A Nanny-Level Guide to a One-Day West Lake Tour｜20,000 Steps' Worth of Exploration

Inspired by a song, I came to this city. "Above, there's heaven; below, there's Suzhou and Hangzhou." Worried about being exhausted on your first West Lake trip? I've personally tested this route, and it's totally manageable! 5 hours to check in at classic scenic spots + hidden gems, seamlessly switching between walking/cycling/boating. Copy this itinerary if you want a relaxing trip👇 🌊 Route Overview Morning: Hubin → Three Pools Mirroring the Moon → Flower Harbor Viewing Fish → Prince Bay Park → Leifeng Pagoda Afternoon: Quyuan Wind Lotus → Xiling Bridge → Beishan Street → Broken Bridge → Wulin Night Market ⏰ Time Checkpoints (Key to avoiding crowds!) ▸ 8:00 Arrive at Hubin No.1 Park (before the tour groups arrive) ▸ 9:00 Before boarding the boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (the lake surface is as clear as glass in the morning) ▸ 11:30 Finish visiting Prince Bay Park (it gets crowded at noon) ▸ 15:00 Arrive at Quyuan Wind Lotus (perfect for capturing light and shadow) ▸ 17:00 Watch the sunset on Beishan Street (stunning view towards Broken Bridge) 📍 Must-See Attractions ❶ Three Pools Mirroring the Moon 👉 Boat ticket 70 yuan including round-trip to the island (choose the boat heading towards "Flower Harbor Viewing Fish") ‼️ Important: Bring a 1 yuan banknote for photos! Take the best photos of the Three Pools at "Heart to Heart Pavilion." ❷ Flower Harbor Viewing Fish ▸ Head straight to "Red Fish Pond" to feed the koi (fish food 5 yuan/pack) ▸ There's a hidden garden at "Jiangzhuang" near the entrance of Su Causeway. ❸ Prince Bay Park ▸ In spring, cherry blossoms + tulips bloom together, creating a picturesque scene. ▸ Quick photo spots: the lawn in front of the windmill, the Nine-Planet Flying Cherry Blossom Stone Tablet ❹ Leifeng Pagoda/Jingci Temple ▸ Too many people at Leifeng Pagoda? Go to the second floor of Jingci Temple's main hall for better photos of the pagoda! ▸ Listen to the "Evening Bell of Nanping Mountain" at 11:00 sharp (ancient bell tower experience) ❺ Quyuan Wind Lotus ▸ Head straight to "Zhanbi Tower" to photograph the waterside corridor (bring a telephoto lens) ▸ Cherry blossom rain in April, lotus flowers in summer ❻ Xiling Bridge ▸ The most beautiful corner of West Lake! Wait for a 1314 bus to enter the frame. ▸ The "Tomb of Su Xiaoxiao" next to the bridge is full of stories. ❼ Beishan Street ▸ Rent a shared bike (sycamore shade + Republican architecture) ▸ Capture the reflection of Baochu Pagoda (near the New New Hotel) 🚌 Transportation Tips ▸ Arrival: Take Metro Line 1, exit at Longxiangqiao Station Exit C, and walk 5 minutes to the pier. ▸ Return: Take bus WE1314 from Broken Bridge directly to Wulin Night Market. ▸ Hidden route: Take Water Bus Line 2 (3 yuan) to pass through the bridge arches. ‼️ Don't drive! Parking spaces around West Lake are harder to find than concert tickets. 💡 Tips for Visitors ▸ Go to Broken Bridge at 4pm, the sunset dyes the lake water orange. ▸ Want to take photos without people? Head to Xiling Bridge at 6am to have the whole West Lake to yourself. ▸ Bring a transparent umbrella! West Lake's weather changes faster than you can turn a page. I've walked this route countless times, covering all the key spots while still enjoying leisurely photo opportunities. It's suitable for both energetic explorers and those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The tulips are in full bloom now, so go for it! _