Must-Visit West Lake in April! 3,000 Willows Promise You a Romantic Spring

On Su Causeway, where morning mist lingers, willow branches quietly sprout tender yellow buds. Wrapped in my coat, walking on the bluestone path, I watch thousands of silk ribbons dip into the emerald water, bringing He Zhizhang's "green silk ribbons" to life. West Lake, with a view at every three steps, is weaving spring's invitation with its willows. Step 1: Orioles Singing in the Willows - A Touch of History Past the remains of the Southern Song Imperial Garden, a 300-year-old "Lion Willow" spreads its giant green umbrella, its branches as delicate as a young girl's hair. Yellow orioles play hide-and-seek among the leaves, their crisp songs awakening the Jujing Garden. Elderly musicians play erhu under ancient pavilions, where the melody of "Jasmine Flower" intertwines with swaying willows, creating a scene more intoxicating than poetry. Step 2: Meeting Bai Juyi on Bai Causeway Bai Causeway, where "the east side of the lake never satisfies one's walk," is now dyed jade green by tender willows. Walking on the white sand path feels like following in the poet's footsteps. I chance upon a "Drunken Willow" leaning over the lake - as I aim my phone camera, it shyly shakes off a few new buds into its rippling reflection. Step 3: Time Travel on Su Causeway The six bridges with their misty willows live up to their fame! By the Kuanghong Bridge, the "Clothes-washing Willow" preens by the water, its fine leaves brushing passing boats, stirring up golden ripples across the lake. Now I understand why ancient people gave willow branches as parting gifts - such enchanting green deserves more than a passing glance. As dusk falls, willow shadows stretch long beside Broken Bridge in the setting sun. Water droplets still cling to willow branches - perhaps morning dew, perhaps visitors' admiration crystallized. Though my phone storage is nearly full, my feet refuse to leave. Indeed, West Lake's spring truly hides in every fold of its willow leaves.