West Lake Scenic Area Travel Guide

🌄Overview West Lake Scenic Area, located in West Lake District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is a national 5A-rated tourist attraction famous for its beautiful lake scenery and rich historical culture. It's worth visiting in all seasons, each offering its unique charm. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom alongside green willows and pink peach flowers. In summer, lotus flowers blossom over rippling waters. In autumn, colorful foliage creates stunning reflections with mountains and lake. In winter, visitors can admire the beautiful snow-covered Broken Bridge. 🏞️Popular Attractions & Best Times to Visit 1. **Su Causeway in Spring** One of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, Su Causeway offers romantic views of blooming peach blossoms and willows on both sides during spring. 2. **Broken Bridge in Snow** In winter, snowflakes covering the Broken Bridge create a breathtaking scene, offering a uniquely serene and beautiful view of West Lake. 3. **Leifeng Pagoda** As one of West Lake's landmarks, Leifeng Pagoda carries the beautiful legend of Lady White Snake. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of West Lake. **Best Time to Visit**: The ideal seasons are March-May and September-November when the weather is pleasant and scenery is at its best. However, West Lake is beautiful year-round, so choose based on your preferences. 📅Suggested Itinerary **Day 1**: - Morning: Visit Su Causeway to experience spring atmosphere - Noon: Try Hangzhou specialties like West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dragon Well Shrimp at lakeside restaurants - Afternoon: Take a boat tour to see Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and other attractions - Evening: Stroll along Hubin Pedestrian Street and enjoy West Lake's night views **Day 2**: - Morning: Visit Leifeng Pagoda, learn about the Lady White Snake legend, and enjoy panoramic views - Noon: Lunch at restaurants near Leifeng Pagoda - Afternoon: Visit Broken Bridge (if season permits) or other West Lake scenes like Flower Harbor Park or Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake - Evening: Return to hotel or enjoy tea at a lakeside teahouse 🏨Accommodation Recommendations Suggested hotels near West Lake Scenic Area include: - **William's Toffee Hotel**: Located in West Lake District, featuring elegant European-style decor with French countryside charm - **Hangzhou Mountain Villa Hotel**: Nestled among Dragon Well tea gardens, offering peaceful tea plantation views - **Liangxi Mountain Resort**: Situated at Manjuelong Village on South Peak, providing excellent mountain views These hotels offer prime locations and beautiful environments, perfect for exploring West Lake. 🍽️Must-try Local Dishes - **West Lake Vinegar Fish**: Tender fish in delicious sweet and sour sauce - **Dragon Well Shrimp**: Fresh shrimp cooked with West Lake Dragon Well tea, light and refreshing - **Dongpo Pork**: Melt-in-your-mouth braised pork with rich soy sauce flavor - **Pian'er Chuan**: One of Hangzhou's most representative traditional noodle dishes with savory broth - **Candied Lotus Root**: Bright red in color, stuffed with sweet sticky rice, perfect for enjoying after a lakeside walk Sampling these authentic Hangzhou dishes while enjoying West Lake's scenery will make your trip more memorable and enriching.