A Complete Guide to Hangzhou's West Lake | A Stroll Through the Ink-Painted Jiangnan

🌟【A Complete Guide to Hangzhou's West Lake | A Stroll Through the Ink-Painted Jiangnan, Unlocking Both Classic and Hidden Romance】🛶 🌸 Best Time to Visit - Spring (March-May): Peach blossoms and green willows bloom, flowers compete for beauty along Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, and Prince Bay Park's tulip sea creates a dreamlike scene. 🚗 Transportation Guide External Transportation ✅ By Air: From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport → Take subway Line 1 to Longxiang Bridge Station, 10-minute walk to West Lake Musical Fountain. ✅ By High-speed Rail: From Hangzhou East/Hangzhou Station → Take subway Line 1 directly to West Lake, or bus routes 7, K155 to Hubin. ✅ By Car: Navigate to "West Lake Scenic Area parking lot," but parking is limited during holidays. Recommend parking at nearby malls (like Hubin InTime) and walking. Lake Transportation 🚲 Cycling: Scan shared bikes, recommended route: Yanggong Causeway-Nanshan Road lake circuit for free-spirited riding. 🛶 Boats: Take painted boats (from CNY 55) from Hubin Pier to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, or rent paddle boats (CNY 150/hour) to explore Maojiabu's hidden areas. 🚌 Electric Cars: Flag down sightseeing electric cars around the lake, sectional fares (CNY 10-40), perfect for leisurely tours. --- 🌟 Top 6 Must-Visit Spots 1⃣ Su Causeway in Spring ▫ Highlights: A "long causeway scroll" crossing West Lake north to south, with six stone bridges. Morning cycling through the mist feels like traveling through an ink painting. ▫ Tips: 2.8km long, recommend renting bikes or walking in sections. 2⃣ Broken Bridge ▫ Iconic Landmark: Meeting place of White Snake and Xu Xian, appears "broken but not broken" when viewed from afar after snow. Perfect for photography. 3⃣ Leifeng Pagoda ▫ Panoramic Views: New pagoda houses ancient ruins, 360° lake views from top, spectacular golden night views (CNY 40 entrance fee). 4⃣ Three Pools Mirroring the Moon ▫ Lake Paradise: Featured on 1-yuan note backside, visit by boat to see the "grid-style" garden. View 33 moons phenomenon during Mid-Autumn Festival. 5⃣ Quyuan Garden ▫ Summer Special: Thousand acres of lotus ponds, perfect for Hanfu photos and experiencing Song Dynasty tea ceremonies. 6⃣ Maojiabu ▫ Hidden Jiangnan: Locals' secret "backyard" of West Lake, wooden walkways, wild ducks, and pavilions. Perfect escape from crowds. --- 📸 Popular Photo Spots 📍 Phoenix Trees on Gushan Road: Benches near Xiling Bridge, autumn leaves create cinematic scenes for "Hangzhou's most beautiful corner." 📍 Changqiao Park Sunset: Capture Leifeng Pagoda silhouette against sunset. 📍 Yuhu Bay Jihong Bridge: Quiet scenic corridor bridge reflections, misty after rain. 📍 Beishan Street Republican-era Buildings: Old brick houses under phoenix trees, vintage filter transports you to 1920s. 📍 Faxi Temple Charms: Trending temple on west side, famous for love charms and zen photos against yellow walls and bamboo shadows. --- 🍜 Food Recommendations 🦐 West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce: Classic Hangzhou dish at Lou Wai Lou or Waipojia, sweet-sour sauce with tender fish. 🍵 Longjing Shrimp: Spring tea cuisine, tea fragrance meets tender shrimp, recommended at Green Tea Restaurant. 🍡 Local Snacks: Scallion pancakes, victory cake, lotus root powder - locals recommend Grandma Sun's scallion pancakes on Hefang Street! --- 💡 Tips 🎫 Tickets: West Lake is free, Leifeng Pagoda CNY 40, Lingyin Temple CNY 30 (reservation required), Three Pools Mirroring the Moon including boat CNY 55. 👗 Dress Code: Hanfu, solid-color dresses with oil-paper umbrellas, or simple white shirt + jeans to match West Lake's elegance. ⚠ Caution: Avoid buying "West Lake Longjing Tea" from street vendors, visit Meijiawu Tea Village for authentic spring tea. 🏨 Accommodation: Hubin area for convenience, Qingzhiwu for artistic homestays, Four Seasons West Lake for luxury private gardens. --- West Lake embodies the soul of Jiangnan's poetry and art, crystallizing thousand years of culture. Whether boating while listening to Nanping Evening Bell or sitting alone waiting for sunset, there's always a way to fall in love with Hangzhou. West Lake Tourism Hangzhou Must-Visit Jiangnan Watertown Trip.com Healing Scenery