and stroll through its gardens! I visit West Lake countless times a year, but I never tire of its beauty. During a recent weekend trip to West Lake, I discovered a fantastic and less crowded way to enjoy it: afternoon tea at the Hangzhou State Guesthouse! The Hangzhou State Guesthouse, also known as the West Lake State Guesthouse, embodies the saying, "A thousand years of West Lake, a hundred years of Liu Zhuang." The name "State Guesthouse" always sounded a bit exclusive and intimidating, but it's open to everyone! The guesthouse has two restaurants, a tea house, and a bar, all fully open to the public. Here, you can savor delicious food while taking a leisurely stroll through the private gardens on the shores of West Lake—a truly delightful experience. The Hangzhou State Guesthouse is a classic Chinese Jiangnan garden, comprised of nine buildings, complete with small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and terraces. The scenery is breathtaking. Looking up, you can see Su Causeway and Leifeng Pagoda, a World Heritage Site, all within a private and tranquil setting. Some guest rooms overlook the lake, while others offer garden views—just imagining it is wonderful. 📍Address: No. 18, Yanggong Causeway, Xihu District, Hangzhou. 🎫Tickets: No tickets are required; you can enter by making a purchase, such as dining in a restaurant, enjoying tea in the tea house, or having a drink at the bar. 🚗Transportation and Best Route: • Public Transportation: Take the subway to Huanglong Sports Center Station, exit from Exit C, and transfer to bus No. 4, 318, etc. Get off at the Yuhu Bay stop and walk a few hundred meters to reach the Hangzhou State Guesthouse. This is a cost-effective option that allows you to enjoy the city scenery along the way. • Taxi: If you have a lot of luggage or prefer convenience, taking a taxi directly is a good choice. It will take you right to the guesthouse entrance, but the cost is relatively higher. ❗Important Notes: • Although the State Guesthouse is open to the public, it is a high-end venue. Please be mindful of your behavior, keep quiet, and avoid loud conversations. • It's best to make reservations for the restaurants or tea house in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, as it can get crowded. This will help avoid waiting for a table. • The State Guesthouse has many precious plants and buildings. Please protect the environment during your visit and refrain from touching or damaging anything. The Hangzhou State Guesthouse is truly a wonderful place that combines beautiful scenery and delicious food. It's a perfect spot to experience the unique charm of a Jiangnan garden and enjoy a relaxing time by West Lake. Plan your visit now!